Miss Universe 2006

7/24/06:

 

The Miss Universe 2006 pageant was held yesterday in Los Angeles, California. 86 delegates competed in the preliminary competition and only 20 advanced. The 20 competed in swimsuits, then 10 in evening gowns, and only 5 in interview. In the end, 18 year old, Zuleyka Rivera from Puerto Rico emerged as the winner. Forty minutes after the crowning, Rivera fainted on stage due to warmness (her gown was very heavy and hot). The stage lights were also very bright. Miss Japan finished as 1st runner up, also winning Best National Costume. A nonsemifinalist at Miss World 2005, Lauriane Gillieron, finished as 2nd runner up. A susprise Miss Paraguay took 3rd runner up, beating Miss USA, Tara Conner who was 4th runner up. Big favorites, Miss Canada and Mexico failed to make the top 5, with the big surprise being Venezuela out of the 20. A detailed review on my thoughts and the show soon. Here are the results:

 

 

MISS PUERTO RICO, ZULEYKA RIVERA CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE® 2006 DURING LIVE NBC TELECAST ON JULY 23RD

Los Angeles, California, July 23, 2006 - This evening, during one of the year's most exciting live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Puerto Rico, as MISS UNIVERSE® 2006.

The 18-year-old delegate from Puerto Rico was crowned at the conclusion of the 55th Annual broadcast on NBC live from Los Angeles, California

Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell and actor/singer Carlos Ponce (7th Heaven), hosted the live telecast from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Commentary was provided by Carson Kressley of Bravo's Queer Eye along with Miss USA 2004, Shandi Finnessey throughout the live telecast.

Miss Universe 2006 was chosen by an international judging panel which included NBC's Las Vegas star James Lesure; NBC's latest winner from The Apprentice, Sean Yazbeck; renowned fashion photographer Patrick McMullan; Project Runway winner Santino Rice; NBC's Deal or No Deal briefcase model Claudia Jordan; Telemundo's Al Rojo Vivo anchor Maria Celeste Arraras; former Miss Universe Amelia Vega; television writer/creator Marc Cherry; former Miss Teen USA and actress, Bridgette Wilson Sampras; comedian Tom Green and former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith.

Throughout the two-hour event, the delegates competed in three categories; swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions the "Top Five" finalists were selected before the crowning. Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 600 hundred million in over 180 countries.

Final Results:

First Runner Up: Miss Japan, Kurara Chibana will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2006 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Miss Switzerland, Lauriane Gillieron Rest of Top Five:
Miss Switzerland, Lauriane Gillieron
Miss Paraguay, Lourdes Arevalos
Miss Japan, Kurara Chibana
Miss United States, Tara Conner
Miss Puerto Rico, Zuleyka Rivera


Rest of Top Ten:
Miss Canada, Alice Panikian
Miss Trinidad/Tobago, Kenisha Thom
Miss Bolivia, Desiree Duran
Miss Japan, Kurara Chibana
Miss Puerto Rico, Zuleyka Rivera
Miss United States, Tara Conner
Miss Switzerland, Lauriane Gillieron
Miss Mexico, Priscila Perales
Miss Colombia, Valerie Dominguez
Miss Paraguay, Lourdes Arevalos

National Costume Award: Miss Japan, Kurara Chibana. Chosen by a local panel of judges during a two-hour telecast in Los Angeles, California for the delegate who displayed her country's pride and spirit best in costume.

Congeniality Award: Miss Ghana, Angela Asare. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant.

Photogenic Award: Miss Philippines, Lia Andrea Ramos. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera.

Sponsors of MISS UNIVERSE® 2006 include Mikimoto, "Official Jewelry" sponsor, Tadashi Fashions, "Official Fashion" sponsor; "BSC Swimwear Thailand, "Official Swimwear sponsor," Farouk Systems, "Official Haircare" sponsor, NINA Shoes, "Official Fashion Footwear," The School for Film and Television and CoverGirl, "Official Cosmetic" sponsor.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS Awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Global Health Council, Gods Love We Deliver and the United Nations Population Fund's Face-to-Face Campaign, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today.

