Miss Universe 1999 --- Parade of Beauty on Caribbean
All contestants of MU 1999
For the first time in history of Miss Universe, the pageant was held in Trinidad & Tobago, a country with 2 winners of Miss Universe (1977 & 1998). The nation spent $16 million to host the most prestigious pageant in the world, Miss Universe.
The 49th edition of Miss Universe had the most contestants ever with 84 delegates from around the world (the record was broken in 2006 with 86). The contestants should be 85; Guam's Tisha Elaine Hefti was sent home due to her pregnancy.
Early favorites for the crown were Venezuela's Carolina Indriago (the first black Miss Venezuela), Puerto Rico's Brenda Liz Lopes, India's Gul Panag, France's Mareva Galanter, Mexico's Silvia Salgado, Brazil's Renata Fan, Panama's Yamani Saied, Slovakia's Aneta Kuklova, Israel's Rana Raslan (the first and only Arab Israeli to win Miss Israel), Colombia's Marianella Paccini, Bolivia's Susana Barientos and the hometown girl Nicole Simone Dyer.
The 49th edition of Miss Universe had the most contestants ever with 84 delegates from around the world (the record was broken in 2006 with 86). The contestants should be 85; Guam's Tisha Elaine Hefti was sent home due to her pregnancy.
Early favorites for the crown were Venezuela's Carolina Indriago (the first black Miss Venezuela), Puerto Rico's Brenda Liz Lopes, India's Gul Panag, France's Mareva Galanter, Mexico's Silvia Salgado, Brazil's Renata Fan, Panama's Yamani Saied, Slovakia's Aneta Kuklova, Israel's Rana Raslan (the first and only Arab Israeli to win Miss Israel), Colombia's Marianella Paccini, Bolivia's Susana Barientos and the hometown girl Nicole Simone Dyer.
EARLY FAVORITES
FINAL COMPETITION
A great opening number with carnival!!!
The final night was opened with a sensational opening number and Wendy also looked sensational in her national costume to introduce the show! At the beginning, Wendy removed a rather spooky mask to reveal her gorgeous face as she said, "Welcome to Trinidad & Tobago and the biggest party in the Universe. Tonight, one of 84 will walk away with MY CROWN!"
The introduction of all delegates was the same as last year, except that the contestants wore their national costumes at this time.
The pageant was hosted by Jack Wagner once again with commentary from Julie Moran and the former Miss USA Ali Landry.
Then, the top 10 semifinalists were announced; they were: Spain's Diana Nogueira, Mexico's Silvia Salgado, Jamaica's Nicole Haughton, Puerto Rico's Brenda Liz Lopes, Philippines' Miriam Quiambao, Ghana's Akuba Cudjoe, Botswana's Mpule Kwelagobe, South Africa's Sonia Raciti, India's Gul Panag and Venezuela's Carolina Indriago. Misses Spain, Jamaica, Ghana and Botswana were the surprise at the night; especially for Mpule as the very first delegate of Botswana in Miss Universe. Miss USA's Kimberley Pressler failed to make semifinal, made her as the second Miss USA who failed to make the cut after Barbara Peterson in 1976. And the audiences were shocked for the early elimination of Miss France and Panama.
The introduction of all delegates was the same as last year, except that the contestants wore their national costumes at this time.
The pageant was hosted by Jack Wagner once again with commentary from Julie Moran and the former Miss USA Ali Landry.
Then, the top 10 semifinalists were announced; they were: Spain's Diana Nogueira, Mexico's Silvia Salgado, Jamaica's Nicole Haughton, Puerto Rico's Brenda Liz Lopes, Philippines' Miriam Quiambao, Ghana's Akuba Cudjoe, Botswana's Mpule Kwelagobe, South Africa's Sonia Raciti, India's Gul Panag and Venezuela's Carolina Indriago. Misses Spain, Jamaica, Ghana and Botswana were the surprise at the night; especially for Mpule as the very first delegate of Botswana in Miss Universe. Miss USA's Kimberley Pressler failed to make semifinal, made her as the second Miss USA who failed to make the cut after Barbara Peterson in 1976. And the audiences were shocked for the early elimination of Miss France and Panama.
