|
7/12/08:
PB's Miss Universe 2008 Miss Photogenic
Since the Miss Universe Organization decided not to have the Miss Photogenic award, PB decided
to select a winner for this category. After reviewing all the 80 delegates in their photos, PB chose Miss Puerto Rico Universe,
Ingrid Rivera as Miss Photogenic. Congratulations!
This year's pageant is very competitive compared to recent years. Big favorites are clearly
in the Americas and PB see this year's pageant as a repeat of Miss Universe 2008. Americas will for sure dominate the top
15, possibly the top 5. Asia is not as strong as last year, and Thailand and India are the only hope for this region. However
Japan, Vietnam, Korea, and China may pull a surprise. Miss Sri Lanka Universe was also a semifinalist at last year's Miss
International pageant and even though her preliminary performance was dull, she may pull a surprise. Miss Malaysia Universe's
interview gave her PB's Best In Interview award and she may get her way into the semifinals. Singapore's pageant experience
is also a advantage to her in making the cut.
In Europe not much strong delegates. Russia, Kosovo, Norway, Belgium, Ireland, and Ukraine
are the favorites here.
Caribbean we have Misses Puerto Rico, Trindad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Aruba. Cayman Islands
has Miss World experience like Miss Puerto Rico Universe. Both of their interviews were good so they can do well. Watch out
for them.
Africa... Only Miss South Africa Universe, Angola, Tanzania, or Ghana. Ghana's interview impressed
PB very much and she may shine in the preliminary interview. Watch out for them three. Other then them, Africa hasn't been
very strong...
And then is Americas. The strongest group in many years. Mexico and USA have been performing
very strongly, and Canada also performed well in the preliminaries. South America has tons of beauties, Misses Venezuela,
Panama, Colombia, Brazil... PB thinks the winner and runner ups will likely be from the Americas.
With all that in mind, here are PB's regional Miss Universes. From Asia, Miss Asia Pacific
Universe 2008 is...
Congratulations to Miss Vietnam Universe! Miss Nguyen (9.300)
has the highest overall score in Asia's region which makes her the winner. Miss Japan Universe and Miss thailand Universe
are 2nd and 3rd with scores of 9.241 and 9.218.
PB's Miss Europe Universe is
Congratulations to Miss Russia Universe. She won with a score of 9.194. Miss Norway Universe was second
with a score of 9.103. Misses Albania Universe (9.048) and Ukraine (9.048) settle for third (a tie!). Next is PB's
Miss Caribbean Universe 2008:
Yes is her, Miss Puerto Rico Universe! Miss Ingrid Rivera, former Miss World 2005 2nd runner
up won with a score of 9.404. Second went to Miss Dominican Republic Universe with a score of 9.309 and third went to
Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe (9.227). Congratulations!
Miss Africa Universe 2008 is
The big favorite in Africa wins! Miss South Africa Universe won with a score of 9.178. Congratulations!
Misses Angola Universe (9.029) and Miss Tanzania Universe (9.005) are second and third respectively. Finally is Miss Americas
Universe 2008. The winner is...
Miss Venezuela Universe. She has the highest preliminary score and highest overall score in
the Americas. She won with a overall score of 9.570. Second place for Miss Americas Universe is Miss Mexico Universe with
9.413. Miss USA Universe finished in third with a score of 9.380. Congratulations!
From these six titleholders, PB chose PB's Miss Universe 2008. The winner is...
Congratulations again to Miss Venezuela Universe, Dayana Mendoza. You are PB's pick for Miss Universe 2008.
Can Miss Mendoza take it all on the final night? Stay tuned on NBC at 9:00 p.m. EST at July 13, 2008 to find out! PB wishes
all the delegates the best and may the best win!
