Miss Universe Pageant News

Miss Universe ® Pageant News



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The 2010 Miss Universe® Pageant Will Air Live on NBC on Monday, August 23

NEW YORK, N.Y., - May 25, 2010 ­ NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, announced today the 2010 Miss Universe® Pageant will air live on NBC and Telemundo, Monday, August 23 (8-10 p.m. ET) from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

"Las Vegas is so fabulous, we had to come back again for the Miss Universe pageant," said Paula M. Shugart. "The world will be watching as women from all around the globe descend on Mandalay Bay to compete for the crown and the title!"

"Las Vegas was built to host special events and attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year," said Cathy Tull, Senior Vice President of Marketing at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). "We are delighted to host the 2010 Miss Universe® Pageant and look forward to showcasing the destination to our guests and the television viewers that will be joining us for this global event."

"We are thrilled that Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas have been selected to host Miss Universe in August," said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. "The Mandalay Bay team, and the larger MGM MIRAGE family, stands ready to deliver a stellar event for all of the participants and for the worldwide audience."

Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour telecast. She has spent her reign traveling all over the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research and legislation. The woman crowned Miss Universe 2010 will continue to do the same.

Each contestant, representing over 80 countries around the world, will compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Worldwide distribution of the competition has topped over 190 countries in past years.

Donald J. Trump will again serve as executive producer for Miss Universe.
The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is the Official Host Hotel of the 2010 Miss Universe® competition

Rima Fakih, Miss Michigan, is Crowned Miss USA 2010

Las Vegas, NV - May 16, 2010 - This evening, during one of the year's most watched live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Michigan USA, Rima Fakih, as MISS USA® 2010. Internationally-renowned chef and current "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant Curtis Stone and "Today" show co-host and correspondent Natalie Morales hosted the 59th Annual MISS USA Pageant from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in one of the world's most electrifying cities, Las Vegas. The comedic mother-daughter duo Joan and Melissa Rivers were on hand providing backstage color commentary.

Ms. Fakih, 24, is from Dearborn, Michigan where she was raised with her younger brother. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with a minor in Business Administration. After completing her reign as MISS USA, she plans to attend law school. She enjoys traveling, running, dancing, kickboxing and especially likes playing football and watching the NFL.

The judging panel for the 2010 MISS USA® Pageant included: Carmelo Anthony of the NBA's Denver Nuggets and a two-time Olympic medalist; Miss USA 2006, Tara Conner; best-selling author, chef and host of four shows on The Food Network, Paula Deen, star of NBC's hit comedy series, "The Office," Oscar Nunez; American businessman and real estate mogul, Phil Ruffin; Executive Fashion Editor at Large of Glamour magazine, Suze Yalof Schwartz; model, Melania Trump, who has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Vanity Fair and three-time National Champion figure skater and Olympian, Johnny Weir.

Boys Like Girls (BLG) performed their new song, "Heart Heart Heartbreak" for the first time ever during the swimsuit competition and Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins who had 27 charted singles and 14 Top Ten hits, debuted his latest single, "This Ain't No Love Song," during the evening gown portion of the competition

Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Kristen Dalton, MISS USA 2009, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.

Final Results:

First Runner Up: Miss Oklahoma USA, Morgan Elizabeth Woolard, will assume the duties of MISS USA 2010 if the titleholder is named MISS UNIVERSE 2010 or if for some reason MISS USA cannot fulfill her duties.

Second Runner Up: Miss Virginia USA, Samantha Casey

Rest of Top Five: Miss Colorado USA, Jessica Hartman Miss Maine USA, Katie Whittier

Rest of Top Ten: Miss California USA, Nicole Michele Johnson Miss Tennessee USA, Tucker Perry Miss Missouri USA, Ashley Strohmier Miss Alabama USA, Audrey Moore Miss Mississippi USA, Breanne Ponder

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Arkansas USA, Adrielle Churchill Miss Kansas USA, Bethany Gerber Miss Wyoming USA, Claire Schreiner Miss Pennsylvania USA, Gina Cerilli Miss Nebraska USA, Belinda Wright

MISS PHOTOGENIC USA™ Award: Miss Alabama USA, Audrey Moore. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize as well as a Flip MinoHD Video Camcorder and jewelry from Diamond Nexus Labs.

