Posts

Showing posts with the label 69th Miss Universe

Vietnam's Nguyen Tran Khanh Van departs for US to compete in the 69th Miss Universe

Image
Nguyen Tran Khanh Van has departed Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, May 2 to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe in the USA. The 25-year-old has been waiting for this moment since she was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam in December 2019. She has been training for over a year to win her country's first Miss Universe. Khanh Van is currently the ambassador of One Body Village - an organization that supports, rescues, and helps girls who are exploited, sexually abused, or in danger. She wants to use her voice to fight and protect children and women who are potential victims. Since its debut in 2004, Vietnam has placed three times at Miss Universe and its highest achievement was Top 5 in 2018 with H'Hen Niê. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 at 8 p.m ET. Photos: Nguyen Tran Khanh Van / Facebook

SPOTLIGHT: Miss Universe Iceland 2020 Elísabet Hulda Snorradóttir

Image
Iceland will be represented by Elísabet Hulda Snorradóttir in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida, USA. The 22-year-old beauty is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Chinese studies at the University of Iceland. Her fascination with travel and culture has led her to visit 20 countries and finance her own trips to Japan, South Korea, and China. She attended language school in Japan and speaks conversational Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), and Korean. Her community service involvement in Iceland revolves around the Icelandic Red Cross and “Tölum Saman,” a program that teaches immigrants the Icelandic language so they can successfully enter the job markets and educational systems. Elísabet also works with “Bumbuloni,” a charity that provides financial support to families with chronically ill children. Becoming an actress or journalist are Elísabet’s long-term goals because she’d be able to combine her passions for international travel and communication. She hopes t

Australia's Maria Thattil is off to US for the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil has left for the US to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. The 28-year-old Indian-Australian beauty posed with her national flag and luggage wearing Eliya the Label dress during her departure at Melbourne Airport. "I consider myself a storyteller. And today, I depart for the US where I plan on telling a story on a global stage. The story of people who are both like me and those who are not - but have once been told they are ‘less than.’ The story of the true Australian spirit and being open to all. The story of the world I believe we can have when we champion inclusivity. My story, our story - I’m ready for the global mic," she said in a post on her official social media page. "Powered by all of you, a vision bigger than I and gratitude - I’m ready to conquer the universe with my story of unity and love," she added. "I am going to Miss Universe not as one, and not even as Australia

Albania's Paula Mehmetukaj unveils 'Queen of Earth and Skies' national costume for the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
Miss Universe Albania 2020 Paula Mehmetukaj will be wearing the "Queen of Earth and Skies" national costume in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. The beautiful costume designed by Enada At 'Nikolla was inspired by the Albanian flag. It will be showcased at the prestigious international competition this May. "Humbled and privileged to be able to show the true colors of our country, the pride, and soul of our people," Paula said in a post on her official social media page. "Red like blood that runs through the veins, embroidered with red crystal stones from our underground treasures, this dress is the flag and I am the eagle that spreads her wings and flies as high as possible with all the Albanian pride to represent her country and show the world that just like eagles, we soar high and break all the barriers and limits." Photos: Endrit Mërtiri

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo wows in a Priyanka Chopra-inspired ensemble

Image
Rabiya Mateo paid homage to former beauty queen and Indian actress Priyanka Chopra in her latest Instagram post as she celebrated over 800,000 followers on the social media platform. The 24-year-old beauty of mixed Filipino and Indian descent shared her "favorite layout shoot" wearing an ensemble inspired by Priyanka's red carpet look at the 2018 Met Gala. "Thank you for the love! I can't believe I already reached 800k followers here on IG. From the bottom of my heart, 'Palangga ko guid kamo tanan' (I really love you all)," Rabiya said in her caption. "Your power comes with acknowledgment," she wrote in another post that also gained over 100,000 likes. Rabiya is currently the most followed delegate in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant. She will compete with over 70 other beauties to win her country's fifth Miss Universe crown in Hollywood, Florida on May 16. Photo & Creative Direction: Seven Barretto / Photography Team: Claude

Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam: 'I am against corruption in every form'

Image
Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam sparked a controversy for her answer in a viral video from her question and answer training for Miss Universe. The question was "If you have to choose a leader, between a smart person with a bit of corruption or somebody who is quite incapable but then he is very clean, which kind of leader would you choose?" Amanda replied: "Corruption is never right and should not be in any country. However, I would have to choose a leader who is capable of leading the country even though that would cause corruption. Because I firmly believe that a country can flourish in a forward direction if there is a leader who is there to back the economy, to make the country a better place for everyone and so that the citizens can have all their trust in him." The original video has immediately been taken down but unfortunately copies of it still resurfaced. It has ignited an online outrage from some disappointed Thai fans who do not support her answ

Armenia's Monika Grigoryan heads to US for the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
Monika Grigoryan has departed for the USA on Thursday, April 29 to represent Armenia in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant. "And finally off we go. I would like to express my gratitude to you for being always with me. It is a real privilege, that gives me the confidence to attain goals," she said in a post on her official social media page along with the photos of herself during her departure at the Zvartnots International Airport. The 21-year-old social science student from Yerevan was officially named Miss Universe Armenia 2020 last March. She is no stranger to pageantry as she finished first runner-up at Miss World Armenia 2019 competition. "It's never too much to dream and it's never too late. Life is wonderful. Dream until they become reality. Dream while you live," she shared to her online followers shortly after she was named the new titleholder. Monika will be the third Armenian representative at Miss Universe since her country's debut at th

Miss Nederland 2020 Denise Speelman unveils national costume for the 69th Miss Universe

Image
Denise Speelman, 24, of the Netherlands will be wearing a symbolic orange national costume in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida, USA. Created by Miss Pearl Couture, the beautiful costume represents the "colorful open-minded country where the foundation is freedom." It features a spring-inspired floral crown, a dramatic three-color flowy veil that represents the Dutch flag, and acrylic handpainted symbols that the Netherlands is known for such as the windmill and tulip flowers. Denise is also proud to present her roots as she brings her family business and Dutch heritage together with symbols of the funfair and cotton candy. Photos: Selina De Maeyer / Designer: Miss Pearl Couture / Silk painting: Rattiya Mahawan / Makeup:  Dainora Dulcyte / Drone pilot: David Van de Ville / Location: Michel Passion for Tulips

Miss Universe Argentina 2020 Alina Luz Akselrad on her way to US after beating COVID-19

Image
Argentina's Alina Luz Akselrad has departed for the USA after completing her self-quarantine and finally tested negative for COVID-19. The 23-year-old writer and volunteer will compete with over 70 other beauties vying for the 69th Miss Universe title at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16. During her departure, Alina took to social media to share a personal message for her country. She wrote: "I am just a passenger destined to be happy. My beloved Argentina, the universe is waiting for us. These suitcases are full of dreams, illusions, and a lot of love for our country." "This title that I have the honor to hold represents the 45 million of us, I am not alone, we are a great team. I invite you to dream together," she said in another post. It has been 59 years since Argentina captured its first Miss Universe title. Since Norma Beatriz Nolan was crowned Miss Universe 1962 in Miami Beach, Florida, no other Argentinian represen

Thailand's Amanda Obdam stuns in magenta at her send-off for the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam has departed for the USA aboard a Turkish Airlines flight on Tuesday, April 27 to compete at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The 27-year-old Thai-Canadian model looked absolutely stunning in a magenta outfit by Milin during her send-off at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. "Thankful for every single thing in my life right now. Thank you all of my team, without you I wouldn’t be here right now. Thank you to everyone who always supported me, I am forever grateful. I’m going to the Universe everyone!! What a dream come true," she posted on her official social media page. While it has been 33 years since Thailand last won the international pageant with Miss Universe 1988 Porntip Nakhirunkanok, the country has been consistently achieving placements since 2015. Thai fans are "hungry" for their third Miss Universe and they have high expectations that Amanda is more than ready to finally bring the co

