Graphics by: Krizza Enriquez [@kxxenriquez] and Michael Ralph Montejo [@michaelralphmontejo]
For more detailed information on how we came up with this Final Hot Picks, you may watch our discussion at the official Youtube channel of Missosology. CLICK HERE and don’t forget to subscribe.
Our choice on who will win the crown was not chosen unanimously. Our hearts and minds were split between several candidates and there is no doubt in our mind that this year’s Miss Universe is very difficult to predict. There are at least 6 or 10 who are standouts and can easily win the crown. But a decision has to be made despite having a three-way tie.
Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel emerged as the strongest candidate for the crown. It’s been a while since Venezuela won – 9 years ago, in fact. How time flies indeed! Amanda came out as a confident woman whose alluring beauty gained the nods of beauty pageant watchers. Her prelims performance is top notch and even her divisive gown did not drag her down. She can actually wear anything and still pull it through.
During the prelims, Miss Philippines Celeste Cortesi fell short of the expectations especially among Filipinos. But what we saw was just the prelims and historically, a Miss Universe Philippines usually reserves her best punch at the finals night. Celeste is still in a strong position to win her country’s 5th Miss Universe crown.
Miss Curaçao Gabriëla Dos Santos had a topsy-turvy ride at Miss Universe. She was tested positive of COVID-19 on the same day that Missosology put her as number 1 at the 3rd Hot Picks. But she successfully hurdled that hiccup and instead of letting it affect her performance, she actually came out better. During the prelims, she showed everyone that she is crown ready! Her look, her moves all scream Miss Universe!
Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez was out of our radar for quite sometime but during the prelims she proved us all wrong. She is a statuesque beauty oozing with queenly confidence. She is definitely a candidate to watch out for.
Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Cariño is not only beautiful but also intelligent. We may not know what transpired during the closed-door interviews, but based on her previous performance – at Miss USA and Miss Universe Puerto Rico pageants – she could easily ace it! She is dangerous at Top 5 for she will dominate the Q & A segment.
Here’s the complete list of Missosology’s Final Hot Picks for the 71st Miss Universe pageant:
1. Venezuela – Amanda Dudamel
2. Philippines – Celeste Cortesi
3. Curaçao – Gabriëla dos Santos
4. Dominican Republic – Andreína Martínez
5. Puerto Rico – Ashley Cariño
6. USA – R’bonney Gabriel
7. Colombia – María Fernanda Aristizábal
8. Thailand – Anna Sueangam-iam
9. Jamaica – Toshami Calvin
10. Mexico – Irma Miranda
11. Aruba – Kiara Arends
12. Italy – Virginia Stablum
13. Germany – Soraya Kohlmann
14. South Africa – Ndavi Nokeri
15. Peru – Alessia Rovegno
16. Bahrain – Evlin Khalifa
Bubbling up
17. Vietnam – Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Châu
18. Mauritius – Alexandrine Belle-Étoile
19. Portugal – Telma Madeira
20. France – Floriane Bascou