7/23/06:

 

Final Predictions:

With the Miss Universe 2006 competition coming to a close tonight, the 86 delegates would compete for the covered top 20 spots. Best National Costume, Miss Congenality, and Miss Photogenic would also be announced. Now who are the favorites to win the crown? Pageant Beauties analyzed them and here are the results:

First PB's Miss Universe 2006 Best In Gown:

 

She is Miss Mexico Universe 2006, Priscila Perales. A beautiful white gown, with silver on top. A beautiful presentation using the catwalk and turns. Here PB's Miss Universe 2006 Best In Swimsuit:

 

 

Again, Miss Mexico Universe! She has again a stunning catwalk and figure. Including to that is a good pose. Here is PB's Miss Universe 2006 Best National Costume:

 

Yes it's Miss Puerto Rico Universe, Zuleyka Rivera! A stunning Puerto Rican costume with colorful pictures and a flag. Just view her beautiful performance at: . As we can, her costume has two 3 faces!

 

Now, PB's Miss Universe 2006 Miss Photogenic. She is...

 

 

Miss Australia Universe, Erin McNaught. A beautiful offical portrait and also stunning swimsuit and gown portraits, Miss McNaught will sure win the Miss Photogenic title. Congratulations! Overall, the highest average score winner is...

 

 

Miss Mexico Universe! She is PB's Miss Universe 2006.

 

Okay after announcing all the winners, here we analyze the delegates. Twenty spots and 86 delegates, so anybody might make the cut. Pageant Beauties used 2 days to view all the delegates in the preliminary clips, so here is the ultimate list for Miss Universe 2006!

 

Should have no problem making the cut: Misses Australia, Canada, Mexico, USA, Switzerland, Indonesia, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad & Tobago.

 

Delegates that have a lot of potential of making the cut, but might fail also: Misses Ghana, Philippines, Bolivia, Ukraine, India, and Peru.

 

Delegates that have a great preliminary presentation, but might fail to place dut to the sashs: Misses Japan, Serbia and Montenegro, St. Lucia, and Uruguay.

 

Longshots: Antigua and Burbuda, Slovenia, and United Kingdom.

 

Here is the placement list from all the comments above:

 

Winner: Miss Mexico Universe

1st runner up: Miss Canada Universe

2nd runner up; Miss Australia Universe

*3rd runner up: Miss Colombia Universe

 4th runner up: Miss Switzerland Universe

 

*Top 10 (in order of placement, 6th to 10th): Misses Puerto Rico, USA, Venezuela, Trinidad & Tobago, and Indonesia.

 

*Top 20 (in order of placement, 11th to 20th): Misses Philppines, Ukraine, Bolivia, Serbia & Montenegro, Peru, St. Lucia, Ghana, India, Japan, and Uruguay.

 

*Closeshots/Alternates: Misses Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, Greece, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Nigeria, China, Belgium, Thailand, and Brazil.

 

*=Means that they have the potential to make it further.

 

There they are the top 20 and alternates! We'll find out if all the 20 delegates make the semifinals. Just 3 hours away.

7/20/06:

 

Two days ago, the 86 delegates competed in swimsuits and evening gowns. Just yesterday, they met with the preliminary judges and had interviews. Just 3 days away from knowing who will win the title, Miss Universe 2006. On the 17th, they had a party to back out all the stress that the presentation had for them:

 

Key Club Elizabeth Gray, Miss New Zealand Universe 2006; Kenisha Thom, Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe 2006; Tara Conner, Miss USA Universe 2006; Ambuyah Ebanks, Miss Cayman Islands Universe 2006; and Josephine Alhanko, Miss Sweden Universe 2006; dance to the music of Melt at the Key Club on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California.

7/18/06:

 

More photos for the Mikimoto event yesterday (courtesy of The MUO).

 

Mikimoto event at South East Plaza Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005 signs autographs at the Mikimoto store in the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. Mikimoto Event at South Coast Plaza Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005 addresses the crowd during a Mikimoto sponsored event at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. Mikimoto Event at South Coast Plaza Thuli Sithole, Miss South Africa Universe 2006, and Fatimih Davila, Miss Uruguay Universe 2006, sign autographs at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California.

7/17/06:

 

Today the delegates have media interviews and rehearsal for tomorrow's Presentation Show (preliminaries). Global Beauties also chose their Miss Cyber Press Universe 2006. The winner was Miss Mexico Universe 2006, Priscila Perales. For more information, visit:

. Yesterday, the delegates attended a Mikimoto event. For pictures visit: .

