Am sorry if this is coming late and without notice. Over the last month I received tons of emails, some have even reached out to me via Twitter and Facebook asking if I would be covering the pageant this year and giving my predictions – some going as far as saying that they trust me the most and will hold out until they have heard from me. To all of you my sincerest thanks for your patronage.
To be completely honest with you I still consider myself an outsider in the pageant coverage circle. I don’t do any year round kind of coverage that most if not all pageant experts do. And I can’t really name, names of former contestants and match that to what they did or how they walked, etc. I do however have an interest in watching the pageant and making a game out of guessing (intelligently) who makes the cut to the Top 15.
In the 9 years that I have been doing this I would like to think that I have a pretty good track record as detailed below.
2001: Predicted Miss Universe. 7 out of 10 finalists
2002: Predicted Miss Universe. 6 out of 10 finalists
2003: 12 out of 15 finalists
2004: 10 out of 15 finalists
2005: 11 out of 15 finalists
2006: Predicted Miss Universe. 12 out of 20 finalists
2007: 7 out of 15 finalists (11 counting alternates)
2008: Predicted Miss Universe. 10 out of 15 finalists
So how do I do this? Like I said I make intelligent guesses based on a couple of factors.
First is how well a delegate performed during the preliminary competition. The preliminaries are basically a long swimsuit and evening gown competition, a grueling 2-3 hour event where each of the 82 delegates parades on stage one after the other. As you can imagine you have to stand out to get through and make the cut. This year the preliminary competition was broadcast live via U-Stream making reasonably good quality versions available on the web. This gave most pageant fans a chance to make better choices when selecting their winners.
Other factors that we don’t get to see however but are equally as important is the panel interview – where delegates meet with the preliminary judges and are asked a series of questions. The pageant organizers are also given a free hand at selecting some of the semifinalists although this number has never been published. The so-called Trump’s discretion however is important and must be taken into consideration also. You may think that this ain’t fair – and perhaps to a certain degree it ain’t. But at the end of the day the Miss Universe title is a job – and the organization should have a say at who they select to hold the responsibility.
Having said that here are my picks for 2009.
TOP 5
1 – Dominican Republic (Gut Pick): A pageant veteran, even considered a front runner to win Ms World a few years back, Ada Aimee De la Cruz is to me the strongest delegate this year. Her long legs and trim figured make her excellent in swimsuit, and her walk is one of the best, very confident and polished. She is also undeniably very, very stunning and exudes a big presence on stage. I believe she’d make a good miss Universe. And I think its about time we have a stunning brown beauty wearing the crown don’t you think?
1 – France (My Pick): If you look closely right after Ms. Venezuela was crowned last year, she did this yeah I won reaction with her fist – a very playful gesture that was un-beauty queen like but in a good way. It showed that she had a very cool and quirky demeanor – not the pageant queen type of attitude. I see the same vibe in Chloe Mortaud. I think she’d make a great Miss Universe. She did really well in the preliminaries and am pretty sure she will sail through to the Top 5 with ease. If all goes well her natural beauty and fresh could very well give her the title. As a plus she is one of the few Ms. France’s that I‘ve seen that can speak good English.
3 – South Africa: If you take a look at her photos on the net, Tatum Keshwar doesn’t stand out if compared with other girls. But even if she isn’t the most beautiful lady in the pageant – she is striking on stage. I can’t really put my foot on it but she oozes with that all important X-Factor on stage. Coupled with good speaking skills, and a fresh demeanor. She is a strong contender for the title. I consider her a shoo in for the Top 5 as well.
4 – Venezuela: To be completely honest Stefania Fernandez didn’t do as well as expected during the preliminaries. I didn’t quite like her posture and her evening gown styling. But really if you take away all that make up, she has one of the most beautiful and fresh faces of the pageant. My wish for her is that she tones it down a bit and goes with a more natural look for the pageant. I know a lot of people have taken her off their lists but I am taking a risk and putting her as high as number 4. She has such a bubbly personality and sash-factor aside she could very well make it a back to back win for Venezuela.
5 Indonesia: Not the most gorgeous of all the Asians but I think the strongest of all the Asian delegates this year. During the preliminaries Zivanna Letisha Siregar did really well. Her long legs helped her stand out during the swimsuit competition. And she did reasonably well in the evening gown segment. I think she will do really well and can very well land in the Top 5.
