- This year, there will only be
15 finalists with 9 being picked by preliminary judges and 6 picked by the Miss Universe Org.
- Since the judges pick only 9, I think we will see lots of favo(u)rites being snubbed, while a couple surprises could happen.
- Despite the pageant being held in Mexico, the Latinas seem like a disappointing group.
- I think we have instead strong Asian delegates as well as shining blonds (mostly from Eastern Europe).
- So I think it'll be interesting how it plays out...will Latinas outshine anyway? Will an Asian finally win it, or will they get snubbed? Can USA win against all odds? Or will a low key European take the crown?
Click photo to enlarge. Photo credit: Miss Universe LP, LLLP
1. KOREA -- Honey Lee (Han Nui Lee)
I can't help but root for her. A strong delegate from Korea is just so rare, and she is way too good to be passed up. I think having 2 Asian judges on the panel can help her chances, provided that she makes the cut. Did OK in swimsuit but great in evening gown.
Pros: refreshingly beautiful, good gown and catwalk, good preparation
Cons:Obstacles/Hurdles: Swimsuit round, and possibly interview
2. JAPAN -- Riyo Mori
What matters the most on pageant night is how one can outshine the rest of the pack...and I think Riyo will definitely do that. I think she's good enough to make the cut, pass the swimsuit and evening gown rounds, and do well with her final question.
Pros: fashionably chic, good gowns (I hope she goes for the purple one), great catwalk with lots of energy, also seems very intelligent
Cons: not the most facially beautiful but the transformation has really helped
Obstacles/Hurdles: style similar to Kurara's (last year's 1st Runner-up)
3. USA -- Rachel Smith
If you did not get to see Miss USA 2007, you may not realize how spot on Rachel is. I actually think she has the best chances out of anyone but I put her 3rd here only because she has a big hurdle to get through.
Pros: beautiful, sexy, and intelligent rolled into one. Can tear each pageant round like no other
Cons:Obstacles/Hurdles: Politics, politics, and politics. The Miss Universe Org. might take a lot of heat if she wins, not to mention the rowdy Mexican crowd.
4. MEXICO -- Rosa Maria Ojeda Cuen
I think this hometown girl will do well, especially with the small number of strong latinas this year. I think the interview part might be a little troublesome for her.
Pros: hometown advantage/crowd favo(u)rite, good catwalk
Cons: boring white gown, occasional odd poses/body stance
Obstacles/Hurdles: interview, Evening Gown competition
5. RUSSIA -- Tatiana Kotova
An overlooked delegate in my opinion. She's not that strong but I feel like she's good enough to slip through each round, and maybe into the Final 5.
Pros: facially beautiful, gorgeous blond hair, the sassy attitude in her catwalk, and also her um...assets
Cons: the bangs (fringe, whatever you call it) have got to go
Obstacles/Hurdles: interview
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HIT or MISSHit or
Miss is my segment creation of the delegates who are not on my prediction list but are either:
1) strong enough that they MAY penetrate the Top 15
2) overhyped and MAY miss the cut
or 3) strong but MAY get snubbed anyway
Crowd Favo(u)rites
SPAIN -- Natalia Zabala Arroyo
A favo(u)rite among the Mexicans as well as pageant enthusiasts. Natalia did just OK in swimsuit, but her gown was unforgivable. However she's so facially beautiful that I think her only saving chance is to be one of the 6 "Trump's picks"...Verdict:
MISS
PHILIPPINES -- Anna Theresa Licaros
I am ready to fend off the Filipino fans...just don't hit me too hard, okay? But I have to say I was disappointed when she won her national title. Then the transformation did wonders for hers. And then she performed quite poorly in the preliminary. The only thing she did great in is her interview so that may save her...Verdict:
MISS
The Sacrificial LambINDIA -- Puja Gupta
Facially beautiful but didn't do too well in the preliminary. Her answers in interview were also long-winded. And with many strong Asians this year, not everyone is gonna make the cut...Verdict: should be a hit but will probably
MISS
Is Bald Really Beautiful?TANZANIA -- Flaviana Matata
Created a huge buzz that has totally died down. There's no doubt that she's beautiful but Flaviana drew too much of a mixed reaction that it will be difficult to make the cut...Verdict:
MISS