 

Also on July 21, 2006 on CBS (midnight), Late Show With David Letterman, would air. Inside would feature 4 Miss Universe delegates.

 

Here they are, more pictures...

 

Miss Universe 2006 BSC swimsuit poster photo shoot Miss Universe Photographers Greg Harbaugh and Jason Alan along with Director of Marketing Lark Anton make final adjustment to the 2006 Miss Universe Contestants before the office BSC Swimwear Thailand swimsuits and Nina shoes 2006 Miss Universe swimsuit poster photo shoot at Trump National Golf Course in Palos Verdes, California. Miss Universe 2006 BSC swimsuit poster photo shoot Priscila Perales, Miss Mexico Universe 2006; Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006; Martine Jonassen, Miss Norway 2006; and Valerie Dom'nguez, Miss Colombia Universe 2006, pose in their BSC Swimwear Thailand swimsuits at Trump National Golf Course in Palos Verdes, California after the official Miss Universe 2006 swimsuit poster photo shoot. The delegates during the Thai dinner: Singha Thai Dinner Melissa Ann Tan, Miss Malaysia Universe 2006; and Carol Cheong Yim Foon, Miss Singapore Universe 2006, learn traditional Thai dance during a Singha-sponsored dinner for the Miss Universe contestants at the Wilshire Grand in Los Angeles, California. Singha Thai Dinner Olympia Chopsonidou, Miss Greece Universe 2006; Gabrielle Bou Rached, Miss Lebanon Universe 2006; and Fawzia Mohamed, Miss Egypt Universe 2006, watch ice carvers during a Singha-sponsored dinner for the Miss Universe contestants at the Wilshire Grand in Los Angeles. Mikimoto Event at South Coast Plaza Thuli Sithole, Miss South Africa Universe 2006, and Fatimih Davila, Miss Uruguay Universe 2006, sign autographs at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California.

7/16/06: Below photos courtesy of The MUO and  .

 

Miss Indonesia Universe 2006, Nadine Chandrawinata poses for the camera.

 

A group of Latin delegates take a picture.

 

Just enjoying Los Angeles!

 

While Miss Philippines Universe 2006, Lia Andrea Ramos holds the camera, Fatimih Dávila, Miss Uruguay Universe 2006, got a picture with one of the cast members.

 

The delegates scream and shout and enjoy Jurassic Park.

 

 

Miss Mauritius Universe 2006, Miss Switzerland Universe 2006, and Miss France Universe 2006.

 

Coming from Asia is Miss China Universe 2006 and Miss Singapore Universe 2006.

 

Four beauties, Miss Czech Republic Universe 2006, Miss Iceland Universe 2006, Miss Canada Universe 2006, and Miss Antigua & Barbuda Universe 2006.

 

Five beauties at a time!

 

If you think 5 is beautiful, then here's seven!

 

Two amazing beauties, Miss USA Universe 2006, Tara Conner and Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe 2006, Kenisha Thom pose for a friendly picture.

 

Presenting the Blonde European delegates!

 

The African delegates of beauty!

 

Melissa Ann Tan, Miss Malaysia Universe 2006 and Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan Universe 2006.

 

The European delegates pose in the pool. Special necklaces.

 

7/16/06:

 

Today the delegates join Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005 and attend a Mikimoto event. Today, many important details about the pageant are announced. Before we announce the events, read about the article (courtesy of The MUO):

 

"ACCESS HOLLYWOOD'S" NANCY O'DELL AND ACTOR/SINGER CARLOS PONCE TO HOST MISS UNIVERSE 2006, LIVE FROM THE SHRINE AUDITORIUM IN LOS ANGELES ON NBC, SUNDAY, JULY 23, 9-11 PM ET

Carson Kressley and Former Miss USA Shandi Finnessey to Provide Skybox Commentary
"Las Vegas" Star James Lesure Among Celebrity Judges
Sony BMG Recording Artist Chelo to Perform

BURBANK - July 13, 2006 - "Access Hollywood's" Nancy O'Dell, along with actor/singer Carlos Ponce ("7th Heaven"), will host NBC'S broadcast of MISS UNIVERSE® 2006 live from the Shrine Auditorium, in Los Angeles, on Sunday, July 23 at 9:00p.m. ET/delayed PT. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Miss Universe competition, and its first time broadcasting in the United States in eight years. The last show hosted by the United States was held in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1998.