TOP 10
6 – Russia: Sofia Rudyeva is classy, elegant, and sophisticated. Her web interview shows maturity and intelligence too. Having said that though there seems to have been an issue concerning racy nude photos that she took when she was 15. Based on my assessment this could hurt her chances of winning the title. However – performance wise, there is no doubt that she deserves to be in the Top 10. I’m placing her as high as 6.
7 – Australia: An early front-runner Rachael Finch of Australia’s is another one of those natural beauties, with a bubbly personality. I’d like for her to go far, but she seems to lack that certain pizzaz when on stage and I am afraid that come pageant night that will affect her chances. If she can turn it on I am quite sure she can go all the way to win the title.
8 – USA: I personally think she is a pageant patty. All her moves seem calculated – for example how she tentatively went into a spin during the evening gown preliminary competition in an attempt to get her dress to fly into the air for added drama. I must admit that Kristen Dalton is stunningly beautiful, and expect her to go far. But I don’t see her winning the title this year. I could be wrong but my guy says otherwise.
9 – Czech Republic: A tall stunning blonde Lveta Lutovska is another strong contender who underwhelmed during the preliminaries. I think however that her performance is strong enough to make it to the Top 10. She has lovely lines, a great body and a beautiful face. I am just not convinced that she has that youthful look that judges look for. Expect her to do well nonetheless.
10 – Colombia: I wish she had not cut her hair because she was stunning. But still her presence on stage more than makes up for it. Michelle Rouillard is a long shot for the title, but I expect her to get through and do well. She speaks excellent English and aside from having a great personality she seems to be very intelligent as well.
TOP 15
11 – Philippines: The entire decade has seen a drought for Miss Philippines. And even if I think she could have done much better in the semis I save a spot on my list for Bianca Manalo. She is probably the most beautiful delegate from Asia, but doesn’t have the best body to match. Her problem however was that she seems to have rushed through her preliminary walks. That aside I think she is a great delegate and perhaps also because of national pride I think she could pretty well make it. I hope she does well.
12 – Puerto Rico: When I saw videos of Mayra Matos Perez win Miss Puerto Rico I knew she would be a tough contender at this year’s pageant. But she was lack luster during the prelims. To be honest probably not enough to get into the Top 15, but I want to give her another chance, considering that other factors are in play. She was stunning when competing for her national title, if she can bring that back she can go much further. Win even.
13 – Mexico: I’m not a big fan of Karla Carrillo but her toned down, natural look during the preliminary evening gown competition made me take a second look at her. She is here to compete for sure and I think she will bring all the Latina fire to her game if she makes it. I don’t think she will perform anywhere close to her predecessor though. She tries hard but in the end I think she will miss the mark for the title.
14 – Belgium: I really hope the judges don’t overlook Zeynep Sever. She has a unique look, not the traditional pageant type – but very lovely nonetheless. I think she competed well and deserves a slot in the Top 15. Aside from her cute face, she has a great body and competed well in the swimsuit competition. Am hoping she wears something else in the evening gown though as her dress was just so-so. That’s it if she makes it that far.
15 – Japan: Most experts will say that Japan won’t make the cut. Her evening gown presentation was flawed, but she has such a stunning face. My hopes is that she gets in c/o a Trump card. If she does, I’m quite sure she will get into the top 10 and if she and changes her evening gown will make it to the Top 5 and could very well win the title.
ALTERNATES:
Any of the remaining 7 would be welcome replacements to my Top 15
Netherlands
Jamaica
Ghana
Honduras
China
Guatemala
Spain
WILD CARD:
Not my picks but would not be surprised if they made an appearance in the Top 15:
United Kingdom
Vietnam
Bahamas
1. Mexico: (Personal Pick) Having stood out during the course of pageant related activities, there is no doubt in my mind that if all goes well Mexico’s Elisa Najera will take home the crown at this year’s Miss Universe pageant. She has one of the most beautiful faces overall not to mention that great body and walk that won her the swimsuit special event last week. What would it take for her to win? Remain consistent, dazzle us with an amazing gown presentation, deliver a confident final answer, and turn the magic on. 
