Miss Universe 2009 Nassau, Bahamas

Miss Universe 2009: The Winners

Miss Universe 2009: Venezuela
1st Runner-up: Dominican Republic
2nd Runner-up: Kosovo
3rd Runner-up: Australia
4th Runner-up: Puerto Rico

Awards:
Miss Congeniality: China
Miss Photogenic: Thailand

Miss Universe TOP 10: Evening Gown Competition

01. Dominican Republic 9.428
02. Kosovo 9.250
03. Puerto Rico 9.050
04. Australia 9.039
05. Venezuela 8.869
06. France 8.650
07. South Africa 8.040
08. Czech Republic 8.010
09. Switzerland 7.890
10. Usa 7.550

Miss Universe TOP 15: Swimsuit Competition

01. Australia 9.264
02. Dominican Republic 9.189
03. Kosovo 8.790
04. Venezuela 8.760
05. France 8.640
06. Switzerland 8.611
07. Puerto Rico 8.533
08. South Africa 8.460
09. Czech Republic 8.350
10. Usa 8.060
11. Albania 7.900
12. Belgium 7.870
13. Sweden 7.830
14. Croatia 7.811
15. Iceland 7.730

Miss Universe TOP 15: The Semi-finalists





Puerto Rico, Iceland, Albania, Czech Republic, Belgium, Dominican Republic, Sweden, Kosovo, Australia, France, Switzerland, South Africa, Usa, Croatia & Venezuela

Whoa! NO Asians?? Europe has got 9 Semifinalists!! Where are the favorites?

The Prize Package: Miss Universe 2009 gets:

-A new custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs
-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
-An assortment of Love Collection video cameras from DXG USA
-An eveningwear wardrobe by Carlos Alberto Haute Couture
-A 6-day/5 night vacation for two at Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas, with air travel accomodated by Jet Blue Airways
-A Skype kit featuring a laptop computer with webcam, speakers and a one year Unlimited World plan to talk to friends and family.
-A collection of ultra light-weight, fashion fresh Heys USA luggage
-Luxury accomodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses
-A 2-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy valued at more than $100,000.00
-Personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon
-Modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha
-Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization
-Extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners
-Access to various New York city events including movie premieres and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties.
-Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko and access to a personal appearance wardrobe
-Professional media/public relations representation by Rubenstein Public Relations and Planet PR in New York City
-Dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher
-Professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD

First Runner-up:
$3000.00 cash award and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs

Second Runner-up:
$2000.00 cash award and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs

Third and Fourth runner-ups:
$1000.00 cash award and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs

Ten Semi-Finalists (5 from the Top 15 and 5 from the Top 10)
$500 cash award

Miss Photogenic:
$1,000.00 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs

Miss Congeniality:
$1,000.00 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs

All contestants receive the following:
-An assortment of Farouk Systems hair care products
-Swimwear from BSC Swimwear Thailand
-Designer shoes from Nina Footwear
-Fashions by Carlos Alberto Haute Couture
-A Luxe collection video camera from DXG USA
-An assortment of items from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
-A Skype starter pack including a headset and a One year unlimited World Plan
-Cosmetics from Kryolan professional make-up

Heidi Montag Rehearses For Miss Universe: MTV star Heidi Montag rehearsed for her big appearance at the Miss Universe pageant, which airs live this Sunday (August 23) from the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. She worked through moves for her hotly-anticipated dance number that will accompany her performance of her new single "Body Language," which was just released on iTunes. The Miss Universe pageant will also feature performances from Kelly Rowland and Flo Rida. "Body Language" borrows a sample from Yaz's "Situation" and features the chorus "Read my body language/ I do what you like/ So prove that you're right/ Control me." It comes from her upcoming self-titled album, which is due out at the end of September. Montag is also currently on the cover of Playboy (mtv.com).

Still upright at Miss Universe pageant: Although oddsmakers don’t give Miss USA Kristen Dalton, 22, much of a chance to win Miss Universe in the Bahamas this weekend, she has already made news by simply staying on her feet in the swimsuit and evening gown preliminaries. If you recall, Miss USA contestants at the pageant have fallen on their behinds in the pressure-filled evening gown finals the last two years. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Kristen can stay upright during the live broadcast, which begins at 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC (kansascity.com).

RP hopeful to Miss Universe tilt in the Bahamas praying for win: Millions of Filipinos, including colleagues from Philippine Airlines (PAL), will be cheering for Pamela Bianca Manalo, the country’s bet to the 2009 Miss Universe pageant and a PAL domestic flight attendant on leave, on the coronation night on August 24 at the Bahamas. Manalo’s training as a cabin attendant—graduating with honors in July 2008—and deep religious devotion helped her win the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe crown on March 7. Manalo comes from a family of beauty queens. Her eldest sister, Katherine Manalo-Hernandez, was finalist at the 2002 Miss World; while her aunt, Nini Ramos-Licaros, was also finalist at the 1968 Miss International (Business Mirror).

