Miss Universe 2006 Review

It was a night when Los Angeles lived up to its name. In July 23, 9 p.m. the city’s Shrine Auditorium was full of angelic beauties from around the world. It’s Miss Universe 2006 and all eyes are focused on who will take away the crown.

What is so notable is that this year, the flavor is very Latin. Statistics shows that the American general public is not interested in the pageant anymore whereas their Latin neighbors – from Mexico to Argentina – are following the pageant intently. No wonder the panel of judges was Latin heavy. The entertainers are Latinos and Nancy O’Dells co-host Carlos Ponce was never heard outside the Latin world.

Los Angeles lived up to its reputation though as the virtual capital of the world of entertainment and Miss Universe 2006 was caught in that aura. I like the fact that this year, Miss Universe delegates gave some few words about themselves while wearing their national costumes. This is the tradition by which Miss Universe is closely associated with. It is unfortunate though that the delegates simply stated their name, age and country. There’s more fun when – like they did in the past – the delegates would greet the audience in their native language ranging from “Olas” to “Namaste”.

THE STAGE
Wearing Tadashi dresses Miss Universe 2006 contestants perform the opening number of the 2006 Miss Universe competition at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Miss Universe LP LLP)

The City of Angels

As everyone would agree, the most exciting part of the pageant was when the semi-finalists are called. Probably it is more exciting than the part where the winner is called because in most instances, the results are quite obvious. We are confident that Puerto Rico, Japan, Switzerland, U.S.A., Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, India and Ukraine will make it to the top twenty. We suspect that Denmark (thanks to her ala-Paris Hilton face and innate charm), Ethiopia (perhaps the leading African delegate) and Thailand (thank the sponsorship, a judge and a hosting job) will make it to the top twenty. Apparently, we are clueless about Paraguay, Russia, Sweden and Hungary. The results gave our predictions at 60% hit rate with the predicted 1st runner-up ending up as the winner.

Not everyone will be satisfied by the top twenty of course. In particular, we missed so many delegates that we thought will make it. Missing in the list are Australia, Belgium, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Poland, Spain and the Philippines. Miss Australia Erin McNaught was touted as a frontrunner along with Miss Canada Alice Panikian and that she may show a performance in par with Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins. Miss Belgium Tatiana Silva was given a low rank in our predictions but we saw the spark inside this Belgian mademoiselle with Cape Verdean blood. Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez is by far the strongest Miss Sri Lanka ever and it’s still a wonder why she didn’t make it.

The greatest shock of course is Miss Venezuela Jicztad Viña. We suspect that since Hugo Chavez made rhetoric against United States, Venezuelans fared poorly in the pageant and this is a very disturbing for a beauty pageant superpower! (In 2004, they also failed to make it to the top 15 despite that the host is a Latin American country). Miss Poland Francys Sudnicka’s exclusion is also a big disappointment. I cannot see anything wrong with her performance during the preliminary competition. And of Miss Spain Elisabeth Reyes as well! Reyes is a spunky-classy-aristocratic señorita that deserves a place in the top twenty. Yet, again the Philippines missed the final berth. There is no doubt that Miss Philippines Lia Andrea Ramos can be an excellent top five finalist yet as expected, the Philippines will not fare well and could be content in receiving the Miss Photogenic award.

Bringing Down the House

The first contestant to be called onstage was Puerto Rico and it instantly put the stage afire. I can tell that there are lots of Latin fans in the Shrine Auditorium and this is followed by Filipino fans. There’s lots of flag waving, chanting and cheering going on.

Miss Hungary
Shocked? So are we! (Miss Universe LP LLP)

But of course a lot were disappointed and shocked the night. I loved Miss hungary's reaction which shows that nobody expected her to fare this well!

The Top Twenty in general is an excellent bunch. Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico showed a lot of confidence. Confidence is oozing in every inch of her. Miss Denmark Betina Faurbye on the other hand has a lot of class. I suspected long ago she will do well on the finals.