TOP 10
The first competition was Interview. Like in 1998, the interview segment used the World Tour system where a contestant was paired with another contestant. Honestly, I love this system because a contestant could learn very much about culture, arts, habit, lifestyle in another country. Miss Spain was paired with Miss Taiwan. She only showed us how they do ribbon dancing in Taiwan. Miss Mexico was quite the classic. She was partnered with Miss India but Silvia struggled. First she mixes up the foods. She was supposed to compare roti to a tortilla and curry to the sauce but she accidentally said tortilla was the curry and roti was the sauce. Miss Jamaica was fun. Her little scenario of how she would ask an Italian guy out was cute and she handled her interview very well. Miss Puerto Rico was great. First she comes out and says in a really sexy voice, "Hello, good evening" and she said she would take a coat, ski, and a big bag to fill with chocolate if she went to Switzerland. The big bag was funny. She also proved that she's her own woman with standards and even if it was okay to kiss on the first date in Switzerland, she will never do such a thing and will only consider it for the next date given that she receives a big bag of chocolate. Miss Philippines was next and I would have like to hear her sing as Jack seemed to be implying but Guatemalan music is instrumental. I appreciated how she expanded on her answer to teach us that the Marimba is an instrument and a dance. She was just so sweet and she held this interview together very nicely.
India won Interview competition; unfortunately got the lowest score in swimsuit
Miss Ghana was next and she seemed to be getting Aruba's Irina Croes in a bit of trouble! Arubans are very open minded and Irina's is a real go-getter and Irina prefers the two piece swimsuits while discrete Ghanians tend to go for the one piece. Strangely enough, Akuba wore a two piece swimsuit! Miss Botswana (our eventual winner) was so cute and genuine. She talked about Brazil's "last Eden" being the Amazon and told us that everyone in Botswana has a cattle post and they hang out with the cattle for fun. I would hardly consider cattle fun, I'll take my dogs, thank you très. South Africa delivered her answers well but Sonia didn't sound very natural but she did well. I think anybody who has watched Miss Universe for several years now has picked quite a bit of Spanish, including me, so everyone knows Hola and Gracias. The language barrier was clearly a problem so Jack went a little easier on Sonia. Ah, Miss India, brilliance at its best. She was very in control, poised, and was very mature. Notice how quick she was when she said she would get in trouble driving on the right hand side of the road in India. Her debate about where the social revolution of women occurred first was interesting and she considered defeat but it didn't come to blows. But Evander Holyfield was there but Gul can fight her own battles! Finally, Miss Venezuela, who was my prediction to win so I have to say that I absolutely adored her. You probably know that one of my favorite Miss Venezuelas ever was the perfect Minorka Mercado of 1994 and Carolina was almost like a Minorka-clone with darker skin and slightly younger. Her answers were spontaneous and still excellent. She ain't gonna change her clothes for no one and she focuses on positives rather than negatives in discussing Ireland.
SWIMSUIT COMPETITION
The next competition was Swimsuit. The swimsuit segment with a little bit of "Limbo Fire" was again very energetic and exciting. The delegates themselves really didn't do much though. Spain had sensational form and she broke the hex that the delegate who was called first recently had for some time. Mexico's stance could have used some work but she did look shapely. Jamaica needed more bust but she was fit. She was cute when she turned away from the audience and suddenly turned back. Puerto Rico looked fantastic. Miss Philippines had excellent form. I think the judges knew about Miriam's notorious fall so this may have helped her to get high scores. Out comes Miss Ghana and I could think of at least 30 delegates who had better bodies than her because her form was not very appealing and her legs were not exactly ideal. Botswana had a figure similar to Wendy Fitzwilliam. She looked great as any Miss Universe should. South Africa also had an excellent form. Sonia definitely has the look of an American celebrity. Here comes Miss India complete with her ENORMOUS BREASTS! I couldn't believe I never noticed the size of her breasts before. They were huge! Carolina Indriago look so striking and I thought her score was way too low. Venezuela never ever hits 6th place!!
