THIS YEAR'S pageant was held in Miami, Florida with record number of 82 contestants including Gibraltar (Miss Amity), Gambia, French Guyana and Papua New Guinea. Joan Van Ark returns as Bob Barker's co-emcee and commentator. The show begins with the candidates' rendition of Lionel Ritchie's song, "All Night Long."

       Bob Barker calls out the ten semi-finalists and interviews each one of them. The composite scores for each semi-finalist are displayed on the television screen:

COUNTRY	PRELIM AVERAGE	INTERVIEW	SWIMSUIT	EVENING GOWN
GERMANY	8.136	8.175	9.140	9.027
USA	8.093	8.195	8.670	8.855
THAILAND	8.088	8.610	9.130	8.975
SWEDEN	8.500	9.090	9.460	9.540
HOLLAND	8.345	8.555	8.950	9.175
GUATEMALA	7.956	8.590	8.820	8.805
PHILIPPINES	8.470	9.050	9.140	9.255
SOUTH AFRICA	8.048	9.100	8.635	9.025
VENEZUELA	8.430	9.140	9.280	7.935
COLOMBIA	7.935	9.200	8.530	9.220

       From the interviews, we find out that Miss Thailand speaks fluent English, having lived in Los Angeles for many years. Miss Sweden is a 21-year old nurse and played soccer in New Jersey for six years; her interview was very brief but the judges loved her anyway. Miss Holland is a strikingly tall black model who acknowledges her father: "My father is an emcee and he is here. He's wearing a white suit." Bob looks at the audience, comments on the father and jokes, and then dismisses Miss Holland.

       Miss Guatemala asks for an interpreter; she wants to be a lawyer. Miss Philippines is a ramp and commercial model and has a very expressive face. Miss South Africa is an animal rights activist and is very articulate. Miss Venezuela is a 19-year old art student; when asked why she wanted to win her national title, she replied that she wanted to help people. Miss Colombia opted to speak in English, but later switched to Spanish. When asked what she would do when she returns to her country, she said: I will drink a big cup of Colombian coffee."

After his performance, Tom Jones introduces the judges:

• Constance Towers, U.S. actress
• Johnny Yun, Asian actor
• Carolina Herrera, Venezuelan-born fashion designer
• William Haber, U.S. television agent
• Karen Baldwin, Miss Universe 1982
• Ronnie Cox, U.S. actor
• Lucia Mendez, Mexican actress
• Marcus Allen, U.S. football player
• Linda Christian, U.S. actress & painter
• Harry Guardino, U.S. actor
• Maria Tallchief, U.S. prima ballerina
• Alan Thicke, Canadian entertainer

       The delegates perform a musical production accompanied by the Miami Sound Machine (notice a very young Gloria Estefan). Joan interviews Sylvia Hitchcock. The evening gown segment follows with the Little Sisters singing, "You Are My Universe" and a medley. Miss Philippines receives the biggest applause for a colorful and uniquely design gown.

       Bob Barker asks the same final question to each finalist: "Should you be the new Miss Universe, you will be a symbol for all young women and girls all over the world, what will you tell them?" Miss Philippines (9.148), who seems not to have understood the question, responds that she wanted spread and goodwill. Miss Sweden (9.363), very pensive, struggles with her response. Miss South Africa (8.920) says that "beauty is not a physical thing... only you can bring out your beauty." A very deep and articulate response. Miss Venezuela (9.235) gives an excellent answer in Spanish and Miss Colombia (8.983) says she wants to "radiate peace."

       Tom Jones serenades the five finalists with "My Kind of Girl." Joan interviews Lorraine Downes. Finally, Bob announces the official placements: Colombia (4th runner-up), Philippines (3rd runner-up), Venezuela (2nd runner-up), South Africa (1st runner-up) and Sweden as the new Miss Universe.

Photo courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization

Text by Rafael Robert Delfin

---

2006 CRITICAL BEAUTY. All rights reserved.