In addition,"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's" Carson Kressley, who provided the skybox commentary for the 2006 Miss USA Pageant, returns to reprise the same role for Miss Universe 2006 with former Miss USA (and Miss Universe 2004 first runner-up) Shandi Finnessey, who will also provide her unique insight.

Celebrity judges include NBC's "Las Vegas" star James Lesure, NBC's latest winner from "The Apprentice" Sean Yazbeck, NBC's "Deal or No Deal" briefcase model Claudia Jordan, Telemundo's "Al Rojo Vivo" anchor Maria Celeste Arraras, former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, renowned fashion photographer Patrick McMullan, and former Miss Universe Amelia Vega. Additional judges will be announced at a later date.

Sony BMG artist Chelo will perform his new song "Cha Cha" during the two-hour live telecast. Chelo's debut album "360°" is a unique blend of pop, urban and Latin music, which is the perfect combination for the exotic Miss Universe Competition. In addition, 28-year-old opera-sensation Vittorio Grigolo will perform selections from his debut album, "In The Hands Of Love."

Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. Each contestant from 86 countries around the world will be judged in three categories, swimsuit, evening gown and interview.

"My year as Miss Universe has meant more to me than I can express," said Canadian-native Glebova. "I have traveled the world on behalf of various HIV/AIDS organizations, promoting education, research and legislation and I walk away from this experience feeling like I truly made an impact."

Glebova's year-long reign began with a highly publicized trip to South Africa where she publicly took an HIV test, setting an example for the world on the importance of getting tested. On this same trip she met with Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Glebova spent the remainder of her year acting as an advocate for organizations such as Global Health Council, amfAR, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in countries all over the world, including India, Thailand, and Colombia.

The Gurin Company will again produce the pageant with veteran television writer and executive producer Phil Gurin. The Gurin Company, established in 1997, has become one of television¹s preeminent, full-service production companies with more than a dozen projects in development for network, cable and syndication in the areas of reality shows, game shows, variety shows, holiday specials, magazine and documentary programming and live entertainment. Gurin is best known as executive producer of the NBC primetime game show, Weakest Link.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues and forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Global Health Council, God¹s Love We Deliver, GMHC (Gay Men¹s Health Crisis) and amfAR.

Besides that, the panel of judges were announced:

	-Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003
	-Bo Derek, famous actress
	-Claudia Jordan: A finalist in the Miss USA 1997 pageant, she is currently a model for the TV show "Deal or no Deal"
	-Emmitt Smith: Ex-football player from the Dallas Cowboys
	-James Lesure: Actor, NBC's "Las Vegas"
	-Maria Celeste Arraras: Journalist and host of "Al Rojo Vivo con Maria Celeste" in Telemundo
	-Patrick McMullan: Fashion Photographer
	-Santino Rice: The controversial Santino from the popular show "Project Runway 2" is back, this time as a judge!
	-Sean Yazbeck: Winner of the 5th edition of the popular show "The Apprentice" Where is Jennifer Hawkins? Didn't Donald Trump invite him?

Information courtesy of Global Beauties and Telemundo.

Late Night Specials:

Days earlier 4 delegates were handpicked to start in CBS's The Late Show With David Letterman. The lucky delegates are Australia (Erin McNaught), Colombia (Valerie Dominguez), Finland (Ninni Laaksonen) and Puerto Rico (Zuleyka Rivera).

After that The Miss Universe Organization selected out 10 other delegates to tape NBC's Late Call With Carson Daily. They are:

Japan (Kurara Chibana), Canada (Alice Panikian), Mexico (Priscila Perales), USA (Tara Conner), Sri Lanka (Jacqueline Fernandez), Sweden (Josephine Alhanko), Ukraine (Inna Tsymbalyuk), Ecuador (Katty Lopez), Argentina (Magali Romitelli) and Namibia (Anna Nashandi). I wonder if all the delegates or the majority would make the top 20?

The important preliminary competitions (Swimsuit, Evening gown, and personality interview), would be conducted on the 18th and 19th. Also on the same day is the National Costume Competition.

