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MISS UNIVERSE HOST COUNTRIES: THE SECRETS BEHIND
By: David. COVURE's Beauty Columnist, October 29, 2013
USA AS HOST COUNTRY
THE STAGE DESIGN
Welcome to Vegas! Much is expected from the country who gave birth to the former swimwear competition, now a celebrated and post popular pageant in the entire globe. USA is Miss Universe home but in this decade, the setting didn't really feel much like home. Putting aside the production, Miss Universe stage is Los Angeles (2006) is said to be the worst stage in the decade. While 2010 and 2012 stage were in the meter of mediciority. Some conclusions and theories seemed to be unerring regarding USA as the host country. Simple as this: USA will always be the last choice as the host when the original host country backed out, failed to achieved the requirements and political/business matters. No wonder why the stage in US soil looks low budget and not well designed (except 2012).
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A simple stage with white pillars as back drop and risers
(Photo)
A colorful nightscape Las Vegas inspired stage.
(Photo)
A great stage with great lighting effects. Fits the Christmas season
THE WINNERS
Most winners from this host country are favorites. But not heavy favorites. Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico (2006) beated the crown contender Priscilla Perales of Mexico later on named as Miss International 2007. Ximena Navarette of Mexico silently snatched the crown in 2010 leaving the major favorite Rozanna Purcell of Ireland in the top 10. In 2012, Olivia Culpo of USA (hometown victory) grabbed the crown effortlessly from her major competitions from Venezuela, Philippines and South Africa.
THE AMAZING GROUP
The historical line up of semi finalists in Miss Universe were made in this host country. (2006 & 2010)
In 2006, experts and followers were one and resounding that Miss Universe 2006 provided the best and fiercest top 10 in hisotry. Plus, it is one of the best Evening Gown battle in pageant history.
In 2010, it is noted by enthusiasts that Miss Universe 2010 top 15 was the most exciting line up since most of the front runners made the cut. And a big buzz happened when Philippines ended the dry spell (10 years drought) . But controversies circulated regarding the exclusion of Venezuela (aiming for 3-peat) & USA (the home town girl).
THE USA-VENEZUELA-PHILIPPINES RIVALRY
One of the main highlights in Las Vegas is the competition between these three strong countries. USA as the home court, Venezuela as the powerhouse and Philippines as the large crowd. Some interesting pattern happened in 2006 and 2010 wherein, none of these three countries place together.
2006 - USA ended in the top 5. While Venezuela is expected to miss the cut, Philippines on the other hand is the crowd favorite (courtesy of overwhelming Filipino crowd) suprisingly was excluded in the top 20.
2010 - Both Venezuela & USA failed to make it which shocked everyone thinking that its nearly impossible for USA to fail in her home soil. On the other side, Philippines 10 year drought was ended by Venus Raj. We admit that it was an epic scenario when the fans were nearly hopeless again and suddenly she was called last. Host concluded that the whole Philippines was in Mandalay that night and some reaction videos from fans went viral. From that on, it served as a new ladder for Philippines success in pageantry.
2012 had a different exciting twist when all of the placed in the finals. Coincidence or not, they were the las three countries standing. But the host country claims vicotry at the end.
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