PAGEANT Circle

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 or

The highly anticipated 71st Miss Universe final competition is fast approaching and the universe is excited to find out who will take home the coveted crown. One of more than 80 beauties representing various countries and territories around the world will walk away with the title and embark on a wonderful journey of a lifetime. Don't miss watching the final show to know who India's Harnaaz Sandhu will crown as her successor on "the most beautiful day in the universe." The 71st Miss Universe will air live from the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA on January 14 at 7 p.m. CST. Stream free on Roku, the Roku mobile app, therokuchannel.com , Samsung Smart TV, and Fire TV. For Spanish, tune in to Telemundo. If you do not have access to The Roku Channel, live streaming will be available on the Miss Universe's official  Youtube , and on the JKN18 channel's official  Facebook  and  YouTube . The pageant will also be broadcasted around

Twenty-eight contestants from the regions of Africa and the Asia Pacific are currently vying for the 71st Miss Universe title in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Bhutan joined for the first time while Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Seychelles made a comeback. It is Seychelle's first participation since 1995. The Philippines still leading Africa and the Asia Pacific with four wins. India and South Africa (leading in Africa) followed with three wins each, and Australia, Japan, and Thailand with two wins each. Angola, Botswana, Israel, Lebanon, Namibia, and New Zealand have each won one time. Will Africa and the Asia Pacific manage to win another crown? Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu of India achieved the Asia Pacific region's last victory while Africa's last was in 2019 with Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa. Meet the contestants: ANGOLA - Swelia Da Silva António AUSTRALIA - Monique Riley BAHRAIN - Evlin Khalifa BHUTAN - Tashi Choden CAMBODIA - Manita

Out of over 80 contestants at the 71st Miss Universe pageant now happening in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 25 came from Europe. Switzerland returned to the competition after a 3-year break while for some reason several countries such as Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Romania, and Sweden withdrew. Latvia, which was expected to compete for the first time since 2006, made the last-minute decision to not compete after its representative tested positive for COVID-19 before departure. Countries still waiting for their first win are   Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Switzerland, Turkiye, and Ukraine. Sweden still leads in Europe with three Miss Universe winners followed by Finland and France with two wins each. Germany, Greece, Netherlands, and Norway have each captured one victory in the past. Russia and Spain got one win each respectively in 1974 and 2002 but were dethroned. Is it about time for anot

Over 80 contestants from around the world are now competing in the prestigious 71st Miss Universe edition in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. A total of 31 contestants came from the region of The Americas. Four from returning countries — Belize, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. Countries and territories yet to win their first Miss Universe are Belize, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Curacao, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, and Uruguay. The USA is still leading across all regions with a total of eight winners followed by Venezuela with seven and Puerto Rico with five. Mexico followed with three wins, then Brazil, Canada, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago with two wins each. One winner each for Argentina, Chile, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Peru. Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza of Mexico was the last winner from The Americas. Will the next Miss Universe come from this region

Following the 71st Miss Universe contestants' arrival at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, their pre-pageant activities officially kicked off with the registration and fittings. They each received their country sashes sponsored by The Sash Company and were able to pick and fit their official opening dresses by Portia and Scarlett, swimsuits by Jacqueline Aguilera, and shoes by Jojo Bragais. The beautifully confident contestants were also glammed up by the highly talented makeup artists from MUBA Cosmetics, the 71st Miss Universe official makeup sponsor. Over the next 10 days, more than 80 contestants will be busy touring, shooting, rehearsing, and preparing for the preliminary and final competitions. Here are some photos from their initial activities shared by the Miss Universe Organization: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe (@missuniverse) The prestigious international event will culminate at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center on

Miss Universe Latvia 2022 Kate Alexeeva will unfortunately not be able to compete at the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA on January 14. The 28-year-old Latvian model, businesswoman, and influencer took to social media to share she tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the New Year and is currently still recovering from complications. "I am forced to revoke my participation in Miss Universe this year. I still can’t believe I’m saying this. This decision is made because my health and the health of other contestants and their families is a priority," she said. Miss Universe Latvia national director Inga Raduga commented: "I know how upset you are, but it's life. I hope so much that you will shine and all will see your beauty on Miss Universe 2023." Kate was named Miss Universe Latvia last October and was supposed to be the first Latvian representative at the Miss Universe competition since 2006. Photo: Antonio Iannello, Kate Alexeeva

Emmy award-winning TV personality and "America's Test Kitchen: The Next Generation" host Jeannie Mai Jenkins and former Miss USA and Miss Universe (2012) Olivia Culpo will be hosting the 71st Miss Universe final show. They will be joined by another former Miss Universe (2018) Catriona Gray of the Philippines and Emmy award-winning TV personality, "American Ninja Warrior" co-host, and "Access Hollywood" correspondent Zuri Hall as backstage commentators. Olivia last hosted Miss Universe during the 69th edition (Miss Universe 2020) with Mario Lopez at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida while Jeannie last hosted during the 63rd edition (Miss Universe 2014) at the FIU Arena. Zuri hosted the Miss USA 2021 pageant last November at the Paradise Cove Theater of River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Although Catriona has been previously hosting national and local pageants in the Philippines, it will be her first time as host

ImpactWayv, the leading Social Impact Media Platform, will provide a Global Digital Platform for the upcoming 71st MISS UNIVERSE Competition and its delegates New York City, NY, USA – Tuesday, January 3, 2023 - ImpactWayv™, the pioneering Social [Impact] Media Platform, proudly announces its latest collaboration and continued partnership with the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) in support of the 71st Miss Universe competition, airing live around the world on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 7 p.m. (EST) from New Orleans, Louisiana. ImpactWayv is a healthier and more meaningful alternative to major social networking platforms. It operates as an entirely new kind of digital ecosystem, focused on social good and enabling users - people, businesses, and nonprofits - to effect, engage in and share social impact on a global scale. The ImpactWayv app supports worldwide social impact interactivity and engagement for the global community of Miss Universe delegates representing almost 90 countrie