MISS CONGENIALITY USA™ Award: Miss Nebraska USA, Belinda Wright. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the contestant's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize as well as a Flip MinoHD Video Camcorder and jewelry from Diamond Nexus Labs.

The MISS USA® 2010 prize package includes: a custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs; a shoe wardrobe from Nina Footwear; a one year scholarship (including housing) from the New York Film Academy; hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems; eveningwear wardrobe by Sherri Hill; a Flip MinoHD Video Camcorder; a collection of fashion-fresh Heys USA luggage; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a year-long salary as Miss USA; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners; year long consultation with a fashion stylist and access to a personal appearance wardrobe and the opportunity to represent the USA at the 2010 Miss Universe pageant this summer in Las Vegas.

The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda's Club. For more information, visit: www.missusa.com.

NBC Signs on to Broadcast the Miss Universe® Pageant for Three Years

NEW YORK and UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - March 8, 2010 - NBC has renewed its exclusive agreement with Donald Trump and the Miss Universe Organization to broadcast the "Miss Universe" and "Miss USA" pageants on the network for three additional years effective in 2011. Telemundo is also on board to continue its hugely successful Spanish language simulcast of "Miss Universe" as well as its top-rated pageant lead-in special, "Camino a la Corona." The announcement was made today by Donald Trump, Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart and Jeff Gaspin, Chairman, NBC Universal Television Entertainment.

"There's been renewed interest in this series of beauty pageants, especially among a new generation of younger viewers," said Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming and Production, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "NBC is proud to maintain this unique American cultural tradition as a viable series of competitive programming specials that continue to be a popular source of entertainment."

"I am honored to continue this partnership with NBC," said Trump. "The Miss Universe Organization continues to outshine its competitors by showcasing the most beautiful women in some of the most exotic locations around the world on the best television networks. Last year 'The 2009 Miss Universe Pageant' alone was seen in over 195 countries worldwide and 'The 2009 Miss USA Pageant' was viewed in 100. There are very few live worldwide broadcasts that come close to competing with Miss USA and Miss Universe."

"NBC continues to be a wonderful broadcast partner," said Miss Universe Organization president, Paula M. Shugart. "Together over the past eight years we have proven these pageants continue to be relevant in the worldwide marketplace. Telemundo's Spanish language simulcast and preshow have added to the glamour and glitz of one of the most well known, sought after organizations in the world, the Miss Universe Organization."

"The 2010 Miss USA Pageant" is set to air live on NBC on Sunday, May 16 (7-9 p.m. ET) from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. "Las Vegas has proven to be the perfect location for our worldwide broadcast," Shugart added. "We look forward to continuing our relationship with Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority by making Las Vegas our home for the years to come."

Miss Universe appears in the Daily News!
Miss Universe appears in the New York Daily News!

On February 12, 2010, Miss Universe Stefania Hernandez, Miss USA Kristen Dalton and Miss Teen USA Stormee Henley, appeared in the New York Daily News when they made an appearance at the James Peters Veteran's Medical Center in the Bronx where they gave out Valentine's Day cards and gifts to injured veterans.  They are show above visiting disabled soldier, pfc Roberto Reyes.

Statement from Paula M. Schugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, regarding inaccurate judging allegations in the preliminary judging process for the Miss Universe Competition

September 2, 2009--“In response to an inaccurate and incomplete account of The Miss Universe Organization judging process, I would like to clarify the following: As disclosed at the top of each broadcast, members of the Miss Universe Organization play a role in the selection of the Top 15 semi-finalists.  In the 2009 Miss Universe competition, a preliminary panel of judges selected nine of the Top 15 and members of the Miss Universe Organization, including owner Donald J. Trump, selected the remaining six. A separate panel of judges, introduced live at the Finals telecast, is solely responsible for the selection of the Top 10, Top 5 and the ultimate winner of the pageant. 

This system has been in place since 2005 and has always been fully disclosed to the contestants, their directors, the judges and the viewing audience.  The procedure is overseen by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young and NBC Program Standards and Compliance.  To in any way call into question the integrity of the judging process or suggest the pageant is somehow orchestrated or “rigged” is utterly false and misleading.

 “When I bought Miss Universe 12 years ago it was a sick puppy, now the Miss Universe contest is seen in over 180 countries around the world and the ratings are through the roof and that’s because of the beautiful women,” said pageant owner Donald J. Trump. “I’m not changing a thing!”