Pageant Beauties is currently reviewing and scoring the delegates on Fadashi portraits, evening gown, and swimsuit portraits. Once the preliminary clips and photos are out, Pageant Beauties would announce the top 20 out of the 86 group. Pageant Beauties would name 3 delegates as Best In Evening Gown, Best In Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, and Best National Costume. The highest scorer would earn the title, PB's Miss Universe 2006. Of course, she is would also be the winner of the pageant. Here is the current top 20 list with no scores (in no particular order):

Canada, Mexico, USA, Trinidad & Tobago, Colombia, Indonesia, Bolivia, Australia, Switzerland, Philippines, Ghana, Serbia & Montenegro, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, India, Spain, and Urkaine.

Alternates:  Japan, China, Lebanon, Peru, Ecuador, Sri Lanka (heavy favorite), and more.

7/14/06:

Delegates posed in BSC Swimwear Thailand (courtesy of MUO):

Delegates at the Pool Anastacia Entin, Miss Universe Israel 2006; Rafaela Zanella, Miss Brazil Universe 2006; and Erin McNaught, Miss Australia Universe 2006, pose in their BSC Swimwear Thailand swimsuits at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Other news, Nancy O' Dell and Carlos Ponce will host the pageant on July 23, 2006. Carson Kressley and Miss USA 2004, Shandi Finnessey give their pageant thoughts. Puerto Rican born, CHELO would dance Cha Cha during the final night. The pageant would be live to 100 countries and an estimated 1 billion people would see it. Telemundo would air the pageant on Spanish too. The annual special for the Spanish delegates would also air on July 16, 2006. Puerto Rican native, Maria Celeste Arraras, would join the 8 other judges to form the menu of judges.  

Other photos on the delegates from days earlier:

Make-A-Wish Tea Party Kenisha Thom, Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe 2006, talks with Becky McDougall at a benefit tea party for the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, California. Boys and Girls Club Nadine Chandrawinata, Miss Indonesia Universe 2006, spends time with children at a Boys and Girls Club in Burbank, California. Boys and Girls Club Alexandra Rosenfeld, Miss France Universe 2006, plays football with children at a Boys and Girls Club in Burbank, California. The offical NBC Miss Universe 2006 site is open. Click here to view the site: . Miss Photogenic and Best National Costume online voting would start soon. For more pictures, view  or .

Get Miss Universe tickets!

 

MISS UNIVERSE® 2006 TICKETS

Miss Universe 2006, PRESENTATION SHOW, July 18th at 7pm (local time)

Miss Universe 2006, DRESS REHEARSAL, July 23rd at 11am (local time) (general admission)

Miss Universe 2006, LIVE FINALS TELECAST, July 23rd at 6pm (local time)

Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster as follows:

Ticketmaster Outlets: Selected Wharehouse and Robinson May stores, all Tower Records and Ritmo Latino stores

Charge by Phone:
213.480.3232 LA County
714.740.2200 Orange County
805.583.8700 Ventura/Santa Barbara County
619.220.8497 San Diego County

Or .

Get a sneak peek at the delegates backstage! View the delegates before the finals. Here are the Tadashi dresses that they will use for the intros and opening:

.

7/12/06: The Miss Universe 2006 pageant is getting started!

 

The 86 delegates have already taken their offical portraits. The gown pictures on the red carpet are considered their offical gown pics. Besides that, the backstage (click for fun stuff) and you will see pictures and clips of the delegates. The delegates are also rehearsing for the preliminary and final night. Here are some pics of the beautiful queens during registeration and fittings:

 

Miss Venezuela Universe 2006, Jictzad Nakarhyt and Miss Thailand Universe 2006, Charm Onwarin Osathanond pose to the media. Inna Tsymbaliuk, Miss Ukraine 2005; Biljana Mancic, Miss Croatia 2005, and Alana Ernest, Miss Guyana 2005, greet the media during their arrival in Los Angeles. Miss Lebanon Universe 2006, Gabrielle Bou Rached takes her offical evening gown portrait.   Facts and figures: Even though this year features 86 delegates, the most ever in the pageant, but a number of countries are missing. They include: Misses Austria, Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, Curacao, and Vietnam. Originally scheduled to compete was British Virgin Islands, who didn't arrive in Los Angeles. The delegates would be in gray Tadashi dresses for this year's introductions and opening number.

 

7/11/06:

 

Today the 86 delegates would be at The Wilshire Grand Hotel for a welcome dinner. Some delegates are also starting to flim the introductions. The delegates already attended the press and met Miss Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova and Donald Trump. Pictures for their gowns and fittings would be up later.