Miss Switzerland Lauriane Gillieron is one of the experienced women that night. She had attained good experience from her stint at Miss World and she used that to her advantage. Another confident semi-finalist is Miss Colombia Valerie Dominguez. It is as if ending the Colombian title drought is a walk in the park.

And Miss Russia! Isn't Anna Litvinova just downright wonderful! It's amazing we didn't see her shine before. Top ranked Alice Panikian of Canada is also confident in her moves. It's either she's definitely sure that "a Canada now, Canada later" scenario will happen or she's absolutely sure its not going to happen.

And the Pageant Goes On...

As the scores of every semi-finalists were brought down to zero, a fresh new start began with the swimsuit competition.

I have lot of things to say in this segment but it would be better to discuss the highlights. With confidence raging on Canada, Colombia and Switzerland shined. There is something amateurish with Miss Japan Kurara Chibana but such rawness turned out to be an advantage. She looks young in a sea of mature women. Miss Bolivia Desiree Duran is absolutely an Amelia Vega. I just love her.

Amazingly, Paraguay’s Lourdes Arevalos didn’t shine until now. How could we possibly miss her? Of course Miss Mexico Priscila Perales and Miss Ukraine Inna Tsymbalyuk wowed us all. Their moves are polished and they are absolutely on the right track to the crown.

Worth to mention is Denmark's heart-melting charm and Argentina's Magali Romitelli's sweetness. Magali is not actually someone we can pinpoint as strong. I don't like her up-close interview but knowing that such didn't play a vital role in choosing the semi-finalists, it doesn't matter anymore.

Miss Ethiopia Dina Fekadu needs a lot of polishing in her catwalk. Unlike Kenisha Thom of Trinidad and Tobago - who takes the stage in swimsuit with a storm - Dina is very raw. Her height and great legs are her saving grace though.

During the swimwear segment, Chelo and his dancers provided visual and audio backdrop. One thing though: can't Miss Universe Organization pick an internationally acclaimed performers?

top 20
With Chelo and his dancers behind them, Priscila Perales, Miss Mexico 2006; Inna Tsymbaliuk, Miss Ukraine 2006; Magali Romitelli, Miss Argentina 2006; Neha Kapur, Miss India 2006; Lourdes Arevalos, Miss Paraguay 2006; Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006; Adrienn Bende, Miss Hungary 2006; Desiree Duran, Miss Bolivia 2006; Charm Onwarin Osathanond, Miss Thailand 2006; Kenisha Thom, Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2006; Rafaela Zanella, Miss Brazil 2006; Josephine Alhanko, Miss Sweden 2006; Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan 2006; Alice Panikian, Miss Canada 2006; Anna Litvinova, Miss Russia 2006; Dina Fekadu, Miss Ethiopia 2006; Valerie Domínguez, Miss Colombia 2006; Lauriane Gilliéron, Miss Switzerland 2006; Betina Faurbye, Miss Denmark 2006, and Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006, pose in their BSC Swimwear Thailand swimsuits and Nina shoes during the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 2006 Miss Universe competition from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 23rd, 2006. A panel of distinguished celebrity judges is now determining which contestant will become the 55th Miss Universe at the conclusion of the 2-hour telecast. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

The Top 10

One of the hilarious part of Miss Universe is the presence of Carson Kressley from TV series "The Queer Eye..." His comments are definitely funny at times but the general audience loved him. Together with Shandi Finnesey (2004 Miss Universe 1st runner-up and Miss USA Universe 2004), they did a great job in providing commentaries to the pageant.

Except for Miss Paraguay, all top ten finalists were rather expected. We all knew that Donald Trump has the right to choose 5 semifinalists and whoever they are, someone from that list was surely left behind. Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia, Japan, Puerto Rico, USA, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia and Paraguay were excellent choices. Of course, we hate to see Misses India and Ukraine go.

The top ten delegates then competed through an evening gown competition.