1. Venezuela: (Gut Feeling Pick) If anyone comes close to Mexico it would be this stunner from Venezuela. Heavily favored to win very early on in the competition Diana Mendoza really has what it takes to become the next Miss Universe. On stage however I’d wish she’d tone it down a bit (especially the head flips). A little more maturity and sophistication will go a long way for her. Having covered beauty pageants for years I have learned never to count a Venezuelan out, because their intense preparation and fighting spirit have got even the not so beautiful ones all the way to the Top 3, how much more are the chances of a stunner like Diana.
3. USA: I wasn’t too excited when I found out that Crystle Stewart was crowned Miss USA. But her consistent performance while in Vietban just tells me that she will surely be in the Top 5. My guess is that she will be 2nd runner up. You have to reward consistency, this girl is just spot on, doing everything right. Very elegant and genuinely a nice person.
4. Colombia: One of the freshest faces in the pageant Taliana Vargas is a personal favorite beauty wise. I just love her simple look, she will make a great Miss Universe. The reason I have not placed her any higher is because she looked too giddy during the preliminary competition. I was not too fond of her evening gown either. Hopefully all this changes for the final night.
5. Panama: A late bloomer in the competition Carolina Justavino flew under my radar until the preliminary competition where she delivered awesome performances in both swimsuit and evening gown competitions. I expect her to do good, perhaps good enough for the top 5. 
6. Puerto Rico: Controversial Ingrid Rivera needs no introduction, as she made waves long before any of the delegates arrived in Vietnam. I’ve heard Ingrid had surgery to fix her nose, I’m sure that’s quite common in the world of pageants today, but I am more inclined to prefer natural beauties (including the 5 names I’ve placed ahead of her). Still it goes without saying that she is well prepared for this competition, and her evening gown is one of the best we saw during the preliminaries. 
7. India: One of the most beautiful Miss Indias in a long time Simran Kaur Mundi was consistent throughout the entire competition, she was a finalist during the special swimsuit event held last week, and even during the evening gown competition where she had an ugly dress on she still managed to look great. 
8. Australia: Laura Dundovic is another stunner from down under. He class and style reminds me of Jennif Hawkins (who coincidentally is judging this year’s pageant). I don’t know if she was as on fire as the other ladies in my Top 5, having said that I think she will at least make it to the top 10. 
9. Japan: Very little media attention has been given to Riyo Mori’s successor as Miss Japan. Her sash-aside, Hiroko Mima has one of the most exotic looks in the entire pageant. The problem is that I hear she does not want to win the pageant this year, I hope this is not true as I secretly want Japan to go all the way and win two years in a row. I believe Hiroko would make an awesome Miss Universe.
10. Korea: The other Ines Ligron student, Sun Lee really wants to take home the title this year. Her height may put her at a disadvantage but she surely has the look. My only comment is that she sometimes looks like she’s trying too hard with an over done walk. 
11. South Africa: Definitely the best delegate coming out of Africa Tansey Coetzee looked hot during the preliminary swimsuit competition. We usually see two black delegates in the Top 15 every year, this year I think it will be USA and South Africa. 
12. Thailand: One the top delegates from Asia this year Thailand’s Gavintra Photijak surprised everyone with awesome performances during last weeks presentation show. I’m pretty her named will be called among the Top 15. 
14. Kosovo: Its Kosovo’s first time to compete at Miss Universe. Aside from first time luck, Zana Krasniqi has a “unique” look, and exudes a “unique” vibe. If the judges didn’t notice I’d say the Miss Universe Organization probably will. 
15. Vietnam: Vietnam’s Lam Thuy Nguyen has a lovely face but I wouldn’t have placed her on my list if not for her sash, and the fact that 3 out of the 6 preliminary judges are from Vietnam. But that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. She a shoo in for the Top 15.
1.) KOREA: When one girl is too hot a favorite I often pause to make sure I’m not just jumping onto the bandwagon. But, after much thought, I am quite convinced that Korea is the woman to beat this year. She just looks more and more beautiful with each passing day, and that is vital in the days leading up to the pageant, especially in a month-long competition like this; you can’t run out of steam instead you need to build the momentum all the way to the finish. I really think its time an Asian woman of oriental descent wears the crown and I believe Honey Lee has both the beauty and the brains that would make her a great Miss Universe.