The highly anticipated 71st Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2022) competition is about to officially begin in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Almost 90 most beautifully confident women from around the globe are now heading to the host city to compete for the most coveted beauty title in the universe. The contestants will be accommodated at their official hotel ( Hyatt Regency ) throughout the competition which will culminate on Saturday, January 14 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. They will compete for the job of Miss Universe through the process of personal statements, in-depth interviews, and various categories including evening gowns and swimwear. Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu, who brought the title back to India for the first time in 21 years, will crown her successor at the end of the event. The forthcoming international spectacle will be the first edition of the pageant to be held under the ownership of Thailand-based JKN Global Group. Stay tuned for more updates on the

Miss Universe Malta 2022 Maxine Formosa Gruppetta will be wearing the national costume inspired by the Maltese lira at the 71st Miss Universe pageant. The Maltese lira was the official currency of Malta from 1972 until 2008 when it was officially replaced by the euro. Banknotes issued by the Government of Malta and then by the Central Bank of Malta were written in English up to 1972. From 1973 to 1985, they were written in Maltese on the obverse (with the currency identified as lira), and in English on the reverse (identifying the currency as pound). Maltese was used on both sides from 1986 to 2007. Maxine's national costume features a big back piece in the shape of a coin that depicts the Maltese coat of arms signifying the courage and determination of the country. The year 2000 on the coin symbolizes the year when she was born. Her dress is a collection piece from the world-renowned Maltese fashion designer duo Charles & Ron . It depicts the LM 10 banknote which has been digi

Miss Universe Korea 2022 Hanna Kim will wear a hanbok inspired by the beautiful sunset of Korea at the 71st Miss Universe pageant. The hanbok, a traditional Korean clothing characterized by vibrant colors, symbolic patterns, and geometric structure, is an important part of Korean culture. Koreans wear it on special occasions and holidays. Designed by W Hanbok and completed with traditional accessories by Naschenka , Hanna's national costume consists of 27 layers of skirts reflecting the colorful skies of Korea at sunset. As hanbok is called the clothes of the wind, each layer moves along with the movement to create the most unique and gorgeous mixture of colors. The true beauty of the hanbok is portrayed by elegant lines created throughout the garment and the different lines created with the movement display the art of traditional hanbok. Hanna will showcase her national costume during the 71st Miss Universe edition at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louis

Miss Nederland 2022 (Miss Universe Netherlands) Ona Moody will be wearing a stroopwafel-inspired national costume for the 71st Miss Universe pageant. Stroopwafel is a delicious Dutch waffle cookie that is known all over the world for its great taste and is popular as a souvenir or gift from Holland. The stroopwafel's wafer layers are made from a stiff dough of flour, butter, and caramel filling made from syrup, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Designed by Pearl Dronkers of Miss Pearl Couture, the costume features a bodysuit with hand-embroidered ornament inspired by the Delft Blue can (box) that contains the stroopwafels. The headpiece displays stroopwafels served with and placed on a hot drink such as coffee or tea to warm the cookie and soften the syrup. Ona will be showcasing the national costume at the 71st Miss Universe this January at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ona

Two weeks to go until the highly anticipated final competition of the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Over 80 women from around the world will compete for the coveted title on January 14 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center where India's Harnaaz Sandhu will crown her successor. Several contestants have already arrived in the US for their final preparations and to celebrate the new year before heading to the host city. Fan voting is still open. Don't miss voting for your favorites into the semifinals through the Miss Universe official website and app. First vote free! Prior to the much-awaited arrival of contestants, meet our Top 16 favorites: TOP 16 (in alphabetical order) Chile - Sofia Depassier Colombia - María Fernanda Aristizábal France - Floriane Bascou India - Divita Rai Italy - Virginia Stablum Jamaica - Toshami Calvin Korea - Hanna Kim Peru - Alessia Rovegno Philippines - Celeste Cortesi Puerto Rico - Ashley Cariño South Africa - Ndavi

Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has officially announced its partnership with California-based sash maker The Sash Company for their first-ever sustainable sashes. The new sashes for the forthcoming Miss Universe edition are made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials (organic and sustainable luxury fibers and threads) and with ethically produced rhinestones. "We hope our commitment to sustainability will reduce the overall amount of plastic and waste in the environment. This is one small step of many we hope to make in the future as small actions by corporations and organizations will have the greatest impact on making a greener future for all," MUO shared on its official Instagram page. The official announcement received a lot of positive feedback from the pageant fans and several contestants. Miss Universe Seychelles Gabriella Gonthier commented, "Great initiative, first steps to being a positive global ambassador." Miss Universe Venezuela Amanda Dudamel al

Miss Universe Iceland 2022 Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir stunned in a red outfit while posing with her national flag as she departs Keflavík International Airport for the 71st Miss Universe pageant in the United States. "Humbled and honored to raise the Icelandic flag and represent my country," she shared on the official social media accounts of the Miss Universe Iceland pageant. The 18-year-old biology student who won Miss Universe Iceland 2022 last August in downtown Reykjavik will be in Miami for her final training and fittings before flying to New Orleans, Louisiana — the host city of the upcoming Miss Universe competition. Miss Universe 2022 final will take place at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14. Over 80 beauties from around the world are expected to compete for the coveted title currently held by India's Harnaaz Sandhu. Iceland's highest placement at Miss Universe was first runner-up in 1962 with Anna Geirsdóttir. After six decades, will Hra