Ask the CROWN: Miss Universe

Monday, May 10, 2021

69th Miss Universe Predictions

Find out who our favorites are:

Interview with Mariah Tibbetts, Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2021

Miss Universe Cayman Islands, Mariah Tibbetts just arrived in Florida. Watch our interview with her as she prepares for the upcoming Miss Universe competition.

Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa Crowned Miss Universe 2019

ZOZIBINI TUNZI, MISS UNIVERSE 2019

Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa was crowned the new Miss Universe at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on December 8, 2019.

Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi Prelims Interview

Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi - Prelims Interview with Laylah Rose

Miss Universe 2019 On Location Interviews

Press Junket Interviews with Laylah Rose

Miss Universe 2018. Photo by Ralph Smith/Miss Universe Organization

2019 Pre-Arrival Top 5 Favorites

Spotlight on Fionnghuala O'Reilly, Miss Universe Ireland 2019

Fionnghuala O'Reilly, Miss Universe Ireland 2019

Claim to fame.

I have a few roles with NASA. I am a NASA Datanaut; the Datanauts program is one of NASA's open innovation Women in Data programs operating out of NASA headquarters. I also am a director for the NASA Space Apps Challenge, the world's largest annual hackathon.

Spotlight on Birta Abiba Pórhallsdóttir, Miss Universe Iceland 2019

Birta Abiba Pórhallsdóttir, Miss Universe Iceland 2019

Claim to fame.

Being the first biracial beauty queen/Miss Universe Iceland/ in my country. Raising awareness about the importance of diverse representation and the importance for young men and women to know they are much more than their outward appearances.

Man Of The World 2017, Mostafa Elezali Shows Support To Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray

Something old, something new, something exciting!

We first caught up with Mostafa in June 2018 when he still holds the Man of the World title; now, his career life is like a whirlwind. So what's new with him? Well, there's a lot of changes, and they are compelling! But first, let's ask him about Catriona Gray's recent win as the fourth Miss Philippines to take home the Miss Universe crown.

Let's Talk About Miss Universe

Today, Catriona embarks the official first day as Miss Universe 2018. As a pageant titleholder himself, Mostafa remarks, "They are all well deserving to be on TOP 5," when asked of his thoughts about the finalists choice this year. And his opinion regarding transgender in pageants? He answered, "I'm not against any gender as long as they respect other's private life."

Mostafa has known of his support to Catriona and her participation at Miss Universe pageant. Ever wonder how they met? Well, here's the story, "I met Catriona through my manager who introduced us, we are acquaintances but what I know about her is that she is a friendly person." Mostafa added, "Her attitude, I believe is an epitome of a true Filipina. She is really friendly and smiles a lot, and is very accommodating." We asked if he has an inspirational message to Catriona as the new Miss Universe, "Stay humble, and make the Philippines proud," he says.

Speaking of Miss Universe, are we expecting more news about you and Catriona?

Maybe next year because I heard that my manager would co-manage her.

His New Career in the Entertainment Industry

You are now pursuing your goals in your acting career by signing up with Star Magic. How are they building up your celebrity image? Are you taking workshops?

I'm undertaking Tagalog and acting workshops for the meantime. So I hope it will fast track my career as I work hard to study Tagalog.

As a pure foreigner in Philippine Showbiz, do you think this path will help you join the big ranks of stars in the near future?

I believe so, by working hard and being humble because showbiz makes people famous.

You have just joined ABS-CBN Star Magic and Cornerstone Entertainment, the most prominent Talent Agency in the Philippines, will we see you soon in a movie with one of Cornerstone’s biggest talents?

I’m not sure but yes I will once I manage the language and acting skills.

Any movies or shows you're currently shooting? Can you share your roles in these films?

I have a guest appearance in the movie, "The Girl in the Orange Dress." It's a romance flick which is included at the Metro Manila Film Festival, something like the Oscars in Philippine Film Industry. Also, I am currently shooting in an "I-Flix" series (which is equal to Netflix). The title of the series is "Mystified," and I play the role of Lucifer. These are few of the roles I was offered.

You are the first Man of The World titleholder, first Male Egyptian winner in an International pageant, first Muslim to win a Male pageant, the first pure foreigner in the Philippine Entertainment Industry. Will we expect another first from you?

Hahahahaha! You don’t know me yet. I’m excited to make history so I will work hard to make something new in the showbiz. I wanna surprise my audience.

Any inspirational message to your fans who have followed you and continue to support you in your endeavors?

