An 18-year-old from Puerto Rico who
hopes to someday star in US and Latin American films was crowned Sunday night as
Miss Universe 2006.
Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico
shared a nervous emotional hug with first runner-up, Kurara Chibana of Japan
moments before the winner was announced, then clasped her hands to her mouth in
amazement as she heard her name called. She beamed as the crown was placed on
her head.
Miss Puerto Rico Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza reacts
after being named a finalist during the Miss Universe 2006 Pageant at the
Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles July 23, 2006.
[Reuters] |
Miss USA Tara Conner was the contest's fourth runner-up. Also finishing in
the top five were second runner-up Lauriane Gillieron of Switzerland and third
runner-up Lourdes Arevalos of Paraguay.
Awards were given for photogenic, congeniality and national costume.
Lia Andrea Ramos of Philippines was chosen most photogenic in an online vote
by the public. Angela Asare of Ghana won the congeniality award in a vote by all
86 contestants. Chibana, who carried the impressive looking Samurai sword, won
the award for best national costume.
"They were probably afraid not to pick Miss Japan or she would use that
sword," quipped Carson Kressley of TV's "Queer Eye," who provided commentary
along with 2004 Miss USA Shandi Finnessey. Opera singer Vittorio Grigolo and
Latin singer Chelo provided musical performances.
Miss Switzerland Lauriane Gillieron, Miss
Paraguay Lourdes Arevalos (L), Miss Japan Kurara Chibana, Miss USA Tara
Conner and Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza stand as the five finalists during the
Miss Universe 2006 Pageant at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles July
23, 2006.[Reuters] |
The pageant began with the top 20 finalists' names being announced early in
the show. Then their scores were discarded and competition began again, with the
field gradually narrowed throughout the night.
As soon as the final 20 had been selected, they immediately strutted across
the stage in skimpy two-piece bikinis for the swimsuit competition.
After being narrowed to the final 10, the competition moved to evening gowns,
with the smiling contestants walking across the stage to music provided by
Grigolo.
The field of 86 was actually narrowed to 20 last week during preliminary
judging in the contest's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories, but
finalists weren't announced until Sunday's show was under way, allowing all 86
to be introduced to the television audience.
The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant
sponsors.
Natalie Glebova of Canada was to crown her successor at the end of the
two-hour telecast with a diamond-and-pearl-studded headpiece valued at $250,000.
"My year as Miss Universe has meant more to me than I can express," said
Glebova, who began her reign with a trip to South Africa where she publicly took
an HIV test.
"I have traveled the world on behalf of various HIV/ AIDS organizations,
promoting education, research and legislation, and I walk away from this
experience feeling like I truly made an impact."
"Access Hollywood" host Nancy O'Dell and actor-singer Carlos Ponce were
emcees of the 55th annual pageant, broadcast live on NBC.
The celebrity judging panel included actor James Lesure of "Las Vegas";
"Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry; actress Bridgette Wilson Sampras;
Sean Yazbeck, newest winner of "The Apprentice"; former Dallas Cowboys star
Emmitt Smith; anchor Maria Celeste Arraras of Telemundo's "Al Rojo Vivo";
Claudia Jordan, briefcase model on "Deal or No Deal"; fashion photographer
Patrick McMullan, and 2003 Miss Universe Amelia Vega.
The pageant was last held in the United States in 1998, when the show
originated from Honolulu.