Miss Universe 2008 Final Predictions:
Winner: Venezuela
1st runner up: Mexico
2nd runner up: USA
3rd runner up: Puerto Rico
4th runner up: Panama
Top 10 Finalists (6th to 10th place): Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, South Africa,
and Vietnam
Top 15 Semifinalists (11th to 15th place): Trinidad & Tobago, Norway, India, Thailand,
and Kosovo
Strong Alternates and Darkhorses (16th to 25th place): Belgium, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Ireland, Korea,
Canada, Russia, Peru, Philippines, Angola
Special Awards:
Best National Costume: Peru; Puerto Rico; USA; Vietnam; or Philippines (since it is decided
by internet vote)
Miss Congeniality: Vietnam (host delegate are friendly); Cayman Islands; China; or Ghana
7/11/08:
Miss Mexico Universe is Viewers' Choice winner!
|
Viewers' Choice for Miss Universe 2008 |
Who is your favorite delegate to win Miss Universe 2008?
[2281 votes total]
|
| Miss Albania Universe, Matilda Mecini (47) |
 2% |
| Miss Angola Universe, Lesliana Pereira (2) |
 0% |
| Miss Antigua and Barbuda Universe, Athina James (2) |
 0% |
| Miss Argentina Universe, Silvana Belli (2) |
 0% |
| Miss Aruba Universe, Tracey Nicolaas (4) |
 0% |
| Miss Australia Universe, Laura Dundovic (15) |
 1% |
| Miss Bahamas Universe, Sacha Scott (4) |
0% |
| Miss Belgium Universe, Alizée Poulicek (10) |
 0% |
| Miss Bolivia Universe, Katherine Universe, David Céspedes
(4) |
 0% |
| Miss Brazil Universe, Natália Anderle (74) |
 3% |
| Miss Canada Universe, Samantha Tajik (45) |
 2% |
| Miss Cayman Islands Universe, Rebecca Parchment (2) |
 0% |
| Miss China Universe, Wei Ziya (11) |
 0% |
| Miss Colombia Universe, Taliana Vargas (129) |
 6% |
| Miss Costa Rica Universe, María Teresa Rodríguez (2) |
 0% |
| Miss Croatia Universe, Snježana Lončarević (0) |
 0% |
| Miss Curaçao Universe, Jenyfeer Mercelina (1) |
0% |
| Miss Cyprus Universe, Dimitra Sergiou (1) |
 0% |
| Miss Czech Republic Universe, Eliška Bučková (9) |
 0% |
| Miss Denmark Universe, Marie-Sten Knudsen (2) |
 0% |
| Miss Dominican Republic Universe, Marianne Cruz (59) |
 3% |
| Miss Ecuador Universe, Doménica Saporitti (7) |
 0% |
| Miss Egypt Universe, Yara Naoum (6) |
 0% |
| Miss El Salvador Universe, Rebeca Moreno (1) |
 0% |
| Miss Estonia Universe, Julia Kovaljova (0) |
 0% |
| Miss Finland Universe, Satu Tuomisto (12) |
 1% |
| Miss France Universe, Laura Tanguy (5) |
 0% |
| Miss Georgia Universe, Gvantsa Daraselia (0) |
 0% |
| Miss Germany Universe, Madina Taher (3) |
 0% |
| Miss Ghana Universe, Yvette Nsiah (1) |
 0% |
| Miss Greece Universe, Dionissia Koukiou (11) |
 0% |
| Miss Guam Universe, Siera Robertson (7) |
 0% |
| Miss Guatemala Universe, Jennifer Chiong (5) |
 0% |
| Miss Honduras Universe, Diana Barrasa (6) |
 0% |
| Miss Hungary Universe, Jázmin Dammak (2) |
 0% |
| Miss India Universe, Simran Kaur Mundi (34) |
 1% |
| Miss Indonesia Universe, Putri Raemawasti (117) |
 5% |
| Miss Ireland Universe, Lynn Kelly (1) |
 0% |
| Miss Israel Universe, Shunit Faragi (7) |
 0% |
| Miss Italy Universe, Claudia Ferraris (2) |