This year’s Miss Universe Telecast scored NBC’s top non-sports results in its time period in both 18-49 and total viewers since the May 10 finale of “Celebrity Apprentice.”   “Miss Universe” ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in its time period in total viewers.

For its concluding hour from 10-11 p.m., “Miss Universe 2009” ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in all key ratings categories and beat the combined ABC-CBS ratings in adults, men and women 18-34 and 18-49.

The Spanish language simulcast continued its streak as a ratings powerhouse on NBC-owned Telemundo, generating some of their highest ratings of the year.” 

Miss Universe 2009 Competition ranked No. 1 among broadcast networks in its time period in total viewers

New York, NY – August 27, 2009 – On Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, from 9 to 11 p.m. (ET), viewers from around the world tuned in to the 2009 Miss Universe competition, including 6.0 million in the U.S. for NBC's coverage, making it No. 1 in total viewers among the broadcast networks in the time period. The show topped all NBC non-sports programming in this time period in total viewers and among audiences ages 18 to 49 since the May 10, 2009 finale of “Celebrity Apprentice,” also an NBC/Donald Trump program.

The number of viewers grew dramatically between the first half-hour of the show to the fourth, increasing in rating by 73 percent among audiences ages 18 to 49 (from a 1.5/4 to a 2.6/7). The pageant’s total viewers increased by 49 percent, or by over 2.3 million viewers, from 4.8 million to 7.1 million viewers by the show’s final half-hour.

The second hour of the pageant ranked No. 1 among the broadcast networks in all key ratings categories – adults, men and women ages 18 to 34, 18 to 49 and 25 to 54 – as well as total viewers.  During this climactic hour, the Miss Universe competition’s viewership beat the combined ABC and CBS ratings in adults, men and women ages 18 to 34 and 18 to 49.

In addition to the pageant itself, the Miss Universe website has drawn an incredible amount of worldwide attention. With almost 5 million visitors and 43 million page views in August 2009 alone, www.missuniverse.com is one of the most trafficked websites on the Internet. The site’s visitors included Miss Universe fans from over 225 countries and territories throughout the globe.
 
Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from over 80 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. A star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, as MISS UNIVERSE® 2009 live from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. Today, just four days after being crowned Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez embarked on her week-long media tour visiting top international media outlets from around the world.

Miss Universe 2009 finals - Top 5 Final Question & answer portion


Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, wins 2009 Miss Universe Title

Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez appears on NBC TODAY Show

Watch video

2009 Miss Universe Results

2009 Miss Universe Results 2009 Miss Universe Results
Stefania Fernandez, Miss Venezuela, is crowned Miss Universe 2009. The new Miss Universe greets the press at the first press conference of her reign.
2009 Miss Universe Results 2009 Miss Universe Results
Pageant officials freshen Stefania Fernandez moments after she is crowned Miss Universe 2009. Donald Trump greets his new Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela.
2009 Miss Universe Results Miss Venezuela in the swimsuit competition
The new Miss Universe 2009 poses with the panel of judges who awarded her the title. Miss Venezuela in the swimsuit competition

Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, is Crowned Miss Universe® 2009

New York, NY – August 23, 2009 – During one of the year’s most exciting live international television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, as MISS UNIVERSE® 2009 live from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, is 18-years-old and she is interested in International Relations.

Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from over 80 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. Dayana Mendoza,
Miss Universe 2008, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately one billion viewers.

The judging panel for the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant included: Dean Cain, actor and producer best known for his TV portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman; Colin Cowie, author/television personality/designer to the stars; Gerry DeVeaux, award-winning producer, songwriter and style guru; Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of CHI Hair Care; Heather Kerzner, Ambassador for Kerzner International and their resorts, including Atlantis, Paradise Island; Richard LeFrak, Chairman, President and CEO, LeFrak Organization; George Maloof Jr., professional sports mogul and hotelier; Valeria Mazza, international supermodel; Matthew Rolston, leading photographer and director; Andre Leon Talley, award-winning writerand editor; Tamara Tunie, actress, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit;" and Keisha Whitaker, fashion maven and founder of the Kissable Couture lip gloss line.