Keep supporting me, and I will always make you proud.

By: Joyce Cortez

PageantLIVE and Ask The Crown Exclusives. PageantLIVE is known for exclusive interviews, and we pride to have and maintains on publishing our original contents.

Miss Universe 2018 Final TOP 10 Predictions

It will go down to one lucky lady! Who will take home the crown?

Tonight is the night!! Tune in at 7/9PM ET on FOX.

Final TOP 10 Predictions

By: Joyce Cortez and Natalie Mc Govern

The Meaning Behind Miss Universe Philippines, Catriona Gray's Nonconforming National Costume

Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines carried the whole country on stage. Her National Costume represents the three largest islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

"I want to represent the Philippines in all forms," Catriona told ABS-CBN News Dyan Castillejo. She added, "When people see the Philippine sash, it's just a word on a sash, but really, we're made up of so many different places and so much different aspects to our culture."

She collaborated with various artists in the Philippines where she says, "We researched. We consulted historians."

Fans around the "universe" have mixed reactions. But will this be the start of an elaborate, more in-depth concept of National Costumes in the future?

These videos explained how Catriona came up with her nonconforming National Costume.

Furthermore, she told Vogue Thailand that her accessories represented Mindanao, while her body suit and the Christmas lantern behind her represented the Visayas and Luzon.

The Miss Universe 2018 National Costume Show was held on the 10th of December at Nongnooch Pattaya International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in Thailand.

Will Catriona bag the fourth Miss Universe crown for her country?

Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from the IMPACT Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

By: Joyce Cortez
Photographer: Patrick Prather
HO/The Miss Universe Organization
Videos: Catriona Gray's Youtube Channel, Cat-Elle

TOP 10 Miss Universe 2018 National Costume

Miss Universe National Costume Show is an international tradition where contestants display an authentic costume of their choice that best represents the culture of their home country. The show allows us to discover the different cultures around the world, the universe rather.

When it comes to National Costume criteria, there are four things to consider: originality, creativity, color coordination, and presentation.

The Miss Universe 2018 National Costume Show was held on the 10th of December at Nongnooch Pattaya International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in Thailand.

Top 10 Favorites

1. Thailand - Sophida Kanchanarin. Miss Thailand's costume is called "Change the Icon of Siam," a symbol of Thai tradition and way of life. Chang means "elephant" in Thai, and she incorporated the majestic animal into her white and gold costume, which was also reminiscent of a royal Thai.

2. India - Nehal Chudasama. Miss India's costume symbolizes women empowerment. Her dramatization adds a special effect on her presentation. Her costume weighs 105 lbs.

3. Jamaica - Emily Sara-Claire Maddison. We love this unconventional costume from Miss Jamaica. She incorporated traditions and Jamaica's achievement in the Summer Olympics highlighting Usain Bolt's iconic winning pose.

4. Russia - Yulia Polyachikhina. Miss Russia's costume represents a woman of nobility. Simple and peaceful.

5. El Salvador - Marisela De Montecristo. The Flower & Palm Festival of Penchimalko inspired the costume. On the first Sunday of May every year, the small town of Panchimalco, lying close to San Salvador, celebrates its two patron saints with a spectacular festivity, known as “Fiesta de las Flores y Palmas.” Although the origin of this event came from pre-Columbian Maya culture and used to commemorate the start of the rainy season, nowadays the festival honors Catholic saints, the Virgen del Rosario and the Virgen de la Concepcion.

6. Mexico - Andrea Toscano. The Jaguar queen, representing the Jaguar of Mayan culture. The jaguar, to the Mayans, was a powerful symbol of ferocity, strength, and bravery. Since the big cats can see well at night, it symbolizes perception and foresight. As a god of the Mayan underworld, the jaguar ruled the celestial forces of night and day.

7. Sweden - Emma Strandberg. Miss Sweden's costume marks the 150th year of bilateral friendship and trade agreement of Sweden and Thailand, in the year 1868. This agreement was the starting point for diplomatic relations between the two countries. The original document is kept at Riksarkivet in Stockholm.

8. Zambia - Melba Shakabozha. Miss Zambia's costume represents the annual N’cwala Traditional Ceremony in the Eastern province of Zambia. The ceremony marks the beginning of the harvest and as thanksgiving to their God and ancestors. During the thanksgiving ceremony, groups of dancers clad in traditional attire, armed with spears and dressed in animal skins to display their skills.