 0% |
| Miss Jamaica Universe, April Jackson (2) |
 0% |
| Miss Japan Universe, Hiroko Mima (9) |
 0% |
| Miss Kazakhstan Universe, Alfina Nassyrova (1) |
 0% |
| Miss Korea Universe, Sun Lee (23) |
 1% |
| Miss Kosovo Universe, Zana Krasniqi (7) |
 0% |
| Miss Malaysia Universe, Levy Li Su Lin (0) |
 0% |
| Miss Mauritius Universe, Marie-Anne Olivia Carey (1) |
 0% |
| Miss Mexico Universe, Elisa Nájera (391) |
 17% |
| Miss Montenegro Universe, Daša Živković (1) |
 0% |
| Miss Netherlands Universe, Charlotte Labee (5) |
 0% |
| Miss New Zealand Universe, Samantha Powell (0) |
0% |
| Miss Nicaragua Universe, Thelma Rodríguez (20) |
1% |
| Miss Nigeria Universe, Stephanie Oforka (7) |
0% |
| Miss Norway Universe, Mariann Birkedal (9) |
0% |
| Miss Panama Universe, Carolina Dementiev (44) |
2% |
| Miss Paraguay Universe, Giannina Rufinelli (0) |
0% |
| Miss Peru Universe, Karol Castillo (33) |
1% |
| Miss Philippines Universe, Jennifer Barrientos (197) |
9% |
| Miss Poland Universe, Barbara Tatara (3) |
0% |
| Miss Puerto Rico Universe, Ingrid Rivera (255) |
11% |
| Miss Russia Universe, Vera Krasova (7) |
0% |
| Miss Serbia Universe, Bojana Borić (0) |
0% |
| Miss Singapore Universe, Shenise Wong (5) |
0% |
| Miss Slovak Republic Universe, Sandra Manáková (2) |
0% |
| Miss Slovenia Universe, Anamarija Avbelj (0) |
0% |
| Miss South Africa Universe, Tansey Coetzee (16) |
1% |
| Miss Spain Universe, Claudia Moro (5) |
0% |
| Miss Sri Lanka Universe, Aruni Rajapaksha (8) |
0% |
| Miss Switzerland Universe, Amanda Ammann (0) |
0% |
| Miss Tanzania Universe, Amanda Ole Sulul (4) |
0% |
| Miss Thailand Universe, Gavintra Photijak (127) |
6% |
| Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, Anya Ayoung-Chee (51) |
2% |
| Miss Turkey Universe, Sinem Sülün (13) |
1% |
| Miss Turks & Caicos Universe, Angelica Lightbourne (4) |
0% |
| Miss Ukraine Universe, Eleonora Masalab (0) |
0% |
| Miss United Kingdom Universe, Lisa Lazarus (1) |
0% |
| Miss Uruguay Universe, Paula Díaz (4) |
0% |
| Miss USA Universe, Crystle Stewart (172) |
8% |
| Miss Venezuela Universe, Dayana Mendoza (194) |
9% |
| Miss Vietnam Universe, Nguyễn Thůy Lâm (8) |
0% | |
Congratulations to Miss Mexico Universe! With 391 votes, she is PB's Viewers' Choice for Miss Universe 2008
winner.
Next up is PB's Miss Universe 2008 Best In Swimsuit. The winner is:
Miss Venezuela Universe! Miss Mendoza has the highest preliminary swimsuit score and looks the best in PB's
judging. She has a score of 9.586. Except her to take the stage with fire on Sunday night (Monday morning in Vietnam). Second
place went to Miss Brazil Universe (9.387) and third was Miss Mexico Universe (9.332). Congratulations! Next is PB's Miss
Universe 2008 Best In Evening Gown:
Yes again, is her! Miss Venezuela Universe (9.592) is also PB's pick for the Best In Evening Gown. Dayana
looks stunning and elegant in evening gown. It was a close race between her and Miss Panama Universe who had a score of 9.585.
In third was Miss Thailand Universe with 9.489. Congratulations!