 

7/9/06:

 

7/7/06:

 

The Miss Universe 2006 pageant is here! The 86 beautiful delegates are arriving in Los Angeles in the past 2 days. Miss Chile, was also crowned yesterday. She should be the last delegate to arrive in Los Angeles. Originally, Miss British Virgin Islands was scheduled to compete. Unknown why she is left out. Anyway, this year, viewers around the world can vote for Miss Photogenic and Best National Costume at . The all important preliminaries will be held on July 18, 2006. Same as the National Costume presentation. The delegates are getting their sashs and registering now. Tomorrow, they will have a arriving cocktail party. For more information, visit: .

 

6/26/06:

 

More than 85 contestants have been confirmed to compete for the Miss Universe 2006 pageant. Only Miss Denmark and Miss Chile are not crowned. Miss Chile competition would be held on July 1st, just 4 days before all the delegates arrive in Los Angeles. Hope Chile makes it. Anyway, I need to mention that this year's pageant is big. It would feature at least 85 delegates, one more than 1999's edition. Countries like: Misses Argentina, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Northern Marianas,  St. Martin, and St. Vincent & The Grenadines, all return after one or more year absence. This year's standards are also the best out of all the pageant's years. Here is the schedule of all the events held in Los Angeles. The important events are highlighted in red.

 

July 5-7: Arrivals, registration, fittings and photography

July 8: Tadashi Party

July 9: Garden Party / Pool Party

July 10: Rehearsals, filming

July 11: Welcome Dinner, Wilshire Grand Hotel

July 12: Tour of Universal Studios / Autograph Signing at Hard Rock Cafe

July 13: Rehearsals / Cocktail Party

July 14: Rehearsals

July 15: Mikimoto Event with Natalie Glebova

July 16: Charity Auction Dinner

July 17: Rehearsal for Presentation Show

July 18: Presentation Show and National Costume Competition, Shrine Auditorium

July 19-20: Personality Interviews

July 19-22: Rehearsals

July 23: Dress Rehearsal (12 pm), Miss Universe 2006 Telecast (6 pm local time/9 pm EST), Coronation Ball

July 24: Departures

 

5/30/06:

 

With a estimated 1 billion viewers, Miss Universe 2006 pageant is scheduled to air July 23, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. This year app. 90 countries will participate, with 80 already crowned. Countries like Chile, Curacao, Denmark, Ireland, and United Kingdom are yet to be crowned but all of them will participate. Another word's, app. 88 delegates will participate with the exceptionals of Argentina and St. Martin both countries that didn't compete for more than 2 years (St. Martin for 5). However, 2 new delegates are confirmed and they are Miss Iceland (Sif Aradottir) and St. Lucia (Sascha Rose). Iceland's last participation was in 2003 where St. Lucia was in 1977. Mentioned by Global Beauties, Miss Universe 2004, Jennifer Hawkins will be a judge for the Miss Universe 2006 pageant.  

 

5/25/06:

 

Visit the all new Miss Universe 2006 site (great design indeed):

 

News: Earlier announced, the Miss Universe 2006 pageant would be held in L.A, California, USA. The offical hotel the delegates would be living in is Wilshire Grand.

 

proudly welcomes the 2006 Miss Universe® Pageant to Southern California.  The Wilshire Grand provides 900 of the most spacious, well-appointed guest rooms conveniently located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.  ’ complimentary features include free high-speed wireless internet access, a 24 hour fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and day spa or you can have free use of Gold's Gym next door. Deluxe Rooms and Suites (most include sitting areas, second bathrooms and two closets) were designed to give guests a residential feel during their stay in L.A.  The vast public areas include shopping, four international themed restaurants and a high-energy nightclub with pool tables set in a South Seas ambiance, all located just blocks away from the Performing Arts Center, Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art and University of Southern California.

Visit the site for Los Angeles package deals to the pageant.

