Author:
El Maracucho en Puerto Rico
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Date Posted: 22:15:16 07/12/08 Sat
THOUGHTS OF MISS UNIVERSE
2008
Continuing the decade long tradition of posting my predictions prior to the pageant, here we are with my final predictions for Miss Universe 2008. As always, here they are listed below with explanations
TOM'S FINAL PREDICTIONS FOR MISS UNIVERSE 2008
Winner=Venezuela-Dayana Mendoza
'Dynamic Dayana' takes the prize this year simply because she outpersonalities everyone else. Not since Alicia Machado, (Venezuela's most recent Miss Universe) have I seen a Miss Venezuela bring this much laughter, excitement, and bubbliness to Miss Universe. Dayana is dynamism and could very well bring Venezuela its long awaited and much deserved Miss Universe crown after 12 years of no winners, several runner ups and two shocking and undeserved exclusions from the semifinals in 2004 and 2006. Venezuela is long overdue for a Miss Universe win and what better place for Venezuela to win it than in another country that starts with the letter 'V', Vietnam! Dayana has the glamour, the spirit, an undeniably sensational body and works that gown in true Venezuelan style. She seems to be universally favored and a lot of people fell in love with her after watching her closeup on the Miss Universe website. Dayana, you had us at 'panties'!
1st Runner Up=Mexico-Elisa Najera
After hosting the pageant last year, Mexico sends us this stunner in the form of Elisa Najera who was also the winner of the Vinpearl swimsuit award. Elisa is tall, striking and is very well put together overall. She is absolutely a strong contender. Some people think that because some members of the Mexican audience booed last year's Miss USA, Rachel Smith as well as other former Miss USAs that this could affect Elisa's placement but I don't think it should as Elisa had nothing to do with that. It is also purely coincidental that my top two are sporting yellow gowns in the preliminaries.
2nd Runner Up=India-Simran Kaur Mundi
As I mentioned earlier, Simran is the only delegate to have placed as a finalist in all 3 of the prior competitions (the National Costume, the Ao Dai and the Vinpearl Swimsuit competitions). Overall, Simran has the look, body, gown and interview skills to take her very far in the competition. The Vietnamese audience also seems to be very supportive of her much like the Thai audience in 1992 supported India's representative of that year, Madhu Sapre.
3rd Runner Up=Puerto Rico-Ingrid Marie Rivera
Well, Ingrid has been seen hanging around Donald Trump over the year and lest we forget, the notable incident when it was highly publicized that someone allegedly pepper sprayed Ingrid's gown and makeup at the Miss Puerto Rico Universe pageant. Hmmm... what could this mean? Well, Ingrid certainly will earn a high placement because she certainly has the body, gown and presentation skills. She also placed as second runner up at Miss World 2005 and gave a strong performance there as well. My instinct just tells me that this is where to place her but we'll see what happens.
4th Runner Up=USA-Crystle Stewart
I think the strategic placement of the USA as 4th runner up as it was in 2006 and 2007 may be repeated this year which is part of my reasoning for placing Crystle here. Top 5 is enough to hold the American audience to the end but realistically, I think Crystle should stay as Miss USA. Other Miss USAs have also purposely taken a step aside because there are more opportunities for them to network as Miss USA in their own country rather than having to travel internationally. As amazing as Crystle is, she certainly has the styling and experience but doesn't quite have the face to win this competition but we shall see what happens.
FINALISTS
Panama-Carolina Dementiev
This girl really worked that gown like nobody's business and has a really great body and fresh look to boot. I was pleased with her performance and expect to see her do well.
Dominican Republic-Marianne Cruz Gonzalez
I really want this girl to make the top ten so that the world can see this gown! It's really bold and sexy and definitely one-ups the sexy gown of her 1995 predecessor, Candida Lara. This gown was also worn by a Miss Venezuela contestant and some may consider it to be a little on the risqué side but she certainly carries it well and she has the body to get to this level of the competition.
Canada-Samantha Tajik
Samantha has a great body and looks among the best in gown as well and her unique background may generate enough interest in her to carry her to this level.
Australia-Laura Dundovic
Australia seems to have a tough time making it in recent years with the exception of the win of Jennifer Hawkins in 2004, the last time Australia placed was back in 1993. Jennifer Hawkins will be a judge this year so she should support her Australian compatriot. Apart from that, Laura seems to be a strong contender with a nice body and gown.
Croatia-Snjezana Loncarevic
Hrvatske has yet to place at Miss Universe since participating since 1997 and it looks like Snejzana could do it. She has a curvier frame but carries herself well and this bold red gown is certainly an eyecatcher.
SEMIFINALISTS Brazil-Natalia Anderle
Well in recent years, the first runner up from the previous year won the next year. At least this was the case in 2006 and 2007 and if this holds true then it should work in Natalia's favor since Brazil was 1st runner up last year. But the trend has been pointed out so that could break it. Natalia certainly has quite the figure and the gown is interesting but we shall see what happens.