After PB has reviewed all the delegates in their preliminary performances, PB has the Best
Preliminary Performance winner. She is again Miss Venezuela Universe, Dayana Mendoza. Congratulations!
Miss Venezuela Universe has already won PB's Miss Universe 2008 Best In Official Fadil Portrait,
Best In Evening Gown, Best In Swimsuit, and Best Preliminary Performance. Can she win all the other awards? Find out tomorrow
where PB will post their final predictions and regional Miss Universes. Who will be PB's Miss Photogenic? PB's Miss Universe
2008? Stay tuned!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/10/08:
Miss Universe 2008 Preliminary Videos posted
Videos of each delegate in preliminary swimsuit and preliminary evening gown are posted at
the Miss Universe website. Go here to see Preliminary videos:
Pageant Beauties has judged each delegate in their preliminary performances. The results of
Best In Swimsuit, Best In Evening Gown, Best Preliminary Performance, the regional Miss Universes, PB's Miss Universe 2008,
and Viewers' Choice winner will be all announced tomorrow.
Good luck delegates in their rehearsals. Add oil.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/8/08:
Congratulations to Miss Malaysia Universe, Levy Li Su Lin
for winning PB's Miss Universe 2008 Best In Interview award. Her close up interview video was the best out
of the 80 delegates for the award. Her response gave her a score of 9.668, the highest score given to any Miss Universe delegate
so far. Miss India Universe is second with a score of 9.665 and Miss Puerto Rico Universe is third (9.653). Congratulations!
Delegates in XQ Historical Village:
Photos courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization.
The Preliminaries, also known as Presentation Show will be held in the
Crown Convention Center at 7 p.m. Vietnam time. Delegates will be judged in BSC swimwear swimsuits and evening gowns chosen
by themselves. Personality interviews were also held yesterday and on the 6th. The top 9 scores will be chosen and those 9
delegates will make up 9 delegates of this year's top 15. The other 6 delegates are chosen by the Miss Universe Organization
and Mr. Donald Trump.
Miss Mexico Universe to do well in swimsuit?
Earlier on the 2nd of July, Miss Mexico Universe was chosen
as the Best In Swimwear winner. The competition, similar to Miss World's fast track event, Miss Beach Beauty, chose the delegate
looking the best in swimsuit. Miss Mexico Universe won and was given a $2000 cash prize and a trophy. Will this mean she will
dominate the preliminary swimsuit competition today? Time will tell but she is definitely a favorite to win and should not
be looked down.
THANHNIEN - Miss Mexico Elisa Najera celebrates her victory in the Swimwear
Show last night at the Vinpearl Land Resort.
Miss Mexico Elisa Najera was judged the “Queen of Vinpearl”
as she outperformed 79 other Miss Universe 2008 contestants in the Swimwear Show held in the coastal city of Nha Trang last
night.
As the winner of the event, the 21-year-old beauty, received a crystal trophy and
US$2,000 in cash.
“I am very happy and proud to have won this event,” Najera said.
“All of the girls looked stunning in their bikinis and the jurors surely must
have had a difficult decision to make.
“The award is a great encouragement for me as I prepare to compete in the next
several events in the days ahead,” Najera added.
She headlined the top five girls – including Miss India, Miss USA, Miss Colombia,
Miss Spain – at the event organized by Thanh Nien at the Vinpearl Land Resort on one of Vietnam’s most beautiful
islands – Tre Island.
The Swimwear Show, the third event on this year’s list of “mini-competitions,”
may have been the most anticipated occasion for local reporters as it serves as the last chance for correspondents to meet
with and photograph the international contestants.
Vinpearl Land’s Music Water Stage was packed with thousands of audiences screaming
in delight as they witnessed the 80 girls strut about in their swimsuits on a special night that featured performances by
local artists as well as a spectacular display of special effects.