SPOTLIGHT: Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James

Image
A 25-year-old part-time model and former public relations and marketing executive, Francisca Luhong James, will represent Malaysia at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The Kayan-Kenyah-Iban native from Kuching, Sarawak, is the first woman with full native heritage to win the Miss Universe Malaysia title. She holds a first-class honors degree in mass communications and majored in public relations. Beauty-and-brain Francisca used to be a track-and-field athlete who despite having asthma was awarded three medals and she would like to inspire more native women to pursue their dreams. Besides advocating for women's empowerment, she also started a foundation Beyond Aid to raise money for refugees and underprivileged children. In a recent interview with a Malaysian morning TV show, she was asked "Why should you be the next Miss Universe?" and she genuinely replied: "I should be the next Miss Universe because I am not just representing myself and

Indonesia's Ayu Maulida is off to US for the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
Puteri Indonesia 2020 (Miss Universe Indonesia) Ayu Maulida has left for the USA on Tuesday, April 27 to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. Ayu was wearing a classy form-fitting short sleeve pencil dress by Victoria Beckham during her send-off at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The 23-year-old was supported by her national organization, pageant-lover fans, and especially her sister queens Puteri Indonesia Lingkungan 2020 (Miss International Indonesia) Ayu Saraswati and Puteri Indonesia Pariwisata 2020 (Miss Supranational Indonesia) Jihane Almira at the airport. Indonesian fans have high hopes that the statuesque Ayu will surpass her predecessor Frederika Alexis Cull's Top 10 finish at Miss Universe 2019, the highest placement that Indonesia has ever achieved in the competition. Photos: Puteri Indonesia

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo says 'I live in a cruel industry'

Image
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo said "I live in a cruel industry" in the caption of the latest video she posted on her official social media page where she appears without makeup. The 24-year-old beauty shared how she is always being compared to different girls and people have always something to say like “you’re not beautiful enough, you’re so thin, I don’t like what you wear.” "But then life is never superficial. It’s not always what’s attractive to our eyes but it’s the love we choose to build, the connection we make to people, and how we want to celebrate ourselves," she said. "This is the real me. No makeup. No heavy hair extensions. Nothing fancy to wear. Just me," she added. "Even in my simplest form, I know in my heart I am nothing less than phenomenal." With the Filipinos being one the biggest pageant fans in the world, Rabiya carries the pressure to win her country's 5th Miss Universe title in the highly anticipated 69th

Brazil's Julia Gama to wear 'Queen of Cotton' national costume at the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
Miss Universe Brazil 2020 Julia Gama will wear the "Queen of Cotton" national costume at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The costume created by fashion designer and stylist Michelly X features cotton and crystals on a transparent fabric. It highlights Brazil as one of the largest producers of cotton in the world. In the last years, the country has occupied the fifth position in the production of cotton. It’s not by chance that the product is called “the white gold.” "This year we have decided for a totally innovative typical costume in order to reverence the economic greatness of Brazil," Julia shared on social media. "The costume of my dreams was made by the incredible and amazing hands of [Michelly X]. Having a costume designed by her is like a dream coming true and she has embraced this dream with so much love and dedication," she added. Photos: João Vitor Cruz

El Salvador's Vanessa Velásquez to wear 'Flor de Izote' national costume at the 69th Miss Universe

Image
Miss Universe El Salvador 2020 Vanessa Velásquez will be wearing a "Flor de Izote" national costume at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The beautiful creation of Francisco Guerrero was inspired by El Salvador's national flower, a symbol of pride that showcases the identity and richness of the country’s people and its breathtaking landscapes. Flor de Izote’s versatility is reminiscent of Salvadorans' rooted inspiration, appreciation, and love for their emblem because of its ability to offset the planet’s carbon footprint. In addition, the flower has medicinal value and the stems are used to create beautiful textiles and nutritious dishes. It’s a reminder to our world and a call for action to protect the environment and to appreciate every blooming flower and plant on our planet. Photos: Estudio Guti

