Michelle Dee says she cried backstage after missing Miss Universe 2023 Top 5

Michelle Dee admitted that she cried backstage when she failed to make the Top 5 in the Miss Universe 2023.

In an interview with Nelson Canlas on "24 Oras," Monday, Michelle said she went straight to the bathroom after the announcement of the final five ladies who would advance to the Q&A round.

"I knew we had to go back on stage kasi were sportsmen like that. Make sure you still show face, show gratitude to the organization, pero 'yun nga naiyak ako," she said.

"Sayang lang kasi I knew if nakahawak ako ng mic I knew I would have given a smashing answer."

However, the Sparkle actress said she had no regrets and that she learned many lessons while competing in the pageant and championing autism awareness.

"My goal was to really to give 200 percent of myself and to make sure that the Filipinos know that as well," she said.

"Hindi ko nga alam kung ano ang babaguhin ko to ensure na makapasok tayo or to give us the best chance but it wasn't our destiny," she added.

Michelle delivered a memorable performance in the Miss Universe stage, highlighted by her two evening gowns in the competition.

During the preliminaries, she stunned in an emerald gown that is a tribute to her mother, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.

In the coronation night, Michelle was a certified show-stopper with her black evening gown inspired by Apo Whang-Od.

Fun fact: Michelle was so set on wearing the two gowns in the competition that she did not bring extra gowns in case of emergency!

"I only flew with two perfect gowns with no backup gowns," she said.

Michelle finished her Miss Universe 2023 journey in the Top 10. She brought home four special awards to her name, including the Best National Costume and a gold medal in the Voice For Change video competition.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News