Wednesday morning, the contestants had given the media a glimpse of what was to come
by gathering poolside at the Diamond Bay Resort to pose in swimwear, attracting the attendance of more than 50 international
and local correspondents.
The first two mini-competitions were the Traditional Costume presentation and the
Ao Dai Fashion Show.
In the next few days, the girls will conduct interviews with designated jurors and
participate in the Presentation Show and Dress Rehearsal from July 5-8.
Fifteen girls will then be selected to compete in the finale, to be broadcast live
worldwide via America’s NBC channel on July 13.
PB's current top 15 favorites: Mexico, Venezuela, USA, Peru, Panama, Vietnam, Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Singapore, Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Norway, Belgium,
India, and South Africa.
Bubbling Up: Kosovo, Colombia,
Thailand, China, Dominican Republic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/7/08:
Miss Universe 2008 Best National Costume voting open
Currently voting for Miss Universe 2008 Best National Costume is open. Go to the website to
vote. Remember one e-mail per vote. Voting will end around July 12 and the winner will be announced on July 13th.
Worthy to note, all 80 delegates are in the running for the award online. This may mean then
that there will be two Best National Costume winners, one from internet and one from the judges votes. However this is unconfirmed
yet. Stay tuned to Pageant Beauties for more news and updates later.
Delegates in BSC swimwear at Diamond Bay:
Photos and video courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization.
Delegates in VIN Pearl Gala:
Video of Miss Universe 2007, Riyo Mori visiting Khanh Toan Village:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/6/08:
Miss Universe 2008 NBC Site open:
NBC has officially opened their website for Miss Universe 2008. Voting for the Best National Costume award
will be open on Monday at 9 a.m. PT. The winner will receive a trophy and cash prize worth up to $1000 USD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/5/08:
Miss Venezuela Universe wins PB's Miss Universe
2008 Best In Official Fadil Portrait!
Congratulations to Miss Venezuela Universe, Dayana Mendoza for winning
PB's Miss Universe 2008 Best In Official Fadil Portrait award. She won with a score of 9.594! In second was
Miss Costa Rica Universe with 9.589 and Miss Mexico Universe with 9.569. Congratulations!
Miss Peru Universe wins PB's Miss Universe 2008
Best In National Costume!
Congraulations to Miss Peru Universe, Karol Castillo for winning PB's
Miss Universe 2008 Best In National Costume award. She won with a score of 9.599. Second went to Miss Puerto Rico
Universe (9.592) and Miss USA Universe finished it off with third place (9.585). Congratulations!
Miss Mexico Universe continues to lead poll
The poll has been open for 2 weeks already, and Miss Mexico
Universe continues to lead. She has 366 votes, making up 19% of the total votes. Miss Puerto Rico Universe is in second still,
with 195 votes, 10% of the votes. Miss Venezuela Universe is currently third, with 171 votes (9%).
Voting will end on July 11, 2008. The winner will also
be announced then. Stay tuned!
Delegates parade in Nha Trang City:
Video and photos courtesy of Miss Universe Organization:
Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 participates in the Miss
Universe 2008 contestant parade in Nha Trang City, Vietnam.
On July 1, 2008, delegates visited Wonderpark to
film for the Opening Number for the Miss Universe 2008 pageant:
Video of delegates filming for the Opening Number in
BSC swimwear:
Delegates visit the SOS Village in
Nha Trang City:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/1/08:
Photos courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization
Delegates in Welcome Parade in the Ancient City in Hoi An:
Photos of delegates in Diamond Bay Resort and Golf Ribbon Cutting:
Miss Universe 2008 Prize Package:
MISS UNIVERSE® 2008 PRIZES
MISS UNIVERSE® 2008 will receive the following from
the Miss Universe Organization:
- The new MISS UNIVERSE will an exquisite tiara created by CAO Fine Jewelry (a division of PNJ)
designed by Mrs. Dang Thi Kim Lien and Rosalina Lydster.
- A year-long salary as MISS UNIVERSE.
- A shoe wardrobe from Nina Footwear.