For the newbies, Miss Canada's gown is heavenly but most of us knew that this design has been overused. To be fair however, Alice carried her gown well and she look smashing. Miss Trinidad and Tobago is very regal. She's got the exotic look and her pale yellow gown is great. I honestly think though that a body-hugging dress would be more advantageous.

top 10
Alice Panikian, Miss Canada 2006; Kenisha Thom, Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2006; Desiree Duran, Miss Bolivia 2006; Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan 2006; Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006; Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006; Lauriane Gilliéron, Miss Switzerland 2006; Priscila Perales, Miss Mexico 2006; Valerie Domínguez, Miss Colombia 2006, and Lourdes Arevalos, Miss Paraguay 2006, pose together after the evening gown portion of the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 2006 Miss Universe competition from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 23rd, 2006. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

Miss Bolivia is just sexy and I like women as hot as her. The Amelia Vega similarity was amplified by her moves but I honestly don't like the design of her gown. Here's comes Miss Japan where while she was raw in her swimsuit, she came in as demure and sweet in the gown segment. Again it worked like magic. Notice that she wore a different gown this time, signalling that she has prepared itself for moments like this. I have mixed feelings for Miss Puerto Rico's gown. It's sexy alright but its too abstract for anyone to use it for artistic pondering. Lucky, she carried it with style and glamor.to be continued

top 5
Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006; Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006; Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan 2006; Lourdes Arevalos, Miss Paraguay 2006, and Lauriane Gilliéron, Miss Switzerland 2006, pose for a final look for the judges during the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 2006 Miss Universe competition from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 23rd, 2006. The panel of distinguished celebrity judges is now determining which contestant will become the 55th Miss Universe at the conclusion of the 2-hour telecast. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan 2006, watches as Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006, reacts to being named Miss Universe 2006 at the conclusion of the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 55th annual Miss Universe competition. Mendoza will spend her year-long reign making special appearances on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization, its sponsors and affiliated charities. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP .

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006, of Salinas, reacts after being crowned Miss Universe 2006 at the conclusion of the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 55th annual Miss Universe competition. She will spend her year-long reign making special appearances on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization, its sponsors and affiliated charities. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP .

	OF ANGELS AND DEMONS Missosology's Miss Universe 2006 Review by Missosology.Org
	It was a night when Los Angeles lived up to its name. In July 23, 9 p.m. the city’s Shrine Auditorium was full of angelic beauties from around the world. It’s Miss Universe 2006 and all eyes are focused on who will take away the crown. What is so notable is that this year, the flavor is very Latin. Statistics shows that the American general public is not interested in the pageant anymore whereas their Latin neighbors – from Mexico to Argentina – are following the pageant intently. No wonder the panel of judges was Latin heavy. The entertainers are Latinos and Nancy O’Dells co-host Carlos Ponce was never heard outside the Latin world. Los Angeles lived up to its reputation though as the virtual capital of the world of entertainment and Miss Universe 2006 was caught in that aura. I like the fact that this year, Miss Universe delegates gave some few words about themselves while wearing their national costumes. This is the tradition by which Miss Universe is closely associated with. It is unfortunate though that the delegates simply stated their name, age and country. There’s more fun when – like they did in the past – the delegates would greet the audience in their native language ranging from “Olas” to “Namaste”. Wearing Tadashi dresses Miss Universe 2006 contestants perform the opening number of the 2006 Miss Universe competition at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Miss Universe LP LLP) The City of Angels As everyone would agree, the most exciting part of the pageant was when the semi-finalists are called. Probably it is more exciting than the part where the winner is called because in most instances, the results are quite obvious. We are confident that Puerto Rico, Japan, Switzerland, U.S.A., Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, India and Ukraine will make it to the top twenty. We suspect that Denmark (thanks to her ala-Paris Hilton face and innate charm), Ethiopia (perhaps the leading African delegate) and Thailand (thank the sponsorship, a judge and a hosting job) will make it to the top twenty. Apparently, we are clueless about Paraguay, Russia, Sweden and Hungary. The results gave our predictions at 60% hit rate with the predicted 1st runner-up ending up as the winner. Not everyone will be satisfied by the top twenty of course. In particular, we missed so many delegates that we thought will make it. Missing in the list are Australia, Belgium, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Poland, Spain and the Philippines. Miss Australia Erin McNaught was touted as a frontrunner along with Miss Canada Alice Panikian and that she may show a performance in par with Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins. Miss Belgium Tatiana Silva was given a low rank in our predictions but we saw the spark inside this Belgian mademoiselle with Cape Verdean blood. Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez is by far the strongest Miss Sri Lanka ever and it’s still a wonder why she didn’t make it. The greatest shock of course is Miss Venezuela Jicztad Viña. We suspect that since Hugo Chavez made rhetoric against United States, Venezuelans fared poorly in the pageant and this is a very disturbing for a beauty pageant superpower! (In 2004, they also failed to make it to the top 15 despite that the host is a Latin American country). Miss Poland Francys Sudnicka’s exclusion is also a big disappointment. I cannot see anything wrong with her performance during the preliminary competition. And of Miss Spain Elisabeth Reyes as well! Reyes is a spunky-classy-aristocratic señorita that deserves a place in the top twenty. Yet, again the Philippines missed the final berth. There is no doubt that Miss Philippines Lia Andrea Ramos can be an excellent top five finalist yet as expected, the Philippines will not fare well and could be content in receiving the Miss Photogenic award. Bringing Down the House The first contestant to be called onstage was Puerto Rico and it instantly put the stage afire. I can tell that there are lots of Latin fans in the Shrine Auditorium and this is followed by Filipino fans. There’s lots of flag waving, chanting and cheering going on. Shocked? So are we! (Miss Universe LP LLP) But of course a lot were disappointed and shocked the night. I loved Miss hungary's reaction which shows that nobody expected her to fare this well! The Top Twenty in general is an excellent bunch. Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico showed a lot of confidence. Confidence is oozing in every inch of her. Miss Denmark Betina Faurbye on the other hand has a lot of class. I suspected long ago she will do well on the finals. Miss Switzerland Lauriane Gillieron is one of the experienced women that night. She had attained good experience from her stint at Miss World and she used that to her advantage. Another confident semi-finalist is Miss Colombia Valerie Dominguez. It is as if ending the Colombian title drought is a walk in the park. And Miss Russia! Isn't Anna Litvinova just downright wonderful! It's amazing we didn't see her shine before. Top ranked Alice Panikian of Canada is also confident in her moves. It's either she's definitely sure that "a Canada now, Canada later" scenario will happen or she's absolutely sure its not going to happen. And the Pageant Goes On... As the scores of every semi-finalists were brought down to zero, a fresh new start began with the swimsuit competition. I have lot of things to say in this segment but it would be better to discuss the highlights. With confidence raging on Canada, Colombia and Switzerland shined. There is something amateurish with Miss Japan Kurara Chibana but such rawness turned out to be an advantage. She looks young in a sea of mature women. Miss Bolivia Desiree Duran is absolutely an Amelia Vega. I just love her. Amazingly, Paraguay’s Lourdes Arevalos didn’t shine until now. How could we possibly miss her? Of course Miss Mexico Priscila Perales and Miss Ukraine Inna Tsymbalyuk wowed us all. Their moves are polished and they are absolutely on the right track to the crown. Worth to mention is Denmark's heart-melting charm and