Trinidad & Tobago-Anya Ayoung-Chee
Trinidad was notably absent from Miss Universe last year which broke the 4 year streak in the semifinals they had going but they have returned and sent a great competitor in Anya. Anya certainly is buff, seems to have the training, interviews well and works that gown in true Carnival style.
Kosovo-Zana Krasniqi
This brand new country seems to have sent a very fascinating delegate. Some people say Zana has a similar look to Angelina Jolie and she has a decent body and a bold pink gown with sexy poses that immediately make you take notice of her.
Denmark-Maria Sten-Knudsen
Stand aside Lola Odusoga, here comes Maria Sten-Knudsen! I have to say that I just love this girl's unique look. She's a sassy sistah with an awesome hairdo, attitude and really has a distinct, genuine style. Denmark's placements in the last two Miss Universe pageants were a bit questionable but this is one great Dane that I'd love to get noticed in a big way.
Korea-Sun Lee
She was in and out of my list but I decided at the last minute to keep Korea in. Yes, Korea sent a great delegate in Honey Lee last year but this year's delegate seems to work it well but doesn't seem to quite have the warm heart that exuded through Honey Lee and made her shine. Some have compared the gown to a trash bag but I suppose some would deem it fashion-forward.
ALTERNATES:
Colombia-Taliana Vargas
I really don't know what to think of Taliana. I guess she has a solid body because she placed in the top 5 of the Vinpearl swimsuit competition but I severely question the gown and I don't think whipping it around as much as she did helped. I was expecting a much better gown especially since Colombia normally delivers in the spectacular gown category so my questioning caused me to place her as an alternate.
Germany-Madina Taher
I wanted to place Tahira because I think she has a nice look and face but after careful consideration, I came to the conclusion that the gown was a big no and swimsuit wasn't quite as strong as I was hoping for but you never know.
Norway-Mariann Birkedal
She seems to be on other lists but I just don't like the gown and her styling seems a bit sloppy.
Kazakhstan-Alfina Nassyrova
I was back and forth about this one but I think she's a little on the wide side and her performance was a little subdued. I wanted to give her a spot since she has a nice look and face but I decided to place her as an alternate.
Spain-Claudia Moro
Spain, like Colombia, also placed in the top 5 of the Vinpearl swimsuit competition but I'm just not seeing it in this girl. She's looking a bit thick and I'm not really struck by her.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
New Zealand-Samantha Powell
This girl has a look that appeals to me from the neck up definitely. Body-wise, I think she could be a little better but I would actually be happy to see this girl in the semifinals. If not this year, I think New Zealand should definitely place soon as they haven't done so since 1992.
Antigua & Barbuda-Athina James
This Caribbean queen has a great smile and styling. She would be a welcome entry in the semifinals for me. She doesn't seem to be on too many lists but I think she does have a nice body and decent gown.
Albania-Matilda Mcini
A few weeks ago, I was so ready to give this girl a spot just because of that sexy pout and that distinct hairdo but her stay in Vietnam hasn't been good to her figure as she seems to have gained some weight. Fadil Berisha who is the official photographer for Miss Universe is also the national director for Albania and Kosovo (a delegate that placed in my top 15 predictions) so there may be some rhyme to that.
Ukraine-Eleonora Masalab
Well, Ukraine has been taken notice of in recent years and this year's delegate seems to be a decent contender so she's a possibility.
China-Ziya Wei
Only because their country is hosting the Olympics this year. There, I said it. She doesn't quite have the body or gown but if she makes it...we'll know why.
So there we have it, my list for this year and of course, there is plenty of room for surprises and I am expecting some but I'm not going to bother driving myself nuts trying to think about who they will be. Some that come to mind include Angola who some seem to like but I don't quite like her eyes, Czech Republic because she seems okay, Vietnam certainly does not have the body but she is the host delegate. Perhaps Belgium, Bolivia, Israel, Japan, Tanzania...I could go on but enough thinking. The mystery will be unfolded on July 13 on NBC!
ACTUAL TOP 15 MY PREDICTIONS
Winner=? Winner=Venezuela-Dayana Mendoza
1st Runner Up=? 1st Runner Up=Mexico-Elisa Najera
2nd Runner Up=? 2nd Runner Up=India-Simran Kaur Mundi
3rd Runner Up=? 3rd Runner Up=Puerto Rico-Ingrid Rivera
4th Runner Up=? 4th Runner Up=USA-Crystle Stewart
FINALISTS (alpha'l) FINALISTS
? Panama-Carolina Dementiev
? Dominican Republic-Marianne Cruz Gonzalez
? Canada-Samantha Tajik
? Australia-Laura Dundovic
? Croatia-Snjezana Loncarevic
SEMIFINALISTS (alpha'l) SEMIFINALISTS
? Brazil-Natalia Anderle
? Trinidad & Tobago-Anya Ayoung-Chee
? Kosovo-Zana Krasniqi
? Denmark-Maria Sten-Knudsen
? Korea-Sun Lee
ALTERNATES:Colombia, Germany, Norway, Kazakhstan, Spain
HONORABLE MENTIONS:New Zealand, Antigua & Barbuda, Albania, Ukraine, China
* = made actual top 15
Elisa Najera, Miss Mexico Wins the Vinpearl Swimsuit Award!
