Check all 10 reasons after the jump!
1.The Glam
Miss Universe is, arguably, the most glamorous international pageant at this moment. Everything about Miss Universe, from the contestants to the photoshoot to the production number, scream glams! When you look at Miss Universe’s contestants, you expect to see Hollywood star or supermodel, with sash. Being glam and fabulous is always attractive to anyone, and Miss Universe is no exception.
2.The Gown
A presentation show in Miss Universe is always a battle of gown designs. Every year, each contestant always tries to outperform the others with the help of fantastic dress. Some even go for unconventional gown design, including Japan’s “gown-kini” and “x-mas tree” in 2003 and 2005, Czech Republic’s “flower patch” in 2005, Dominican Republic’s “see-through” in 2008, and Venezuela’s “crimson feather” in 2009. But not everyone ends up with a happy ending. The amazing “gown-kini” catapults Miyako Miyazaki to Top 5 but the hideous “x-mas tree” ruins Yukari Kuzuya’s chance at a semifinal spot.
3.The Hair
From Japan’s long straight jet-black, to Kosovo’s Audrey Hepburn inspired chignon, to Tanzania’s striking bald shaved, the hair style department is another thing that brings people interest into Miss Universe. A great gown is not complete until its wearer sports a great hair style. You may not be the prettiest girl out there but your hair style may help you to steal judges’ (or Trump’s) attention. If you don’t believe this, just ask Hiroko Mima.
4. The National Costume
Miss Universe is the oldest pageant with national costume competition after the only older pageant, Miss World, dropped national costume competition in 1997. And we are glad that Miss Universe still retains this segment because national costume is not just a unique way to express your nation’s identity. It is a fiesta of colors, shapes, and sizes. Everything from your fantasy world, multicolor butterflies, stunning peacock, ancient temples, and ferocious warriors, comes into reality. The national costume competition is indeed one of the highlight of Miss Universe season and we hope we can see this segment for many years more.
5.The Backstage Gossip
Who’s the fake diva? Who’s the mean girl? Who’s the dumb one? The only thing more interesting from a pretty face is a pretty face with interesting story to talk about. They all can pretend to become the beauty queen who wants nothing but world peace, but it won’t fool us to stop looking for the backstage gossip!
6.The Photoshoot
Viva Fadil Berisha! Ever since he was assigned as official photographer for Miss Universe, the official photoshoot for the contestants slowly embraces the glam and stylish side of fashion world. Whether it is at the lobby or the pool, with bikini or gown, Fadil always knows how to work his magic and makes even the most uninterestng contestant become interesting.
7.The Host Nation
Bahamas, Mexico, Thailand, Cyprus, Vietnam, and maybe one day … Indonesia. Miss Universe is the international pageant with the most diverse choice of host nation. Since 1972, Miss Universe has visited 20 countries outside its home nation, USA. Each nation has its own story but together they all share the same memory, being part of Miss Universe history.
8.The Surprise
Who would have thought that Ukraine will miss the cut in 2004? Who would have thought that Hungary will make the cut in 2008? And who would have thought that USA will fall not only once but twice? All of these surprises really caught most of us off guard. But isn’t it the beauty of surprise? It gives twist to the predictable and turns it into the opposite. It creates shock and makes people talk. Not all of the surprise will please us but sometimes, without it, the pageant will be nothing but plain boring.
9. The Music
One of the best innovation from Miss Universe is that ever since 2003 its finale always includes dance and musical performance. From opening number to swimsuit to gown presentation, there is music everywhere. The choice of the artists has also significantly leans towards the more contemporary ones. No more slow music, it’s time to dance with Gaga and burns the stage with Sean Kingston!
10.The Coronation Moment
The climax of the show and supposedly the most sacred one. Coronation moment is the culmination of the Miss Universe season, where the new queen is finally announced. Not all of the moment is sacred tough like in 2007 where Zuleka almost dropped the crown from Riyo’s head and in 2009 where the crown ungraciously falls after Dayana and Stefania could not contain their excitement for having back-to-back victory. Regardless it’s still one, if not the most important moment of the night, and our favorite too.
Article by Moon Gin from Indonesian Pageants