- A year's worth of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems.
- A swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand.
- A collection of eveningwear gowns from Scala, designed by Sherri Hill.
- A National and International advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear.
- A New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses.
- A two-year scholarship from The NY Film Academy in New York City valued at up to $100,000.
- A trophy from Rogaska Crystal.
- Personal appearance wardrobe.
- A year-long membership to Gravity Fitness.
- Year-long hair services John Barrett Salon.
- Modeling portfolio by leading New York City fashion photographer Fadil Berisha.
- Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization.
- Extensive travel opportunities with a personal travel manager representing sponsors and charitable
partners.
- Access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows
and launch parties.
- Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion
designers.
- Professional public relations media training.
- Professional media/public relations representation by Rubenstein Public Relations and Planet
PR in New York City.
- Year-long dermatology and skin services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher.
FIRST RUNNER UP - $3,000 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaska
SECOND RUNNER
UP - $2,000 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaska
THIRD RUNNER UP - $1,000 cash award and a crystal trophy from
Rogaska
FOURTH RUNNER UP - $1,000 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaskal
TOP TEN (10) SEMI-FINALISTS - $500 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaska
MISS
CONGENIALITY UNIVERSE™ AWARD - $1,000 cash prize and a crystal trophy from Rogaska awarded to the contestant selected
by her fellow contestants as the most charismatic and inspirational.
BEST NATIONAL COSTUME AWARD - $1,000 cash prize
and a crystal trophy from Rogaska awarded to the contestant with the most creative National Costume voted on and selected
by the public via www.nbc.com.
All Contestants will receive the following gifts:
- An assortment of Farouk Systems hair care products and tools
- Swimwear from BSC Swimwear Thailand
- Competition and fashion footwear from Nina
- YMI denim gift package
- Robes provided by Aegean Apparel
- Gift bags provided by WOW! Creations
- Eveningwear by Scala, designed by Sherri Hill
The new Miss Universe will also be crowned with a new crown this year:
![[newcrown.jpg]](http://bp3.blogger.com/_3zCpa6WV2z4/SFyG7tp3mYI/AAAAAAAABNg/AsMlnCHCWgU/s1600/newcrown.jpg)
CAO FINE JEWELRY WILL CREATE THIS YEAR'S COVETED MISS UNIVERSE® CROWN
World Renowned Vietnamese Brand PNJ to
Unveil Unique Crown for the 2008 Miss Universe® Competition
NEW YORK, NY - June 20, 2008 - The Miss Universe
Organization announced today that CAO Fine Jewelry (a line of the renowned Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ) company in Vietnam) has
created the coveted 2008 Miss Universe crown.
The winner of the 2008 Miss Universe® Pageant, which will broadcast
live on NBC July 13th from the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Vietnam, will be crowned with the masterpiece which was
designed by Rosalina Tran Lydster of Jewelry by Rosalina and Ms. Dang Thi Kim Lien of CAO Fine Jewelry.
The crown,
valued at $120 thousand dollars, is made of 18K white and yellow gold. It is comprised of over 1,000 precious stones;
including 555 white diamonds (30 carats), 375 cognac diamonds (14 carats), 10 smoky quartz crystals (20 carats) and 19 morganite
gemstones (60 carats).
The colors of the jewels chosen for the crown have great significance.
The yellow luster of the gold represents the prosperous thriving economy in Vietnam. White, light pink and cognac are the
main hues in the crown which represent inspiration and feeling.
"The Miss Universe crown is one of the most revered
pieces of jewelry in the world", said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. "We are very excited
to have partnered with CAO Fine Jewelry and Jewelry by Rosalina to create this yearís crown".
"The curved design creates
a natural rhythm and a stable structure for the crown, symbolizing the spirit of unity. The crown combines the beauty and
the character of each nation, accomplishing the goal of the pageant, which is international unity", explained designers Ms.
Kim Lien and Rosalina Lydster.