Watch out now, here comes Elisa! In a special swimsuit event, not to be confused with the official preliminary swimsuit competition, the Vinpearl Swimsuit Award was given to this Mexican stunner. Another delegate that is a top contender for this year's Miss Universe title. The four finalists were Colombia, India, Spain and USA. It is also interesting to note that Miss India is the only delegate to have placed among the finalists in the Vinpearl Swimsuit competition, the Ao Dai competition and the National Costume competition so now Simran Kaur Mundi has also become a strong contender for this year's crown as well!
'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
Above we see, Melanie Brown (a.k.a. Mel B and Scary Spice of the Spice Girls) and Jerry Springer, who will be hosting this year's Miss Universe pageant. Jerry is an experienced pageant host who hosted Miss World in 2000 and 2001 won by two of the most stunningly gorgeous Miss World winners in history: India's Priyanka Chopra and Nigeria's Agbani Darego. Mel B recently placed 2nd in an edition of 'Dancing With the Stars' and she is always dynamic on stage so I'm very excited! Jerry Springer is also quite humorous and in spite of his controversial talk show, Jerry will do a good job. Some memorable moments include the interview competition in Miss World 2000 when Jerry dared to asked Miss Turkey what she ate for Thanksgiving which was a funny moment and he also asked Miss Ukraine what she would be doing in 10 years, and she replied she would be 27...since she was 17 at the time. Below is the press release.
Tuesday June 24, 2:40 pm ET
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/.
Venezuela's Dayana Mendoza wins the Best in Ao Dai Award!
Dayana is already giving a very strong performance and she has further proven that by taking the Best in Ao Dai award. All the Miss Universe delegates modelled the traditional Vietnamese dresses made exclusively for them. The four finalists were Vietnam, Thailand, Kazakhstan and India.
And Miss Universe is off in full swing as the delegates have all arrived in Vietnam! The delegates have already concluded modelling their national costumes in the official competition held much earlier than normal this year but a top 10 has been selected consisting of Albania, Colombia, Dominican Republic, India, Kosovo, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Venezuela and Vietnam. There will be an online vote coming on the official Miss Universe site where a winner will be chosen. This is going to turn out to be quite the competition with several strong contenders and it's going to be very exciting to see what happens.
A new crown? Again?? Yes, it's true. This year, Mikimoto's crown which debuted in 2002 is being replaced by this new crown unveiled and created by CAO Fine Jewelry. I've heard varying opinions of this crown. Some say it looks very regal and eloquent whereas others think it belongs in the 80s and a lot of people don't seem to like the gold color because the Miss Universe crown is normally silver/white. In commemoration of the new crown, I thought we would take a trip down memory lane examining the Miss Universe crowns in history in a little segment, I like to call...
"Tom's Crown Affair"
The first Miss Universe crown in 1952 adorned the head of Finland's Armi Kuusela who was crowned by actress Piper Laurie. Thank God it was the only year that crown made an appearance because it was just too small and looked like a throwback to ancient British crowns. The next year, Christiane Martel of France wore a golden star-topped crown which also only had a one year appearance. From 1954 to 1960, we were given the laurel wreath star-topped silver crown as shown here modelled by Miriam Stevenson in 1954 and Linda Bement in 1960. Linda Bement then modelled the new 'orbit' crown perhaps more suited to the Universe title, which was also worn by the 1961 and 1962 winners, Marlene Schmidt of Germany and Norma Nolan of Argentina, respectively. Both the 1961 and 1962 pageants coincidentally were hosted by the legendary talk show host Johnny Carson. In 1963, we saw the first draft of the longest-running crown, which had the design of the woman in the center holding a scepter. This beautiful design became increasingly perfected around 1973 and held steady as the crown that everyone would come to associate with the Miss Universe pageant for many years and to many people will remain the eternally official Miss Universe crown. It adorned the heads of Miss Universe winners for almost 40 years up until 2002 when the new Mikimoto sponsor pearl crown, bearing a striking resemblance to the NBC peacock logo made its debut. The next year, the Miss Universe pageant moved from the CBS network to NBC which brings us to the present and Miss Universe 2007, Riyo Mori unveiling the new CAO Fine Jewelry crown for Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam. Rumor has it that this crown may only be for this year. If we revert back to the Mikimoto crown next year, it will be the first time in history that an old crown returned. Who will wear the new crown? We'll find out on July 13 on NBC!
More updates will be coming including my highly anticipated predictions which will be posted after I have reviewed all the delegates after they compete in the preliminary competition.
Aquí la página http://www.tpmum.com/vinp08t5.jpg
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