Miss Universe Telecast Judges: 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, Founder and Chairman of CHI Hair Care; Heather Kerzner, philanthropist and 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 writer and editor; Tamara Tunie, actress, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”; and Keisha Whitaker, fashion maven and founder of the Kissable Couture lip gloss line.

Vote for Miss Photogenic: Your chance to vote online for Miss Photogenic. The winner will be announced during the live broadcast on sunday, August 23rd. Vote here.

André Leon Talley to judge Miss Universe: When Donald Trump revealed on David Letterman that André Leon Talley is to appear on the judging panel at the Miss Universe final, it went unnoticed by the presenter and the audience (perhaps he is yet to reach the American TV psyche). But as long-term fans of the American Vogue fashion editor-at-large, we took note and got very excited. He steals the show in the soon-to-be-released film The September Issue (which, yes, we know we keep banging on about but that's because it's amazing), which documents behind-the-scenes at US Vogue, with his wit and honesty. Pity to poor beauties who might hear his infamous line from the movie, ‘My eyes are starved of beauty’, as they walk past him in a bikini, or sense his disappointment when their sequinned evening dress for the grand finale doesn’t live up to his style standards. It might be hell for them, but it will be TV made-in-heaven for the rest of us. Miss Universe will be broadcast on NBC on the 23 August, live from the Bahamas (nice work if you can get it), we’re getting cable installed immediately! (graziadaily.co.uk)

Misses Philippines, France & Australia

Miss Universe Preliminary Show: The Miss Universe 2009 Preliminary Show took place on Sunday, August 16th at the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis. In sets of 15 and in alphabetical order , each of the 84 Miss Universe contestants introduced themselves in two-piece swimsuits which had white tops and multi-coloured bottoms. The event was hosted by Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza and Ed Fields, Sr. Vice President, Public Affairs, Kerzner Bahamas. Halfway through the programme, UK recording artist, Anthoney Wright sang two of his songs. During the second portion of the show the contestants participated in the Evening Gown Competition, and as each showed off their special gown on the catwalk the hosts provided a small bit of interesting information about each queen. (The Bahamas Weekly)

Miss Universe River Race : Winners were Miss Guatemala, Lourdes Figueroa (Gold), followed by Miss Iceland, Ingibjorg Egilsdottir (Silver) and Miss Albania, Hasna Xhukici (Bronze).

Miss Universe Preliminary Judges: Steven Schillaci, Talent Producer for many hit shows including American Idol; Best Buddies Talent Executive Mark Wylie; Last Call with Carson Daly Executive Producer David Friedman; Trump Model Management President Corinne Nicolas; Hollywood Choreographer of Oxygen’s Dance Your Ass Off, Mario Mosley; and Tiza Tjokroadisumarto, Director of Retail Operations, Michael Kors (USA).

Best in National Costume winners: Panama, Nicaragua & Thailand.

Best in National Costume: The Best National Costume Award was awarded to Miss Panama, Diana Broce. In 2nd place was the costume of Miss Nicaragua, Indiana Sanchez, and in 3rd place was Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej. The National Costume competition was held in the Rainforest Theater at the Wyndham Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas on Monday, August 10, 2009.

Miss Universe 2009 Showcases Fashions from The Bahamas: The Miss Universe Fashion Showcase took place on August 12th at the ballroom at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort to a sellout crowd. The show featuring four Bahamian designers was emceed by Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza who looked stunning in fabulous Bahamian designs from Brynda Knowles throughout the show. Her co-emcee was Charles Sealy II, Chief Executive Officer of Doctor's Hospital Bahamas Ltd, also wearing Brynda Knowles. The beautiful 84 contestants paraded down the catwalk to the music of Bahamian band, Visage. The Bahamian designs of Raquel Turnquest-Garcia of Rachel's Boutique; Basheva Eve of La Maison de Besh of Grand Bahama; Brynda Knowles; and Sabrina Francis of Se'B Fashion Designing were showcased. The newly crowned Miss Universe will receive an outfit created by prominent Bahamian designer Jeff St John, of the House of St John, which she will wear at her press briefing on the morning after her crowning. (The Bahamas Weekly)

Japan’s Miss Universe Won’t Wear Kimono Criticized as Obscene: Japan’s candidate for the 2009 Miss Universe pageant will make adjustments to her costume after the black kimono outfit she had chosen was criticized as too revealing. The pageant organizer and designers received complaints from more than 2,000 people, including one who said the kimono looked like “something a prostitute might wear,” according to a report today in the Sankei newspaper. (Bloomberg)