Argentina's Magali Romitelli's sweetness. Magali is not actually someone we can pinpoint as strong. I don't like her up-close interview but knowing that such didn't play a vital role in choosing the semi-finalists, it doesn't matter anymore. Miss Ethiopia Dina Fekadu needs a lot of polishing in her catwalk. Unlike Kenisha Thom of Trinidad and Tobago - who takes the stage in swimsuit with a storm - Dina is very raw. Her height and great legs are her saving grace though. During the swimwear segment, Chelo and his dancers provided visual and audio backdrop. One thing though: can't Miss Universe Organization pick an internationally acclaimed performers? With Chelo and his dancers behind them, Priscila Perales, Miss Mexico 2006; Inna Tsymbaliuk, Miss Ukraine 2006; Magali Romitelli, Miss Argentina 2006; Neha Kapur, Miss India 2006; Lourdes Arevalos, Miss Paraguay 2006; Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006; Adrienn Bende, Miss Hungary 2006; Desiree Duran, Miss Bolivia 2006; Charm Onwarin Osathanond, Miss Thailand 2006; Kenisha Thom, Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2006; Rafaela Zanella, Miss Brazil 2006; Josephine Alhanko, Miss Sweden 2006; Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan 2006; Alice Panikian, Miss Canada 2006; Anna Litvinova, Miss Russia 2006; Dina Fekadu, Miss Ethiopia 2006; Valerie Domínguez, Miss Colombia 2006; Lauriane Gilliéron, Miss Switzerland 2006; Betina Faurbye, Miss Denmark 2006, and Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006, pose in their BSC Swimwear Thailand swimsuits and Nina shoes during the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 2006 Miss Universe competition from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 23rd, 2006. A panel of distinguished celebrity judges is now determining which contestant will become the 55th Miss Universe at the conclusion of the 2-hour telecast. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP The Top 10 One of the hilarious part of Miss Universe is the presence of Carson Kressley from TV series "The Queer Eye..." His comments are definitely funny at times but the general audience loved him. Together with Shandi Finnesey (2004 Miss Universe 1st runner-up and Miss USA Universe 2004), they did a great job in providing commentaries to the pageant. Except for Miss Paraguay, all top ten finalists were rather expected. We all knew that Donald Trump has the right to choose 5 semifinalists and whoever they are, someone from that list was surely left behind. Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia, Japan, Puerto Rico, USA, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia and Paraguay were excellent choices. Of course, we hate to see Misses India and Ukraine go. The top ten delegates then competed through an evening gown competition. For the newbies, Miss Canada's gown is heavenly but most of us knew that this design has been overused. To be fair however, Alice carried her gown well and she look smashing. Miss Trinidad and Tobago is very regal. She's got the exotic look and her pale yellow gown is great. I honestly think though that a body-hugging dress would be more advantageous. Alice Panikian, Miss Canada 2006; Kenisha Thom, Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2006; Desiree Duran, Miss Bolivia 2006; Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan 2006; Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006; Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006; Lauriane Gilliéron, Miss Switzerland 2006; Priscila Perales, Miss Mexico 2006; Valerie Domínguez, Miss Colombia 2006, and Lourdes Arevalos, Miss Paraguay 2006, pose together after the evening gown portion of the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 2006 Miss Universe competition from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 23rd, 2006. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP Miss Bolivia is just sexy and I like women as hot as her. The Amelia Vega similarity was amplified by her moves but I honestly don't like the design of her gown. Here's comes Miss Japan where while she was raw in her swimsuit, she came in as demure and sweet in the gown segment. Again it worked like magic. Notice that she wore a different gown this time, signalling that she has prepared itself for moments like this. I have mixed feelings for Miss Puerto Rico's gown. It's sexy alright but its too abstract for anyone to use it for artistic pondering. Lucky, she carried it with style and glamor.to be continued Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006; Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006; Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan 2006; Lourdes Arevalos, Miss Paraguay 2006, and Lauriane Gilliéron, Miss Switzerland 2006, pose for a final look for the judges during the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 2006 Miss Universe competition from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on July 23rd, 2006. The panel of distinguished celebrity judges is now determining which contestant will become the 55th Miss Universe at the conclusion of the 2-hour telecast. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP Kurara Chibana, Miss Japan 2006, watches as Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006, reacts to being named Miss Universe 2006 at the conclusion of the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 55th annual Miss Universe competition. Mendoza will spend her year-long reign making special appearances on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization, its sponsors and affiliated charities. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP . Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Puerto Rico 2006, of Salinas, reacts after being crowned Miss Universe 2006 at the conclusion of the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 55th annual Miss Universe competition. She will spend her year-long reign making special appearances on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization, its sponsors and affiliated charities. ho/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP .




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