1.) USA: Even before the start of the pageant, I’ve had a funny feeling that this might be one of those years that Miss USA is crowned Miss Universe. After the preliminary competition, I must say that chances are high for Rachel Smith. Her natural beauty, and bubbly personality are endearing. She also comes to Mexico well prepared to win the title. I also must give her props for performing so well despite the constant jeers every time she makes an appearance in public. Again with both good looks and a great brain, this lady would also make a good Miss Universe.
3.) VENEZUELA: Personally I don’t think Ly Jonaitis is among most beautiful woman in the pageant this year. She seems overly made up, maybe to compensate for whatever she is lacking. However, Venezuela, being the pageant superpower that it is, has done a great job in making this lady over. In Mexico, Ly has really shown brightly throughout the competition and I take it she’s more than prepared to strut herself come pageant night. Whether it be in photos or in video she has a way of making her presence felt, and honestly she did quite well in her interview also. A strong delegate overall she is not one to be overlooked.
4.) THAILAND: Farung Yuthithum was actually crowned by Zuleyka Rivera Miss Universe 2006 back in Bangkok last year, and I would not be a surprise if Zuleyka also crowns her as her successor tonight. Another strong delegate from Asia, Thailand did extremely well during the preliminaries (in both swimsuit and more so in evening gown). Its worth mentioning that I was not as impressed with her interview as the other ladies in my top 5, however at 5″11 Farung is the tallest delegate from Asia, and if Donald’s looking for a Asian supermodel, she’d fit the bill perfectly. Also wouldn’t it be great to see Thailand and Korea in the top two…just like what happened in 1988.
5.) ESTONIA: Eastern Europe sent a couple of formidable blonds this year and on top of that list is Miss Estonia. Viktoria Azovskaja looks like a supermodel version of Paris Hilton. Although based on close up photos, I wouldn’t say that Viktoria is the most beautiful delegate but she definitely has the personality. She was very candid and sweet in her interview and I was very impressed with her performance in the preliminaries. I hope she does well, expect her to charm her way into the semis and beyond.
6.) JAPAN: After last year’s spectacular performance, expect Japan to do very well this year. I’d say Rio Mori is enjoying a bit of hype coming from the success of her predecessor, not that she hasn’t been creating waves on her own. For example on her own account she had the best evening gown during the preliminaries, a Gucci dress from the 2007 Spring/Summer collection (although I expect her to wear something else during pageant night). I’m only saying this because she isn’t the prettiest Asian delegate, in fact a couple of others are far more superior than her, however she’s been getting a lot of attention from the beginning. Rio wasn’t superb in the swimsuit competition, and not as superb in the interview, but I expect her to place, nonetheless.
7.) ITALY: A pleasant surprise from the preliminaries, Valentina Massia is once again proof that performance in the preliminaries can make or break a delegate. I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing her as go as far as the top ten if not even more. She’s looked stellar in her swim suit, although she does look dangerously thin, then again look where that got Zuleyka (last year’s winner). It would be very interesting how far she is able to go tonight, but I think she has real elegance and class, and wouldn’t mind seeing the crown on her head either.
8.) MEXICO: Who can forget the home town bet, Rosa Maria Ojeda Cuen. It isn’t always tradition to give the host delegate a spot in the semifinals and we’ve seen that not happen plenty of times. It is always a welcome treat however, especially with a lively home crowd like this. But not to worry, I think Mexicans are in for a treat this year. Rosa is obviously trained in old world pageant school. I really hope they look for a more natural beauty and not one that is overly made up.
9.) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: I’m a bit torn going back and forth between her photos and her video. Over the last few years Dominican Republic has been fielding very strong delegates. This year is no exception Massiel Taveras is well prepared and did great in the preliminaries. My only complaint is that her looks aren’t at par as most of the girls on this list. Still one cannot overlook preliminaries, and I think her performance there is good enough to get her this far.