Miss Universe Australia Flees Giant Crocodile Attack: Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch met some crocodiles during her Northern Territory visit Thursday and had to run for her life when a 16-foot croc named Eric lunged at her. "As soon as I saw him move I got nervous," she said as she laughed about her brush with the huge animal. The bubbly beauty visited Crocodylus Park in Darwin to meet some of the biggest crocs in captivity. (Foxnews)

Star World to air Miss Universe on 24 August at 9 pm: MUMBAI: English general entertainment channel Star World will air Miss Universe 2009 on 24 August at 9 pm. The competition will be televised live from Paradise Island in the Bahamas. During the two-hour show a panel of judges will select one winner from the 80-plus contestants. Each entrant will be judged on their grace, intelligence and poise. Venezuelan beauty Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. Before the live event, viewers can get up close and personal with Miss India contestant Ekta Chaudhary. On 23 August at 8:30 pm, Star World will bring the half-hour Miss India Universe Special, taking viewers behind the scenes and following her journey in the competition.

Miss Universe 2009 Schedule of Events: The 58th Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Atlantis on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas on August 23rd, 2009. The pageant takes the contestants also to the Abaco and Grand Bahama. The presentation show, rehearsal, dress rehearsal and the grand final will take place at the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis.

Dayana on her Miss Universe Blog: My Last Trip as Miss Universe: Sadly, I had my last International trip as Miss Universe to Romania this week, and it couldn't have been better. It was the perfect place to close out this opportunity of a life-time. I was so excited about the language because I understood some of the things people were saying. Romanian has the same Latin roots and I figure it would be easy to learn but I had no idea how easy it was to understand..

August 1 - 3
Arrivals and Registration
Official Photography

August 5
Location Filming
Visit to the Ardastra Gardens
Tour of Port Charlotte
Tour of Clifton Heritage Site and Sacred Space
Visit Arawak Cay (Fish Fry)

August 6
Visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
Courtesy Call on the Governor General
Tea Party at the Government House

August 7
Downtown Casual Shopping and Photo-ops
Display of Bahamian Arts and Crafts in Rawson Square
Welcome Dinner

August 8
Exuma - Bimini Bay Resort
Tour of Moriah Harbour Cay and Elizabeth Harbour
Stocking Island
Visit to Fountain of Youth and Shark Lab

August 9
Tour of Garden of the Groves and photo-ops
Port Lucaya Marketplace
Swimsuit Presentation, Grand Bahama Island

August 10
Motorcade through New Providence (1 pm)
National Costume Competition, Rainforest Theater, Wyndham Hotel

August 11
Harbour Island - Tour of island by golf cart
Beach and leisure activities at Coral Sands
Abaco, Treasure Cay, Green Turtle Cay

August 12
Junkanoo Summer Festival (afternoon)
Miss Universe 2009 Fashion Show with local designers,
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort (Cable Beach)

August 13
Delegates’ National Gift Charity Auction,
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort (Cable Beach)

August 14 - 15
Rehearsals
Location Filming

August 16
Miss Universe 2009 Presentation Show

August 17 - 18
Preliminary Interviews with the panel of judges
Rehearsals

August 19 - 22
Rehearsals
National Director Meeting

August 23
Dress Rehearsal (noon)
Live Telecast (9 pm EST)
Coronation Ball (11 pm)

August 24
Departures

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Venezuela wins Miss Universe crown again

Miss Venezuela Again!

Latina beauty makes history, as this is Venezuela’s second consecutive win.

Latina beauty Stefania Fernandez won the title of Miss Universe 2009 at the competition held in the Bahamas Sunday night. She makes history, as this is Venezuela's second consecutive win in the international beauty pageant.

Dressed in a flowing red gown, Fernandez embraced runner-up Miss Dominican Republic as the announcement was made, and received the crown from last year's winner, Dayana Mendoza, of Venezuela. The sparkling tiara fell to the floor at one point, as Fernandez danced in joy.

During a question-and-answer segment with the five top finalists, Fernandez said she believed women have overcome obstacles such as hitting the proverbial glass ceiling.

"I feel we have reached the level that men are at," she said. Fernandez, 18, beat out 83 contestants for the title, including first runner-up Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee de la Cruz. Kosovo was named second runner-up, Australia third and the contestant from Puerto Rico was fourth runner up.

Venezuela is famous for its beauty queens and has more international beauty pageant titles than any other country, except for the United States, which has won seven titles. The South American nation had produced five previous Miss Universe winners in 1979, 1981, 1986, 1996 and 2008 and has also won the Miss World contest five times.

