World’s a stage for Miss Universe beauties
The 54th Miss Universe pageant will showcase the best of Thailand this morning as a worldwide television audience from 171 countries tunes in to see 81 beauty queens contest for the world’s most coveted tiara.
The programme’s two hosts will ride a tuk-tuk onto the stage against a backdrop featuring depictions of the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. The second set will feature a host on the back of an elephant.
Organisers will also show footage of contestants from tsunami-affected countries to convince audiences that those destinations are safe and ready to welcome tourists.
“The set reflects Thai culture well. said Bob Hallenders, an American businessman who watched the show at the Impact Arena yesterday.
“The overall look is quite professional but it is not perfect yet. I was interested in watching the rehearsal as Thailand is the host country,” he said.
However, some locals in the audience were disappointed with rehearsals because the set did not look finished.
Billy Bush, nephew of the US president, and Nancy O’ Dell - hosts of NBC’s “Access Hollywood” - will host the live broadcast from Bangkok. The programme runs from 8am until 10am, to fit in prime time on Monday in the United States.
The global broadcast will begin by announcing the 15 finalists.
After a breathtaking evening-gown competition, the international panel of judges will whittle the line-up down to 10 girls.
The judges include Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, executive vice-president Boon Rawd Brewery Co, and former Miss Universe, Pornthip Nakhirunkanok Simon.
The top five finalists will be announced after the popular swimsuit competition. These five will be asked to answer a final round of questions before one is chosen to replace Australia’s Jennifer Hawkins as Miss Universe.
The programme will also feature the awards for Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality and National Costume.
Topping the list of favourites are the beauty queens from Canada, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, South Africa and Greece. Asian beauties from the Philippines, Japan and Thailand are also expected to be in with a shot. (See A6 “The 10 Favourites”).
Like other beauty contests, the Miss Universe pageant is never far from controversy.
This year’s controversy involves photojournalists, who were informed yesterday that only those from Reuters and EPA would be allowed to snap today’s live broadcast. The reason given was that the organisers want to avoid too many flashlights.
“We haven’t used flashes at all since the earlier rounds. The real reason may be commercial. I think the organisers want to sell the photos,” said a local photographer who asked not to be named.
The organisers are expected to sell the photographs of the Miss Universe contest after the programme is over.
About a thousand people flocked to the Impact Arena yesterday to watch the rehearsal.
Miss Columbia’s family brightened the event by cheering, playing drums and waving flags when she appeared on stage. Miss Venezuela, Monica Spears, also received a loud cheer as she wandered on stage wearing a short white skirt under a see-through gown. The crowd shouted as she performed a sexy dance in front of the cameras.
Thai contestant Chananporn Rosjan also received a warm welcome from fans, who waved little Thai flags as she appeared on stage.
More than 5,500 tickets were put on sale for today’s contest. Ticket sales topped Bt10.6 million last night and overall sales were expected to reach Bt11.24 million.
The government paid US$6.5 million (Bt260 million) for the right to host the pageant.
As could be expected, the event will have tight security. Five hundred policemen will be stationed at strategic areas, including parking spaces. Six police dogs from the Department of Ordnance will also be on hand to check suspect objects.
