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Australia, Guatemala, Jamaica, Jamaica Yendi Phillipps, Jimena Navarrete, Mexico, Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss USA special awards, New York Film Academy, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rima Fakih, United States, William Baldwin
… Miss Mexico, Ximena Navarrete, 22.
She was crowning by Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez. But prior to winning, with a remix of Kelly Roland’s “Commander” in the background, she commanded the crowd and instantly became a favorite.
Miss Mexico costume was inspired by the Aztek Calendar, 2012 anybody?
During the final question when asked by Olympic Gold Medalist Figure Skater how she felt about unsupervised internet use, Navarrete answered “I do believe that Internet is an indispensable, necessary too for the present time” speaking through an interpreter but, “We must be sure to teach them the values that we learned as a family.”
The newly crowned Miss Universe won prizes that range from an undisclosed salary, a luxury New York Apartment, a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy with housing at the end of her reign, jewelry, clothes, and shoes from sponsors. This is the first win for Mexico in Miss Universe Pageant since 1991.
Miss USA Rima Fakih who in the past week revealed her national costume and opposed the building of a mosque near Ground Zero did not make it to the top 15. Keep reading for a complete roundup of pageant results.
First Runner-up and my personal pick: Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps, Although she didn’t win the crown, she bested all the contestants in the swimsuit round with a score of 9.4
On her final question regarding acceptability of the death penalty, Miss Jamaica said “I believe that life is a gift” and “I believe that none of us as humans have the right to take a life.”
Second Runner-up: Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell, she scored an 8.5 in the swimsuit category. With the theme of swimwear being “Fashion for Freedom”, Miss Australia was asked “what role should the government play in regulating potentially offensive clothing?” She responded by saying “One of the greatest things we have is the freedom of choice. I don’t think the government should have any say in what we wear.”
Third Runner-up: Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavaka scored an 8.7 in the swimsuit round. When asked about full-body scanners in airports she responded by saying “I think it’s a very important question of security” and added “If that helps us save the lives of people, then I’m for it.”
Fourth Runner-up and prediction favorite: Miss Philippines Venus Raj, scored a 8.7 in the swimsuit round. William Baldwin asked “What is one big mistake you’ve made and what did you do to make it right” she responded by saying “You know what sir, in my 22 years of existence I can say there is nothing major, major, I mean problem that I have done in my life because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are given to me. Thank you so much that I am here. Thank you, thank you so much.” I believe this is where nerves may have gotten to the favored Miss Philippines. She looks stunning nonetheless.
Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell won Miss Congeniality
Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul won Miss Photogenic Universe
Miss Thailand also won Best National Costume
In the top 10:
Albania, Australia, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and Ukraine. Photo Credits include AP and Miss Universe Organization.