9. Laos - On-anong Homsombath. Miss Laos' costume is called the stream of generosity. Despite global modernization and technology, daily life in Lao and a great deal of Lao culture are still profoundly influenced by Buddhist thinking, attitudes, and behavior.

10. Brazil - Mayra Dias. Miss Brazil's costume honored the Amazon rainforest in her country by transforming into a blue and yellow Macaw tropical bird to represent the need for environmental protection. Her elaborate costume featured thousands of feathers and took three months to make.

By: Joyce Cortez

Photographer: Patrick Prather
HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Journey To The Crown: Miss Universe 2018 TOP 10 Contenders

Who will take home the crown? Find out December 16 at 7pm ET only on FOX.

Pre-Pageant Predictions - October 8, 2018

Week 1 - Updated December 2nd
Our TOP contenders have changed. Will it be the same in Week 2?

Some contestants from our pre-pageant favorites didn't make on our TOP 10 list because they either lost their charm or doesn't have strong advocacy.

Week 2 - Updated December 9th

Our TOP contenders have changed, some girls outshined our previous favorites.

We based our TOP 10 Contenders on performance and social media values: their activities before the pageant, did the contestant exert an effort in promoting her advocacy? Did she do her media promotions? Or only posted cute and sexy photos on social media?

Miss Universe is looking for a woman who would represent their brand. Having a pretty face and perfect body is just a part of it but having a leadership ability, versatility and the ability to inspire others from her dedication in achieving her goals while living each moment - is a tad more valuable.

Who are your favorites?

Watch out for our TOP 20 after the Prelims!

By: Joyce Cortez and Natalie Mc Govern

Miss Universe 2017 TOP 16 Post Preliminary Competition

Miss Universe preliminary competition was on November 20, 2017, at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Finals and the crowning of the 66th Mis Universe will be telecast on FOX at 7 PM ET/PT on November 26, 2017.

Top 16 Post Prelims Favorites based on LIVE performance.

4 Wild Cards explained

Philippines - Rachel Peters. Miss Philippines got beauty and brains and she's adventurous. Did we mention she resembles Blake Lively? Her advocacy is about "celebrating your self-identity." Be fearless! Something that Miss Universe Organization is looking for.

Mexico - Denisse Franco. Miss Mexico is very strong on stage plus she is fighting for women's rights in her country. Women's rights and issues are very relevant in today's society because there are countries that aren't giving freedom, particularly to women.

Peru - Prissila Howard. Miss Peru is a silent killer on stage. Her presence lingers even after her presentation. She believes that following your dreams will take you far in life, do whatever it takes because we only live once.

Thailand - Maria Poonlertlarp. Miss Thailand's biggest card is her Vogue Thailand beauty cover and the strong support from her country is definitely putting her in the spotlight.

By: Joyce Cortez

Disclaimer: Online votes not included. Photos are from Miss Universe Organization and credits to photographer Patrick Prather.

TOP 10 Miss Universe 2017 Evening Gown Preliminary Competition

Miss Universe preliminary competition was held on November 20th at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The final competition and crowning of the new Miss Universe will take place on November 26, 2017.

Three words come to mind when it comes to evening gown: elegance, style and presentation! In evening gown it doesn't matter who the designer is, how intricate the design or how simple it look. It all matters on how the contestants present the gown. Is she able to sell the piece if she's on the runway and we are the side buyers?

Please keep in mind that the TOP TEN was based on the performance of the preliminary LIVE competition.

TOP 10 Favorites

1. Miss Venezuela - Keysi Sayago. Miss Venezuela is a version of a barbie doll. She paired her classic high chignon with a modern twist of lingerie-inspired, silverish-white jewelled with gold lined mesh gown. Perfect statuesque for a perfect 10!

2. Mexico - Denisse Franco. Miss Mexico's white gown was simply elegant and the way she presents it during the prelims seals the deal.

3. Nicaragua - Berenice Quezada. Miss Nicaragua has been consistent in her performance. Her 3D-flowered leaves embellished green ballroom gown with flower accessories reminds us of Mother Nature.

4. Peru - Prissila Howard. Miss Peru wore a classic hourglass and nude effect embellished gown.

5. Philippines - Rachel Peters. Miss Philippines looked stunning in gold and it seems like it's her favorite hue. Is she eyeing to get the gold too? She was wearing a nude effect gown with gold details.

6. Spain - Sofia del Prado. Miss Spain wore a feather adorned white gown which surprisingly doesn't look tacky. Miss Spain can wear anything and still look amazing!