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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

"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):

 

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 click here for ticketmaster.com.

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:

http://www.missuniverse.com/backstage/07.07.06-002.html.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wilshire Grand Los Angeles 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.  The Wilshire Grand 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.