Indonesia's Ayu Maulida unveils 'Komodo dragon' national costume for the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
Miss Universe Indonesia 2020 Ayu Maulida has unveiled her national costume for the 69th Miss Universe pageant in a press conference held at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan on Thursday, April 22. Fashion designer Diana Putri of Diana Couture and accessories designer Yuling Hoo and Silvy Prajogo of Le Ciel Design have collaborated to create the costume inspired by the Komodo dragon. Reaching up to 10 feet in length and more than 300 pounds, Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth. Native to Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years, the Komodo dragon is often referred to as “the last link to the prehistoric dinosaurs.” Consisting of over 5000 unique scales to create the most opulent yet realistic approach, the national costume features a komodo headpiece, a sequin 3D black and gold reversible base, and a 3D chest piece and dramatic tail. Beadwork was done by hand while all the metal plates to resemble the scales were hand-stitched. The most intricate process

Australia's Maria Thattil to wear 'Black Swan' national costume at the 69th Miss Universe

Image
Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil will showcase a black swan-inspired national costume in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA. The costume weighs about 9 kilograms. It was constructed with a total of 105 feathers that were hand-cut from stiffened lightweight fabric and edge bound. Designer Nicola Yeung worked closely with engineer Stuart Bryce of Dugite Designs, who was the mechanical mastermind behind the kinetics. The upper feathers spin, run by a small motor attached to the back. The black swan is a native Australian bird, the emblem of West Australia, and a symbol of hope. Up until the 16th century, swans were widely believed to be invariably white, so much so that the phrase “black swan” was coined to describe an unpredictable event that is beyond what is normal for a situation. "Following its discovery, the black swan is a symbol of the unexpected and overcoming the impossible. It symbolizes the beauty and wonder in being open for change," M

Czech Republic's national costume for the 69th Miss Universe pageant revealed

Image
Miss Universe Czech Republic 2020 Klara Vavruskova will be wearing a national costume inspired by the Czech folklore in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. Designed by Yvona Leitner, the modern costume features pleated sleeves that are typical to Czech national dress and a beautiful halo headpiece with handmade flowers created by Anna Skarda of Carbickova Crowns, whose clients include Khloé Kardashian and Beyoncé. The Modrotisk (blueprint), a Czech traditional folk fabric dyeing technology inscribed on the UNESCO representative list in 2018, was used for the costume at a workroom in Straznice, a small village with colorful history in Southern Moravia. Photos: Anna Koniaeva / Ceska Miss

'Access Hollywood' co-host Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo to host the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
After five editions, "Family Feud" host Steve Harvey will not be hosting the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida this May. The Miss Universe Organization announced on Tuesday, April 20 that "Access Hollywood" co-host Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo will host the upcoming competition. Steve left the comment "I’ll miss you guys — but I’ll see you for the 70th" to the announcement of MUO on its official social media page. Olivia, who turned actress and model after winning the pageant in 2012, also commented "so excited" about the good news. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on the FYI channel and numerous TV stations across the world. Roku will also stream the competition for free the next day. Photos: Miss Universe Organization

Miss Universe Bangladesh withdraws from the 69th Miss Universe pageant

Image
Miss Universe Bangladesh 2020 Tangia Zaman Methila will no longer participate in the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA next month. Her profile has already been removed from the official Miss Universe website. The actress and model has been very controversial since winning her national pageant earlier this month. Her crowning was met with huge public backlash and disappointment. According to reports, Tangia filmed a man in a public men’s restroom without his consent. Although a public apology was already issued after admitting to the act, the viral video still resurfaced. Another issue was her age of 27 as many people have claimed that she lied about it to enter the competition. In 2019, she joined Miss Supranational at already 27. The age requirement for Miss Universe is 18 to 28 years old. Despite people crying out "a sexual harasser has been chosen to represent our country," the Miss Universe Bangladesh organization has decided to remain silent on the controversies