10.) SPAIN: A favorite early on, I’m quite disappointed with Spain’s overall performance in the preliminaries, I think she could have done much better. I’ve always felt that her being a favorite can be attributed to that amazing fashion photoshoot with Fadil Berisha. Most of her photos on the other hand show that she actually has quite a strong jaw and is not that stunning.
11.) SOUTH AFRICA: Photos throughout the pageant have shown Megan Coleman to be an very lovely woman, with a fresh, face and an amazing body. But something about the way she looked during the preliminaries made me change the way I’ve thought about her. She looked a bit old and maybe that’s because of the hairdo, but get her to change that and maybe her evening gown and maybe she’ll do better.
12.) PUERTO RICO: This girl’s been off my list for the duration of the pageant, because of her shall we say “unconventional” looks. Again the preliminaries are important and when it mattered I think she delivered. She has a great catwalk, and long graceful legs. Many count her out but I think she could pretty much make it into the semifinals. Will just have to wait and see.
13.) GUATEMALA: Guatemala has only had two semifinalists ever, first in 1955 and then in 1984. It would be great is 2007 be the year they break the dry spell. I’ve literally not been paying attention, but Alida Boer did captivate me with amazing performances in both legs of the preliminaries. With that latin flair she did amazing on the catwalk, has a great bod, and even a great gown choice. The tallest delegate this year she has ironically been overlooked, still I hope the judges saw what I saw in her and give her that chance to go even further. 
14.) PHILIPPINES: If you look at close up shots, out of all the women from Asia, the Philippines Ana Theresa Lecaros has one of the most stunning faces out of the bunch (except for maybe Miss Korea). At the same time I expect her to have given the judges one of the best preliminary interviews over any one else. However I’m not totally convinced by her preliminaries performance. I’m hoping she did enough to take her through to the Top 15. Get her to let her hair down and change that evening gown and she should make the Top 10.
15.) GREECE: One of the biggest disappointments of the preliminary pageant is Greece. A stunner from early on, Doukissa Nomikou’s flame died town too early. I don’t know if she had enough to get her all the way to semifinals. I’m hoping she did. Looks wise Doukissa has that mystical gaze. She’s another one of those photogenic ladies that did amazing in her Fail Berisha photoshoot. Alas its one thing to look amazing in photos and another to shine on stage when it matters most. 
16.) TANZANIA: A recent Associated Press article quoted Ms. Tanzania as saying she decided to shave all her hair off so that she wouldn’t be defined by how her hair looks. Ironically the lack of it has perhaps got her the most attention. I’m not sure if her preliminary performance was good enough to have pulled her up into the semifinals though. She looked sexy in the swimsuit competition, but chose a lackluster evening gown. This one we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
Kidding aside it is a testament to the way way the gown is cut, and really does well in highlighting her long, slender curves. The beading is not overdone and is very elegant and regal overall.
1. Puerto Rico / Zuleyka Rivera / 18 / 5â€9 – My personal choice for the crown, Zuleyka performed the best during preliminaries. She has an awesome figure, a lovely face, and just oozes with sex appeal. She is well prepared for this competition though I would have wished she had waited a couple of years more to mature a bit because many have commented about her being too giggly during the personality interviews.
1. Mexico / Prisclia Perales / 23 / 5â€8 – Though not my personal choice for the title – my gut tells me that she is the woman to beat this year. Overall she’s got the complete package – beauty, body and brains. She exudes lots of grace on the catwalk while at the same time is very articulate, oh and she reminds me a lot of last year’s winner Natalie.
3. Colombia / Valerie Dominguez / 25 / 5â€9 – I may sound like a broken record already but its true – preliminary competition performance matters a whole lot, Valerie is a great example of this. For the longest time she had been floating around my favorites list but it was not till after the preliminary photos came out that I knew she deserved to be much higher. She is a shoo-in for the Top 5.
4. Canada / Alice Panikian / 20 / 6â€1 – A mega favorite from the very start, Alice kinda sizzled down a bit during the last few weeks of the competition. I personally thought she would be the hands down favorite to win but sub-par performance during the preliminaries hurt her chances. I’d love to see her come back with fire during pageant night. She has the potential to win this pageant, and even on her worst day she’d still come as far as the Top 5. I would also love to see the first ever back to back win by a country at the Miss Universe Pageant.