Miss Universe Pageant Final Results: 2009
     
Miss Universe: Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez
1st Runner-Up Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De La Cruz
2nd Runner-Up Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha
3rd Runner-UpMayra Matos Perez
     
Top Five: Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De La Cruz
  Miss Australia Rachael Finch
  Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez
  Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez
  Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha
     
Top Ten: Miss Australia Rachael Finch
  Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez
  Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar
  Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De La Cruz
  Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha
  Miss Czech Republic Iveta Lutovska
  Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy
  Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez
  Miss USA Kristen Dalton
  Miss France Chloe Mortaud
     
Top Fifteen: Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez
  Miss Iceland Ingibjorg Egilsdottir
  Miss Albania Hasna Xhukici
  Miss Check Republic Iveta Lutovska
  Miss Belgium Zeynep Sever
  Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De La Cruz
  Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen
  Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha
  Miss Australia Rachael Finch
  Miss France Chloe Mortaud
  Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy
  Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar
  Miss USA Kristen Dalton
  Miss Croatia Sarah Cosic
  Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez
     
Miss Congeniality: Miss China  
Miss Photogenic: Miss Thailand  
 
Miss Universe 2009 crowning moment

Miss Universe 2009 delegates (84)

Spat Over Miss Universe Costume: More Miss Universe Costume Drama

And we thought Miss Universe Japan's racy get-up was causing a stir! Now it seems Miss Universe Peru, 25-year-old Karen Schwarz, has a controversy-laden outfit that has neighboring country Bolivia up in arms. The drama, reported by The Wall Street Journal, stems from the ornate horned headpiece Schwarz is planning on donning (along with a heavily embroidered mini-dress, cape and thigh-high boots) for the "National Costume" portion of the August 23 Miss Universe competition.

This headpiece was inspired by the ritual dance "La Diablada" or "Devil's Dance," but Bolivia's Culture Minister Pablo Groux claims that the dance is a Bolivian custom -- not Peruvian -- and that the beauty queen's use of the horns is something akin to cultural copyright infringement.

Groux says the "La Diablada" originated in Oruro, a Bolivian city, while Peru's foreign minister, José Antonio García Belaúnde, says that Peruvians have been celebrating the same ritual forever. "Culture doesn't have borders," he told WSJ.

Schwarz herself told Bolivian newspaper La Razón: "To say it belongs to only one country is impossible. We are brothers, we practically live together, we have almost the same customs, the same cultures and there are more difficult problems to solve." - www.stylelist.com/   Read full article

The Miss Universe Pageant in the News

HEIDI MONTAG, ARTISTS FLO RIDA, DAVID GUETTA AND KELLY ROWLAND TO PERFORM DURING THE 2009 MISS UNIVERSE® PAGEANT

The Miss Universe Organization has announced that Heidi Montag and superstar artists Flo Rida, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland will perform at the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant to air on July 23, 2009. Billy Bush, co-anchor of “Access Hollywood” and Claudia Jordan of “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Deal or No Deal,” will host the competition live from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas on August 23rd at 9 PM ET on NBC and Telemundo.

International superstar Flo Rida will perform his hugely successful hit, “Right Round” and “Jump” as part of a two song medley during the Swimsuit Competition of the telecast. The rapper burst onto the scene in 2008 with his blockbuster debut album, “Mail on Sunday.” Flo Rida’s single “Right Round,” from his new album “R.O.O.T.S.,” became the fastest million-selling digital song ever, reaching platinum status in just two weeks.

Included in the show will also be a performance by reality star Heidi Montag featuring her single “Turn Ya Head.” The song comes from Montag’s debut album, “Unleashed,” which was released in July. Along with her music career, Montag is a cast member on the hit MTV show “The Hills.”

David Guetta and Kelly Rowland will set the tone for the Evening Gown portion of the pageant. The popular duo will combine their talents as they perform their hit single, “When Love Takes Over.” Guetta, a world-renowned French DJ and producer, will release his fourth studio album in August, “One Love,” with Rowland, an accomplished R & B solo artist and former member of the band Destiny’s Child, providing the vocals for its lead single. “When Love Takes Over” is already number one on the UK Singles Chart and is quickly climbing in the US, having already been downloaded over 120,000 times on iTunes.

Venezuelan native Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the 2009 Miss Universe telecast. During her reign, she has traveled the globe as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research and legislation. The newly crowned Miss Universe will go on to do the same.

Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2009. In recent years, the pageant has been viewed before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately 1 billion viewers.

“Access Hollywood” co-anchor Billy Bush and "Celebrity Apprentice" star Claudia Jordan will host the 2009Miss Universe pageant on August 23rd

Billy Bush, co-anchor of “Access Hollywood” and Claudia Jordan of “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Deal or No Deal,” will host the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant live on NBC on Sunday, August 23rd at 9:00 p.m. ET from Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Billy Bush has been the co-anchor of the daily entertainment newsmagazine sensation “Access Hollywood” since 2004 and has worked as a correspondent on the program since 2001. Bush is also host of the nationally syndicated radio program "The Billy Bush Show." Bush is no stranger to the Miss Universe Organization, having hosted the most recent Miss USA competition in April. In addition, Bush previously hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Model, actress and former Miss Rhode Island USA, Claudia Jordan will serve as co-host. After
moving to Los Angeles from Rhode Island, Jordan became a model on “The Price is Right.” She
then went on to co-host the TV show “Livin’ Large” with Carmen Electra and worked as a
correspondent for "Best Damn Sports Show Period.” Jordan has also been a newspaper reporter
and was one of the few female reporters in Washington, D.C. to cover the Million Man March.
Jordan was a contestant on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” and most recently served
as a judge at the 2009 Miss USA competition.

Venezuelan native Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, will crown her successor at the
conclusion of the telecast. Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2009. In recent years, worldwide distribution of the popular competition has topped more than 180 countries. Donald J. Trump and Phil Gurin will again serve as Executive Producers for MISS UNIVERSE® 2009.

Dayana Mendoza is One of People En Espanol's '50 Mas Bellos'

Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza, was recently named on of People En Espanol's '50 Mas Bellos' or '50 Most Beautiful People'.

Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza, was recently named on of People En Espanol's '50 Mas Bellos' or '50 Most Beautiful People'.

MISS VENEZUELA, DAYANA MENDOZA CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE® 2008 DURING LIVE NBC TELECAST ON JULY 13T

MISS VENEZUELA, DAYANA MENDOZA CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE® 2008
DURING LIVE NBC TELECAST ON JULY 13TH

New York, NY - July 13, 2008 – This evening, during one of the year's most exciting live international television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, as MISS UNIVERSE® 2008 live from the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.

Ms. Mendoza is 22 years-old and her career ambition is to become an Interior Designer. She also enjoys photography and is interested in advertising.

The judging panel for the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant included: Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization; fashion designer and entrepreneur Roberto Cavalli; Nadine Velazquez, international cover girl and star of NBC's "My Name Is Earl"; Jennifer Hawkins, television presenter and Miss Universe 2004; Louis Licari, celebrity colorist and "Today Show" ambush makeover expert; Joe Cinque, President of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences; Bollywood film & TV star, dancer, model Eesha Koppikhar; Nguyen Cong Khe, Editor in Chief of Thanh Nien newspaper and international shoe designer Taryn Rose. Jerry Springer and Mel B hosted the telecast of the 57th Annual Miss Universe competition where Lady GaGa performed her hit "Just Dance".

Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from 80 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 1 billion viewers.

Final Results:

First Runner Up: Miss Colombia, Taliana Vargas; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2008 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Miss Dominican Republic, Marianne Cruz Gonzale.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Mexico, Elisa Najera; and Miss Russia, Vera Krasova.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss Kosovo, Zana Krasniqi; Miss Australia, Laura Dundovic; Miss Spain, Claudia Moro; Miss USA, Crystle Stewart; and Miss Italy, Claudia Ferraris.

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Vietnam, Lam Thuy Nguyen; Miss South Africa, Tansey Coetzee; Miss Japan, Hiroko Mima;; Miss Hungary, Jazmin Dammak; and Miss Czech Republic, Eliska Buckova.


National Costume Award: Miss Thailand, Gavintra Photijak. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the international delegate whose national costume best reflected her country's culture, originality in preparation and the delegate's personal demeanor. She received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal.