5/18/06:

 

The Miss Universe 2006 pageant would be held in Los Angeles, Calfornia, USA on July 23, 2006. Natalie Glebova would give away her covered crown to one of approximate 80+ ladies all around the world. Countries like British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Northern Marianas, and St. Vincent & The Grenadines come back to the pageant after 2004. Countries like Argentina, Iceland, Kazakhstan, St. Lucia, and St. Martin, all that didn't compete last year is rumored to join the pageant. However, it is not yet confirmed. Out of the 77 delegates many are well known. That include's Miss Belgium and Miss Switzerland, both in 2005's Miss World pageant. Miss Trinidad & Tobago also made the top 15 of Miss World 2004 in Sanya, China. Other notable queens include Miss Costa Rica who was a former Miss Teen International winner, Miss Canada, the current International Coffee Queen winner, and Miss Lebanon also was a semifinalist at Miss Asia 2005 pageant and bagged 2 special awards. This year's queens also are really tall (with 7 delegates with or over 6 feet of height). Every region's delegates are strong: Asia (Indonesia, Lebabon, and China). The Americas is the strongest group (USA, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, Mexico, Venezuela, and more). This year's standards are really high, regarded as the best standards in any year's competition. Pageant Beauties' current top 15 list include in no specific order:

 

1. Mexico

2. Canada

3. USA

4. Switzerland

5. Colombia

6. Bolivia

7. Venezuela

8. Puerto Rico

9. Urkaine

10. Greece

11. Trinidad & Tabago

12. Poland

13. Serbia & Montenegro

14. Philippines

15. Indonesia

4/13/06: BURBANK - April 12, 2006 - NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, President, Miss Universe Organization, announced today that Los Angeles, California will host the 55th Annual Miss Universe Competition.  The extravagant show will air live from the Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, July 23 (9-11 p.m. ET) on NBC.  This is the first time since 1998 (Honolulu, Hawaii) that the United States will be the host country. 

“We are excited to bring the pageant to Los Angeles this year,” said Curt Sharp, Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC Entertainment.  “Broadcasting this international event from the entertainment capital of the world will add splash to an already spectacular show.  Los Angeles provides not only a fantastic backdrop for the two-week event, it also offers great promotional opportunities for the Organization, the Network and telecast partners like Telemundo, who provide pre-show coverage of the event for their viewers.”

 “The Shrine Auditorium is the perfect place for the 2006 Miss Universe Competition,” said Shugart. “We spent the last eight years taking the show around the globe and now it is our chance to return to the U.S. and show all of our international contestants, along with their friends and families, one of the greatest cities in the world: Los Angeles.”

Toronto, Canada native, Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005 - travels the nation as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research, and legislation. She will crown her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast. Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview.

Donald J. Trump, Executive Producer and The Gurin Company will again produce Miss Universe 2006.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Global Health Council, Gods Love We Deliver and the United Nations Population Fund's Face-to-Face Campaign, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today.

With this said, the Miss Universe 2006 pageant would be held in Los Angeles, California, USA. The pageant returns to USA after 8 years and 16 years after LA hosted the Miss Universe 1990 pageant. This also means that the 2006 contestants would have a long wait for the pageant. Miss Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova would also be the longest reigning queen, having the title for 1 year and 53 days. 

 

4/8/06: It has been announced! Congratulations, to Los Angeles, the host city of Miss Universe 2006! 80+ nations will arrive in L.A at July 5, 2006. The important preliminary competition might be on July 18, 2006. 5 days later, is the Miss Universe 2006 finals at 9pm eastern/ 8pm central live on NBC! 

Question: On many pageant sites, it list the bidders of the international pageant. Not one of any of the 8 bidders (Mexico, Thailand, Australia, Russia, El Slavador, Uruguay, Brazil, and Puerto Rico) include Los Angeles, Calfornia, USA. How did L.A win the bid over 8 cities?    

 

3/31/06: The 54th Miss Universe pageant is here! More than 80 delegates is except to compete. Which are the favorites, which contestants competed in past pageants, all the information is here!

 

Out of the 55 delegates crowned, there are many favorites and beauties. Who are they? Pageant Beauties already analyzed them! The current favorite for the crown is Miss Mexico, Priscila Perales. Beauty eyes and body, she also represents Miss Universe 2001 runner up and Miss Universe 2002 dethroned queen, Miss Russia. Second favorite is Miss Canada. With 1.68m height and also the current International Coffee Queen 2006 title, she is also evenly matched with Priscila. A possiblity that she will succeed, Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005. The 3rd favorite is Miss Switzerland. Lauriane is very beautiful with shining eyes and a 1.70m height. She represented Switzerland at Miss World 2005, unable to make the top 15 but her experience at Miss World will not repeat. When all the 80+ queens are crowned, Pageant Beauties will have a compete analyzis later on.