Critical Beauty

  Divita Rai was crowned LIVA Miss Diva 2022 on August 28 at the 10th anniversary of the Miss Diva Universe pageant held at the Famous Studios, Mahalaxmi, in Mumbai. The model, who hails from Karnataka, was crowned by Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu. Pragnya Ayyagari of Telangana was declared LIVA Miss Diva Supranational 2022, while  Ojasvi Sharma  won LIVA Miss Popular Choice 2022. In a heartwarming video posted by the official page of Miss Universe, Harnaaz Sandhu was seen kissing the crown before presenting it to Rai, after which, the two walked the stage wearing gorgeous gowns from the shelves of designer Gavin Miguel. While Harnaaz donned a wine-red gown featuring sequin and tassel work, Divita opted for a fuchsia pink gown with halter neck, and cutouts at the torso. In another official video, Rai said: "It feels crazy. I, finally, have this [crown] on my head. It is unbelievable, I really have no words. It's crazy." Divita Rai with Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu Rai, 23

  This interview was conducted via Zoom on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 8:00 PM EST (5:00 PM PST). Mazzy Eckel will represent the state of Washington in Miss USA 2022 contest to be held in Reno, Nevada on October 3.

  This interview was conducted via Zoom on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 9:00 AM EST (3:00 PM Netherlands). Marit Beets will be representing the Netherlands in Miss Grand International 2022 pageant which will take place in Indonesia in October.

  Ann Sidney was Miss World 1964 and the second British woman to win the title. After her reign, she began her acting career that led her to a life full of exciting adventures, drama and surprises - all detailed in her memoir “Surviving Miss World” that can be purchased through Amazon .

  Congratulations to the new Miss South Africa 2022 Ndavi Nokeri , 23, of Limpopo. She will represent South Africa in the upcoming Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. Should she not win either pageant, she will compete in another international pageant. 1st runner-up: Ayanda Thabethe, 22 2nd runner-up: Lebogang Mahlangu, 26 Top 5: Luvé Meyer, 25 Tamsyn Jack, 25 Photo courtesy of Miss South Africa Facebook

  Congratulations to Ashley Cariño , 27, for winning the Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2022 crown on Thursday, August 11. She will now represent her island nation in Miss Universe 2022 pageant whose venue and date have yet to be announced. Ashley was Miss Florida USA 2021 and placed 2nd runner-up at Miss USA 2021. 1st runner-up - Leonela Gonzalez De Jesús - Dorado 2nd runner-up - Camille Fabery Diana - Cataño

  This chat was conducted via Zoom on August 6, 2022 at 8:00 PM EST. My guests include Hector Joaquin, Peter Sereno, Brian Javier and Sabrina Solomon. We discuss the updated requirements of Miss Universe: starting in 2023, the pageant will now accept married and pregnant women and/or single mothers. Click the banner to access the link.

  MISS UNIVERSE 2021 HARNAAZ SANDHU In a letter sent to the national directors by Miss Universe Organization CEO Amy Emmerich, starting in its 72 edition (2023), Miss Universe will be accepting “women who are or who have been married, as well as women who are pregnant or who have children.” Emmerich also states that MUO President Paula Shugart “has been with me on this journey.” Honestly, I am not at all surprised by these changes since Emmerich became CEO a couple of years ago. MUO is a private company that has the right to make its own rules, and the majority of the public - at least those who responded to the survey - seem to agree with the changes which Emmerich refers to as “evolution.” So if MUO starts accepting married women, and should the winner be married, will she still be called “Miss Universe?” 😂😂😂 However, I’m surprised that they are not accepting “pregnant men.” I guess the pageant’s evolution has its limits. 😂 Anyway, what do you think of these changes? Hate them o

  Binibining Pilipinas crowned new beautiful, brilliant, and elegant Filipinas during the 58th Grand Coronation Night on July 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.  Nicole Borromeo from Cebu took home the Bb. Pilipinas International title, Gabrielle  Basiano  from Eastern Samar earned the Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental crown, Chelsea Fernandez from Tacloban City bagged the title of Bb. Pilipinas Globe, and Roberta Angela Tamondong from San Pablo, Laguna won Bb. Pilipinas Grand International. Nicole Budol from Rizal and Stacey  Daniella Gabriel from Cainta, Rizal were named Bb. Pilipinas 2022 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up, respectively. “We are all beaming with pride for all of our winners tonight,” Irene Jose, Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) Executive Committee member, said. “These women have exemplified perseverance, sophistication and intellect, and we are proud because all their hard work has finally paid off. We are all so excited to see them flourish in the next stage of their