Miss Congeniality Universe Award: Miss El Salvador, Rebeca Moreno. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She also received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal

The MISS UNIVERSE® 2008 prize package includes: the Miss Universe tiara created by CAO Fine Jewelry (a division of PNJ) designed by Mrs. Dang Thi Kim Lien and Rosalina Lydster valued at more than $30,000 dollars; a 2 year scholarship from the New York Film Academy worth more than $100,000 dollars to its acting or film-making programs; eveningwear gowns from Scala, designed by Sherri Hill; a national and international multi-media advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear; a custom swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand; a shoe collection from Nina Footwear; a trophy from Rogaska Crystal; year-long supply of Farouk Systems products, makers of CHI, the original Ceramic Technology tools; membership to Gravity Fitness and pampering at John Barrett Salon; fashion portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; consultations with nutritionist and creator of The F-Factor Diet™ Tanya Zuckerbrot; dermatology and skincare services by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; consultations with personal stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers; a New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization to further her personal and professional goals.

Miss Universe Press release

NEW YORK, NY – March 4, 2009 -- Donald J. Trump, NBC Universal and Paula M. Shugart, President, Miss Universe Organization, announced today that the 58th Annual MISS UNIVERSE® Competition will air live from Paradise Island, Bahamas. The glamorous live event, featuring some of the world's most beautiful women, will take place at Atlantis, Paradise Island resort and air live on NBC and Telemundo on Sunday, August 30th this summer.

"Paradise. There is no better name for the beauty of the Bahamas and this island," said Paula M. Shugart. "The worldwide telecast will highlight the warmth, beauty and hospitality of the Islands of the Bahamas as well as the world renowned Atlantis resort. We have had a wonderful working relationship with the Bahamas and Atlantis for many years and I'm very excited this global event will take that partnership to a whole new level."

"The people of The Bahamas are very proud and excited at the opportunity to host some of the most beautiful people in the universe in some of the most beautiful islands in the universe," said The Bahamas' Minister of Tourism & Aviation, Senator Hon. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace. "This feels like the perfect match. We look forward to showcasing the hospitality of our people, the clarity of our waters, the vibrancy of our music, dance, food and spirit."

"'Discovery' and 'wonder' describe what we can expect in summer. We look forward to exposing the contestants, and the world, to our amazing Bahamas Islands," said George Markantonis, President of Kerzner International Bahamas Ltd. "An event showcasing the most beautiful part of the globe to the rest of the planet. Atlantis resort, along with all of Nassau's exemplary hotels, is proud to be a part of this great event. We can't wait!"

Venezuelan native Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2009. In recent years, worldwide distribution of the popular competition has topped more than 170 countries. --missuniverse.com

Jennifer Hawkins lights way for future Miss Universe beauty queens

TIMES are tough when a former Miss Universe doesn't have a job on television. But don't expect Jennifer Hawkins to be standing in the dole queue any time soon. Five years after reaching the very top of the beauty pageant business -- and it is a business -- she is still the most bankable star in the country, with estimated earnings of around $7 million a year in endorsements and appearances. Not bad for a 25-year-old former cheerleader from Newcastle. Even though her shows Make Me a Supermodel and The Great Outdoors have been shelved, there's no chance Channel 7 will let her go.  --Gillian Whiting, www.news.com.au. Photo by The Associated Press



Daily News and Miss USA, Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA


Miss Universe Ethiopia & Miss World Ethiopia with President Barack Obama

The photograph...taken in 2005 in Washington D.C. and it shows President Barack Obama (then Senator) with Miss Universe Ethiopia (left) and Miss World Ethiopia 2005 (right). It was first published in the Hot Shots section of the July-August 2005 issue of Tadias Magazine. Miss World Ethiopia 2005, Jiitu Abraham, was the first American-born Ethiopian to win this title. Here is an interview with Jiitu from the 12th issue of Tadias. --www.tadias.com

The next 'Miss Universe Canada'?