"I think this is the most beautiful group of women I've ever seen," pageant co-owner Donald Trump told reporters. "In the old days, you got what you got. Now, Trump picks them. It makes a big difference."

The top 15 finalists appeared in bathing suits before the final 10 were chosen for the evening gown segment. The final five answered questions from the judges.

The televised event included musical performances by Flo Rida, Heidi Montag, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland.

Featured Article: Venezuela wins Miss Universe crown again originally appeared on today.msnbc.msn.com on Thurs, 27 Aug 2009.

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Miss Universe 2009 In Photos

The 58th Annual MISS UNIVERSE competition will be held LIVE from Atlantis Paradise Island, in Nassau, Bahamas on August 23, 2009. Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela, will crown her successor at the end of this event.

84 countries and territories will compete for the title and the pageant will broadcast live on NBC and Telemundo. See this year's Miss Universe candidates in actions..

Miss Universe 2009 is.. Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela. Congratulations!!

Miss Kosovo during the the Q & A.

The Top 15 in Swimsuit Competition.

Miss Universe 2009 Opening Number.

Cinthia D’Ottone, Miss Uruguay 2009; Kristen Dalton, Miss USA 2009, and Renate Cerljen, Miss Sweden 2009, participate in the Float Parade.

Left to right, Miss Indonesia Zivanna Letisha Siregar, Miss Ireland Diana Donnelly, Miss Israel Julia Dyment, and Miss Italy Laura Valenti stand together during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Avalon-Chanel Weyzig, Miss Netherlands 2009, competes in the Evening Gown segment of the Miss Universe 2009 Presentation Show.

Miss USA Kristen Dalton, center, stands waiting to introduce herself, behind Miss Tanzania Illuminata Wize, left, and Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej, right, at the opening event looks on, during the opening event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Miss Angola in her National Costume.

Miss Philippines Bianca Manalo as she walks the runway featuring BSC Swimwear
with shoes by Nina Footwear at the Radisson Our Lucaya Beach and
Golf Resort, Freeport, Grand Bahama on Sunday, August 9, 2009.

Angelika Jakubowska, Miss Poland 2009, Dominique Peltier, Miss Bolivia 2009; and Essi Poysti, Miss Finland 2009, visit Compass Point restaurant in Nassau, Bahamas to pre-tape a segment for the Miss Universe 2009 competition.

Kristen Dalton, Miss USA 2009, poses for photographer in her BSC Swimwear.

Avalon-Chanel Weyzig, Miss Netherlands 2009; and Angelika Jakubowska, Miss Poland 2009

Racine Manley, Miss Guam 2009, on Stocking Island, Exuma, Bahamas.

Stefania Fernandez, Miss Venezuela 2009, and Cinthia D’Ottone, Miss Uruguay 2009, pose in their swimsuits by BSC Swimwear.

Larissa Costa, Miss Brazil 2009

Kristina Kots-Gotlib, Miss Ukraine 2009; Mirela Korac, Miss Slovenia 2009;
Cinthia D’Ottone, Miss Uruguay 2009; Illuminata Wize, Miss Tanzania 2009;
Senem Kuyucuoglu, Miss Turkey 2009; Chole Mortaud, Miss France 2009,
and Renate Cerljen, Miss Sweden 2009, visit the Rawson Square

Sofia Rudyeva, Miss Russia 2009, with a member of the Royal Bahamas Defense
Force Marines during the Welcome Event at the Balmoral Club in Nassau,
Bahamas on Friday, August 7, 2009. (HO/Miss Universe Organization L.P.,LLLP)

Mariana Valente, Miss Canada, takes part in registration and fittings in the Bahamas on Saturday in preparation for the Miss Universe 2009 competition that will air on NBC at 9 p.m. Aug. 23. Contestants began arriving at the Atlantis resort over the weekend; they'll spend the next few weeks seeing the sights, appearing for charity and competing in preliminary judging before the finale (Miss Universe L.P., LLLP).

Miss Netherlands 2009 in the registration and fitting
process of the Miss Universe 2009.

Miss France, Chloe Mortaud, the first delegate to arrived in Bahamas
posed Miss Bahamas Kiara Sherman.

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Miss Universe 2009 - Hataw Beauties Top 15

01. Australia Rachael Finch

02. France Chloe Mortaud 03. Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz 04. Venezuela Stefania Fernandez 05. Philippines Bianca Manalo 06. USA Kristen Dalton 07. South Africa Tatum Keshwar
08. Czech Republic Iveta Lutovska 09. Spain Estibaliz Pereira Rabade 10. Mexico Karla Carrillo
11. Honduras Belgica Suarez 12. Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez 13. Hungary Suzan Budai
14. Russia Sofia Rudyeva 15. Japan Emiri Miyasaka

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