5. Ukraine / Inna Tsymbaliuk / 21 / 5â€9 – Talk about energy and how it can make such a difference. This girl wasn’t even on my favorites list a couple of weeks back but look where she ended up. She really worked the ramp during both portions of the preliminaries and now she’s made her way onto so many favorites lists. I wish she’d change her evening gown for the finals though or else I’d give the 5th spot to someone else (to any of the next two).As a side note it is also worth mentioning that Inna is the first contestant under the new Miss Ukraine franchise headed by former Miss Ukraine Alexandra Nikolayenko. If you recall Alexandra was a huge favorite (including mine and Trump’s) to win in 2004 but she didn’t even make the semis. A year later she was invited back to judge the 2005 Pageant – a move many consider to be The Donald’s way of apologizing. This year she’s been seen standing by the side of Mr. and Mrs. Trump during one of the pageant functions.
6. Australia / Erin McNaught / 24/ 5â€9 – Another big favorite since the beginning, she’s managed to overcome the controversy that surfaced just weeks before the official start of the pageant when topless photos and calls for her dethronement were all over the news (I don’t think it will matter). Erin is one of the most beautiful delegates this year and is also one of the most intelligent, however during preliminaries she failed to impress me much, maybe because of the high hopes that I had for her. Again a spark during coronation night will work to her advantage.
7. Switzerland / Lauriane Gilllieron / 21 / 5â€7 – I’ve seen a major transformation since Lauriane competed in Miss World 2005. Back as an amazing blonde bombshell this girl has a great body and a lovely face – the best I’ve seen this year. I’d also like a gown change for her – something more sophisticated. She’s the last person on this list that I consider to have the potential to win the title.
8. Israel / Anastacia Entin / 21 / 5â€8 – I recognize it is a bit risky putting Israel this way up on my list. She isn’t on any other favorites list out there. But there have always been surprises in the history of the pageant and I see lots of potential of her being one of them. First her selection would be a great political choice – after all back home her country is going to war against Lebanon. Secondly she qualifies on her own merit. Not only does she have a lovely face, I think she also did well during the preliminaries, especially during the swimsuit competition.
9. Trinidad & Tobago / Kenisha Thom / 22 / 5â€8 – A pageant veteran from Miss World 2004, Kenisha is another one of those girls who crept up my list after a superb preliminary competition. She is the best black delegate this year and I expect that she will do well enough in the swimsuit competition to make the cut from 20 to 10. A bright colored gown is on my wish list for her. Although it has no bearing on the standings I think she’s also among the top 2 in national costume.
10. Philippines / Lia Andrea Ramos / 25 / 5â€8 – I am proud to say that from just one photograph I had picked Lia to win the Bb Pilipinas Universe title earlier this year. And I agree with those who say she is the strongest delegate the Philippines has sent to Miss Universe since Miriam Quiambao in 1999. Nonetheless I was quite disappointed with her overall performance to think that she came in as a big favorite to win. I can see her going further then 10 if she lets her hair down later tonight. I’d love to see Lia winning Ms. Congeniality – she has such a bubbly personality and an amazing smile.
11. India / Neha Kapur / 23 / 5â€10 – At the beginning I had problems determining if Neha deserved a slot on my list. A lot of photos had her in weird positions that covered her face and body. Although she isn’t as beautiful as many of the girls on this list she just oozes with sensuality and appeal. It’s this x-factor that’s going to get her this far into the competition.
12. Dominican Republic / Mia Taveras / 20 / 5â€11 – Its been a more than a year already but I’m still in love with last year’s Miss Dominican Republic. The warmth she exuded still touches my heart to this day, but enough about her. Mia is another strong delegate from the Caribbean nation that brought us a stunning Miss Universe in 2002. Although something tells me she could end up being one of the girls on my list who doesn’t make it I’d like to think that her awesome gown choice during the prelims will be enough to get her a slot – there are 20 after all.
13. Brazil / Rafeala Zanella / 19 / 5â€11 – Rafella doesn’t look nineteen, and when she poses for the cameras or hits the runway she exudes sensuality that is well beyond her years. Although she is not a personal favorite she undoubtedly also has that “it” factor and I can see her getting this far in the competition. I’m glad though that Brazil has finally come out of its old-pageant style. This year’s performance was much more contemporary in the pageant sense.