Chanel Beckenlehner works at Glen Eagle Golf Course. She loves her horse and she's working hard to get into law school. She also wants to be ‘Miss Universe of Canada’. The initial competition for Miss Universe Canada GTA/ Central Ontario was held on November 22, and Beckenlehner placed in the top 12, also receiving the title of ‘Miss Congeniality’. --www.caledonenterprise.com

Miss Colombia committed to Miss Universe preparation

The newly crowned Miss Colombia, Michelle Rouillard Estrada from Cauca, will immediately start committing herself to the preparations needed for Miss Universe 2009, she told Colombian radio. In an interview with W Radio, she will start preparations this week so Colombia has a chance of having a universal beauty queen at the upcoming Miss Universe in Venezuela. --colombiareports.com

Chile upholds lawsuit won by ex-Miss Universe

Chile's Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the slander conviction of a journalist who alleged that a former Miss Universe was having an affair with novelist Paulo Coelho while engaged to Argentina's president. The court ordered Chilean journalist Victor Gutierrez to pay $46,000 to Cecilia Bolocco for the allegations, which he made during a 2001 television appearance.  SANTIAGO, Chile --www.signonsandiego.com

Venezuela Beauties Nip, Tuck Their Way to Miss World, Universe

Venezuela Beauties Nip, Tuck Their Way to Miss World, Universe.  Eva Ekvall says she was 17, a little overweight and dreaming of winning enough to buy a car when she entered her first beauty contest. Plastic surgery was the last thing on the young Venezuelan's mind. --www.bloomberg.com

Breast Uplifting Pains Ex-Miss Universe

Ex Miss Universe Sushmita Sen had gone in for silicon implants as soon as she entered Bollywood. Apparently then a young Sushmita felt insecure about the size of her breasts. They were too small for Indian audiences to come and see them. --www.andhracafe.com

Beauties brave the heat for Miss Universe

A registration day in the centre of Perth attracted a bevy of beauties today, with hundreds of women braving the heat in the search for Miss Universe Perth, Australia -- theWest.com.au

Scandal Afoot at Miss Universe: Trump Forced Woman to Lose Weight - AOL

Moscow, December 20, Interfax – Miss Universe 2002 Oxana Fyodorova seeks an Orthodox church marriage with her German husband. The winner of Miss Universe-2002, television hostess and actress Oxana Fyodorova intends to seal her civil marriage with resident of Germany Phil Kroft with an Orthodox sacrament of marriage.

Japanese Mori wins troubled Miss Universe contest: ABC News. Miss Japan, Riyo Mori (R), reacts as she is crowned Miss Universe 2007 by 2006 winner Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza (L) of Puerto Rico, 28 May 2007, in Mexico. City.

Riyo Mori of Japan Crowned Miss Universe, Miss USA, Jeered by Crowd, Takes Fifth Place. By Julie Watson, Associated Press. Mexico City (May 29) - A 20-year-old dancer from Japan was crowned Miss Universe 2007 on Monday night, marking only the second time her country has won the world beauty title.

Miss Universe press releases

The Seven Network (Australia) has confirmed Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins will join The Great Outdoors as a reporter for 2005.

Miss Australia Jennifer Hawkins, a statuesque 20-year-old from Sydney, has been crowned Miss Universe at the competition final in Ecuador.

Jennifer Hawkins, the girl from down under, comes out on top at the 53rd edition of this world-class competition. (Pageantry Magazine)

Newly crowned Miss Universe, Jennifer Hawkins, is just a happy, easygoing girl who "loves a laugh," her mother Gail said...

Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta who began her filmi career with 'Andaaz' ... INDIA (smashits.com)

 

Amelia Vega, the universe at her feet - Miss Universe 2003

Oxana Fedorova, Russia's first Miss Universe - Pageant officials said Ms. Fedorova had been fired for violating her contract, and news leaks indicated she might even be married and pregnant. She denied these rumors and insisted she had left willingly.

Miss Universe Justine Pasek interviewed by Chet Cooper.  Building HIV/AIDS Awareness

Interview with Mpule Kwelagobe, Miss Universe 1999 and Miss Botswana.

Official Bio for Miss Universe 1999 - Mpule Kwelagobe, MISS BOTSWANA 1999

Read about Miss Universe 1999 - Official Bio

Miss Universe 1999 pictorial - An image slide show honoring Miss Universe 1999, - Mpule Kwelagobe

Miss Universe 1998 Bio - Wendy Fitzwilliam, MISS TRINIDAD-TOBAGO

Alicia Machado: A few months after winning the title of Miss Universe, Alicia Machado started to gain weight...

Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996:  Shortly after her crowning, Alicia was asked what she would do now that she was :  Without hesitation, she replied, "EAT, EAT, EAT!!"

Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996:  You may not take me seriously, but it’s incredibly difficult to concentrate and gather your thoughts when you’re speaking to Alicia Machado. She just overloads all your male circuitry.



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