Contestants from more than 80 countries will be judged in three categories: swimsuit,
evening gown and interview as they vie for the title of Miss Universe 2008 and the opportunity to wear the crown. The winner
will receive a tiara by CAO Fine Jewelry valued at $30 thousand dollars.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6/30/08:
Miss Mexico Universe continues to lead poll
Congratulations to Miss Mexico again! She is leading the poll again with 336 votes, 21%. Miss
Venezuela continues in second, while Miss Puerto Rico leads in third. Miss USA is settling for fourth so far, only 10 votes
behind Miss Puerto Rico. Keep on voting you all!
Hosts announced for Miss Universe 2008
JERRY SPRINGER AND MEL B TO HOST MISS UNIVERSE 2008 TELECAST
'America's Got Talent' Host Jerry Springer and Spice Girl Mel B to Host
the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant Live from Vietnam on July 13
NEW YORK, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss
Universe Organization announced today that the host of NBC's hit summer show, "America's Got Talent," Jerry Springer and actress/singer
Mel B will host the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant live on NBC (simulcast on Telemundo) from the Crown Convention Center in Nha
Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam on Sunday, July 13th at 9:00 p.m. ET (delayed PT).
"This is obviously a great honor and getting to work alongside Mel B makes
it even better," said Springer.
"I'm thrilled to be a co-host of the Miss Universe Pageant," said Mel B.
"I believe the diversity and dedication that the pageant brings inspires and empowers young women across the globe."
Cultural icon Jerry Springer, host for 17 seasons of the hit talk show "The
Jerry Springer Show," as well as the host of "America's Got Talent," boasts a resume that includes such diverse roles as:
Mayor of Cincinnati, political pundit, lawyer, award-winning newscaster, country recording artist, international emcee, TV
personality, author, movie star, progressive talk- radio broadcaster and ballroom dancer on the hit "Dancing with the Stars."
His popularity has also led him to be a favorite guest-speaker at college
campuses across the country, not to mention a special guest lecturer at Oxford University in England. Springer has also added
a Broadway appearance to his distinguished list of achievements, starring for a week in the production of the "Rocky Horror
Show Live."
Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B, has made her mark as an accomplished
singer, actress, producer, designer and TV personality. Mel B became a household name as "Scary Spice," one of the members
of the iconic girl group the Spice Girls. She has appeared in numerous TV specials, shows and films as well as on Broadway
in the hugely successful musical "Rent." Mel B is currently working on her third solo album, slated for release in early 2009.
Her newest project, "The Singing Office," will premiere on TLC later this
month, with Mel serving as Executive Producer and Co-Host. Additionally, she was a finalist on the fifth season of "Dancing
with the Stars," where she became a fan favorite with her dance experience and fun disposition on the dance floor. She has
since become a special events correspondent for "Access Hollywood."
Each contestant, representing 80 countries from around the world, will be
judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2008.
The Miss Universe show is an internationally celebrated event with distribution in more than 170 countries.
Japan native, Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 will crown her successor at
the conclusion of the telecast. During her reign, she has traveled the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research,
and legislation. The newly crowned Miss Universe will go on to do the same.
Donald J. Trump and Phil Gurin of The Gurin Company will again serve as
Executive Producers for MISS UNIVERSE® 2008.
To purchase tickets for the telecast visit: www.unicorp.vn/ticket/.
Photos of delegates in Ha Long Bay:
Courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization. Delegates took a boat tour of the famous Ha Long
Bay in Hanoi.
Delegates also visited the Hanoi Peoples Committee on the 26th:
More news on the delegates, mini competitions including the Best In Swimsuit competition later
on. PB will also evaluate each delegate in official portrait and national costume soon. Stay tuned!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6/26/08:
Photos courtesy of Miss Universe Organization
Miss Venezuela Universe wins Best In Ao Dai
Miss Venezuela Universe, Dayana Mendoza parades in Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese costume) after being selected
as the Best In |