14. Bolivia / Desiree Duran / 20 / 5â€10 – A personal favorite early on there isn’t a day that Desiree doesn’t remind me of Miss Universe 2002 Amelia Vega. This comparison hurts her in the sense that she is missing something that Amelia has although I can’t put my hand on it. But maybe it’s just me. I hope she does well.
15. USA / Tara Conner / 20 / 5â€5 – Height is going to be the biggest challenge Tara is going to have to face. Being so small her proportions aren’t sometimes ideal especially with her choice of evening gown during the prelims. But we need to be realistic – there is no way that the hometown girl won’t make it – she’s Miss USA! I’m curious to find out if she’ll be wearing the gown that was designed for her on the reality show Project Runway.
16. Indonesia / Nadine Chandrawinata / 21 / 5â€8 – I have a feeling that there’s more to last year’s inclusion of Indonesia into the semifinals then by merit alone. I think it was to give Indonesia that pat on the back for braving the staunch opposition back home. It was also their first appearance and we’ve seen a lot of first time success stories at Miss Universe. Nadine though I believe really deserves a slot on this list. She is another of those interestingly beautiful delegates thanks to the mix of Indonesian and German genes. The one-piece swimsuit may hurt her chances of getting in or getting further but I admire the charm that she exudes on stage.
17. Poland / Francys Sudnicka / 26 / 5â€9 – A swimsuit photo by the pool was what first got my attention to this European beauty. It’s no surprise that she went on to do great in the preliminary swimsuit competition as well. Her evening gown is being praised by some – I just don’t like the tossed up hair look. I hope she gets in.
18. Japan / Kurara Chibana / 24 / 5â€8 – I’m going to go out on a limb here and give a slot to Japan. Although I don’t like her walk, there’s something about her that has struck me since seeing her in her samurai national costume (which I think she will be awarded for). The deciding factor was a backstage photo from last Thursday’s national costume taping.
19. Sri Lanka / Jacqueline Fernandez / 20 / 5â€7 – Jacqueline reminds me of actress Eva Mendez, without a doubt she is best delegate from Sri Lanka that we’ve seen in a long time. I really hopes she gets into the Top 20, her personality interview on the Miss U website sounded a bit scripted but it also shows how passionate she is to win the crown.
20. Ghana / Angela Asare / 20 / 6â€2 – At six feet and two inches it is hard for Angela not to stand out. She could well be the tallest delegate in history (correct me if I’m wrong) and with those beautiful long legs, reminds me of Naomi Campbell while on the runway. I must admit though I expected her to be prettier based on photos of her I had seen prior to the pageant. I’m not so sure if she doesn’t just photograph well.
Thailand / Charm Onwarin Osathanond / 19 / 5â€8 – I was telling a friend just the other day that I had a crush on Charm, she seems very sweet and is actually very pretty. I just don’t think she is at that elite level of competition yet. But there are some interesting factors that keep playing at the back of my mind, first being that former Miss Universe 1988 Porntip Bui from Thailand was a preliminary judge, second there’s a lot of Thai influence on this pageant, sponsors BSC Swimwear (a local Thai brand) and Singha Beer and third after Miss Thailand – last year’s host delegate failed to make it to the semis last year even if she deserved it – this could be the organization’s way of making it up to the country. (I have a strong feeling this is going to happen). But if you ask me I dream of another situation like 1988 where girls from East Asia would dominate the Top 5 and eventually someone from our part of the globe winning back the crown.
Nicaragua / Cristiana Frixione Medonza / 22 / 5â€8 – My favorite just didn’t have enough power left to last that crucial part of the competition. I don’t think she quite made it though I’d be very happy if she did.
Belgium / Tatiana Silva / 21 / 5â€8 – After all that writing I’ve got very little left to say. Tatiana has a beautiful face and she also did well during the preliminaries. She just didn’t make my cut.It’s already past 3am here. See you all in about 6 hours. For the sake of transparency I’ve decided to leave this list as is even if something occurs to me in my sleep. So looking forward to seeing what happens tomorrow.I’m sure the pageant will be great. I especially look forward to seeing Shandi and Carson provide the color commentary.
