6.09 PM Thursday, 28 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:57 06:11 12:27 15:53 18:37 19:51
28 March 2024

Miss Universe 2013 countdown: Your guide to biggest beauty pageant

85 contestants showcase their beauty in the ballgown round in Moscow's Crocus City Hall during the prelims of Universe 2013. (AP)

Published
By Lifestyle Correspondent

Tonight is the grand finale of one of the most-awaited beauty pageants of the year – the Miss Universe title.

The coronation night, a two-hour programe, will take place at 10:30pm (UAE time) tonight (November 9) at Crocus City Hall, Moscow.

Emirates 24|7 will cover the event ‘live’, bringing you the minute-by-minute updates, pictures and event highlights leading up to the declaration of the 2013 winner.

We begin our countdown to the fashion and beauty event of the year with your essential guide to tonight’s grand finale.

HOSTS:

The 62nd annual gala, will be hosted by SNBC Live's host Thomas Roberts and America's Got Talent's judge, Melanie Brown or Mel B of the Spice Girls.

JUDGES:

NBC, Donald J Trump and Paula M Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organisation, previously announced the roster of celebrities and experts who will judge the 2013 Miss Universe competition.

The panel of eight judges are celebrity chef and restaurateur Chef Nobu, , Olympic figure skating gold medalist Tara Lipinski, television personality Carol Alt, supermodel-turned-author Anne V, one of the pageant sponsors Farouk Shami, pioneering designer of U-BOAT watches Italo Fontana, iconic Russian pop-star Philip Kirkorov and Aerosmith's front man Steven Tyler.

PERFORMERS:

In addition to his judging duties, Steven Tyler will take the stage for a special performance.

Tyler and the celebrity judges join an exciting broadcast that includes performances by Grammy-nominated band Panic! At The Disco and international recording artist Emin.

LARGEST beauty pageant:

Miss Universe is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national-level competitions to participate in the world finals.

The contest was founded in 1952 by California clothing company Pacific Mills.

The pageant became part of Kayser-Roth and then Gulf+Western Industries, before being acquired by Donald Trump in 1996.

FAVOURITES:

The obligatory ballgown and bikini round for the Miss Universe 2013 competition took place at Crocus Hall in Moscow, Russia on Nov 7.

Now that the crucial Miss Universe prelims are done, few names are immerging as hot favourites.

(Reuters)

Miss India Manasi Moghe:

Miss India Manasi Moghe has been making waves at the Miss Universe contest in Moscow, Russia.

She flaunted her toned body confidently in the bikini round and gracefully carried off a lehnga (long traditional skirt) in the national costume round. She was also one of the few chosen to walk the ramp for designer Tony Ward. This Indian beauty is already grabbing eyeballs at the Miss Universe Pageant.

Manasi's good nature and attractive personality is also winning hearts of co-contestants. Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella has also named Manasi as one of her favourites for the crown.

(Reuters)

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida:

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida has a huge chance of bringing home the 3rd ever Miss Universe crown for the Philippines. Ariella “Ara” Arida continued to live up to her frontrunner status after winning the top prize in the Miss Universe 2013 glam shoot.

Of the 86 candidates who had their pictures taken for the winter-themed photo shoot, 15 were chosen as “Ice Princesses” and among them Miss Philippines was ultimately named “Ice Princess”.

The 5’7” chemistry graduate from Laguna is one of the most in-demand contestants with major sponsors (like Yamamay, Tony Ward, Mercedes Benz and Nobu) always requesting for her to grace their events.

(Reuters)

Miss USA Erin Brady:

Miss USA Erin Brady unusual Optimus Prime ('Transformers') outfit in the national costumes round was much discussed earlier in the week - but in the ballgown round Erin played it safe but sexy in a vampish strapless red number with plunging neckline, sequins and embroidery.

Erin Brady grew up in East Hampton, Connecticut. Before winning Miss USA, Erin was working as a financial accountant.

Considering Miss Universe 2012 is an American, expectations are high from Brady. Recently, she is a great supporter of breast cancer awareness program in association with Bright Pink.

(Reuters)

Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez:

An interesting beauty, this one. In spite of her angular jaw-line, Patricia Yurena Rodriguez has one of the prettiest faces in this year’s collection of international beauties.

Her performance in the prelims was captivating. This 5’8” Tenerife native is a volunteer fund raiser for Red Cross in Madrid.

OTHERS:

Miss Australia Olivia Wells is a strong contender for Miss Universe 2013. This aspiring pediatrician hails from Melbourne, Australia. This die-hard fan of "Les Miserables" is also a philanthropist. She is a cooking aficionado and writes a blog, "The Procrasti-baker."

Considering the event is taking place in her city Miss Russia Elmira Abdrazakova will be bursting with confidence.