The evening gown competition was excellent. Julio's song "One More Chance" was an excellent choice. It wasn't too slow and it kept the competition moving. Spain had a rather plain gown but the low-low cut on the back certainly grabbed some attention! Mexico had a stunning white gown and her hair was done up nicely. Jamaica's navy blue gown wasn't really a great choice. Nicole could have gone with something better. Miss Puerto Rico's dress was designed by Tommy Hilfiger and although many people didn't seem to like it, I thought Brenda looked vivacious and she wore that gown very well. It was just like Chelsi Smith's gown only it had straps and sparkles. Miss Philippines stepped out in a glistening sky blue gown and you could feel this beautiful aura about her as she walked around the circle. Miriam wasn't going to fall this time. It was almost as if the fall had boosted her confidence but Miriam was glowing during the evening gown competition. Miss Ghana's gown didn't really look that great. Miss Botswana's gold gown was great and she looked very sophisticated and elegant when she held her hands in front like (was it Audrey Hepburn?) or some movie star is noted for doing that I forget who. Miss South Africa's gown was nice. It was an interesting design. Miss India had an excellent spot in the music. I liked how she smiled at the man who was escorting her and she looked radiant in this striking gown and the gloves were also a nice touch. Next was the sensational Carolina Indriago. This gown seemed to have brought some mixed reactions and others said it was Titanic-like but I thought this gown was fair.
Then, the announcement of Top 5 finalists. They were Misses South Africa, Venezuela, Botswana, Spain and finally Philippines. Unfortunately, the stunning and intelligent Miss India placed at 6th position. And the commentator Ali Landry said, "And my India!!! I loved her from the beginning. What happened?!"
The top 5 finalist had to answer the question. All of them answered each question well; but Miss Venezuela got the question about race issue as she was the first black Miss Venezuela. Fortunately, she could answer it very well.
The top 5 finalist had to answer the question. All of them answered each question well; but Miss Venezuela got the question about race issue as she was the first black Miss Venezuela. Fortunately, she could answer it very well.
The final 3 would be announced: Spain, Philippines and the luckier Botswana. The great Miss Venezuela failed to make Top 3. The commentator Julie and Ali picked Miss Venezuela as their winner. Miss South Africa's Sonia Raciti would later become the 2nd runner-up in Miss World 1999.
The final question was:
" If Miss Universe would become pregnant during her reign, should she be allowed to continue as Miss Universe? "
All three surprisingly said yes but Botswana gave the best delivery OF THE 3. Had Venezuela or India made the top 3, I think the situation would have been different. Miss Spain didn't really finish her answer. Miss Philippines seemed to lack a little confidence and composure. She said Miss Universe should continue if she has been a good example and set goals but a pregnant Miss Universe obviously hasn't been a good example and this pregnancy could not have been intentional had it occurred during her reign since it was not planned. This is why Julie and Ali said she choked. Miss Botswana answered well but she thinks that a baby would not affect her reign and that it is an expression of her femininity (or feminity, as Mpule would say) but since Mpule answered the best, she won. Notice also how she quieted down the audience in saying, "thank you" showed that she was very in control. Of the 3, Botswana had the most confidence. Mpule also gave quite a reaction to winning the crown! Wendy looked sensational in this gown as she did her farewell walk to her song "Kiss of Life". The hair looked somewhat plastic but she was still a true Miss Universe.
As Miss Universe 1999, Mpule not only won the crown but also cash and gifts about $200,000 including the use of New York apartment during her reign and $40,000 employment contract with Miss Universe Organization.
The final question was:
" If Miss Universe would become pregnant during her reign, should she be allowed to continue as Miss Universe? "
All three surprisingly said yes but Botswana gave the best delivery OF THE 3. Had Venezuela or India made the top 3, I think the situation would have been different. Miss Spain didn't really finish her answer. Miss Philippines seemed to lack a little confidence and composure. She said Miss Universe should continue if she has been a good example and set goals but a pregnant Miss Universe obviously hasn't been a good example and this pregnancy could not have been intentional had it occurred during her reign since it was not planned. This is why Julie and Ali said she choked. Miss Botswana answered well but she thinks that a baby would not affect her reign and that it is an expression of her femininity (or feminity, as Mpule would say) but since Mpule answered the best, she won. Notice also how she quieted down the audience in saying, "thank you" showed that she was very in control. Of the 3, Botswana had the most confidence. Mpule also gave quite a reaction to winning the crown! Wendy looked sensational in this gown as she did her farewell walk to her song "Kiss of Life". The hair looked somewhat plastic but she was still a true Miss Universe.
As Miss Universe 1999, Mpule not only won the crown but also cash and gifts about $200,000 including the use of New York apartment during her reign and $40,000 employment contract with Miss Universe Organization.
Special thanks to Miss Universe Organization, Veestarz, Ben Kramer's Pageantlovers, Tom's Page of Miss Universe Mania and Missology