FAVORITES: 71st Miss Universe Top 16 post-arrival favorites

The first week of the 71st Universe pageant has been packed with pre-pageant events and activities in New Orleans, world-renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, and annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras.

Witnessing the contestants together at the venue, while at their absolute best to make an impression on the universe, it became a little less difficult to spot the real frontrunners.

The much-awaited preliminary competition on January 11, where the contestants will be scored in their evening gowns and swimsuits, will of course further showcase the best of the best from the group.

Over 80 stunning contestants to choose from is no easy task and the selection committee will definitely have the most difficult job to determine who will make it to the semifinals.

Now that the contestants have arrived and the competition has officially begun, it's about time to update our list of favorites.

Meet our Top 16 post-arrival favorites:


TOP 16

(in alphabetical order)

Aruba - Kiara Arends

Colombia - María Fernanda Aristizábal

Dominican Republic - Andreína Martínez

France - Floriane Bascou

Germany - Soraya Kohlmann

Italy - Virginia Stablum

Jamaica - Toshami Calvin

Mexico - Irma Miranda

Peru - Alessia Rovegno

Philippines - Celeste Cortesi

Puerto Rico - Ashley Cariño

South Africa - Ndavi Nokeri

Thailand - Anna Sueangam-iam

USA - R'Bonney Gabriel

Venezuela - Amanda Dudamel

Vietnam - Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Châu

Special mentions:

Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Croatia, Finland, Ecuador, Great Britain, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Malta, Nigeria, Panama, Portugal

Don't miss the spectacular 71st Miss Universe final on January 14 live from the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.


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