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Miss Turkey 2006

Merve Buyuksarac was crowned Miss Turkey 2006. She will represent her nation at the Miss World contest to take place in Warsaw, Poland in September. She is 18 years old and stands 1.77m tall. Ceyla Kirazli took the Miss Turkey Universe title. She is 19 years old and stands 1.77m tall. She will compete for the Miss Universe title in Los Angeles, California, USA in July. Crowned Miss Turkey International was Asena Tugal. She will fly to China in September to compete in the Miss International beauty pageant. She is 22 years-old & stands 1.73m tall. 

Miss Congo 2006

Diane Muzungu who hails from the province of Katanga has been elected Miss Congo 2006 at the Grand Hotel Kinshasa. Her court includes Sonia Ilongo (2nd Runner Up) and Mariette Bakoko (1st Runner Up). According to Congo's Minister of Tourism, the winner will represent the beauty, culture and elegance of Congo. She will also participate in international competitions, including the upcoming Miss Universe 2006 competition. During the final interview portion, Diane appealed to her countrymen to join in her efforts to carry out her projects. She also declared that she has started working for homeless children and advocate the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Congo. The contestants competed in swimsuit, evening gown and interview segments. Other awards given went to Irene Galual (Miss Fair Play), Falone Songo (Miss Congeniality) & Carine Muyembe (Miss Elegance). Prizes include a car, airplane tickets & cash valued at $2,000 US dollars.

Miss Namibia Dethroned

Leefa Shiikwa, who was crowned Miss Namibia last year, has been stripped of the crown and title. The organizers of the Miss Namibia Pageant say they were presented on April 24 with documentation from the Ministry of Home Affairs that proved that Shiikwa had been married before entering the contest. When approached yesterday, Shiikwa declined to comment. All contestants were required to declare that they were not married, had not been married before and had never had a marriage annulled. Finalists in the pageant enter into a contract containing a statement to that effect, the organisers say. This requirement conforms to identical requirements for participation in both the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants. The organizers yesterday acknowledged the charitable work Shiikwa had done during her reign but said it was decided to terminate her contract immediately and to withdraw her title as Miss Namibia 2005. The new Miss Namibia 2006 will be crowned on May 20. Special thanks to The Namibian

Miss Universe Japan 2006

Kurara Chibana of Okinawa, was crowned Miss Universe Japan 2006. She is currently taking up 
educational philosophy at Sophia University. She is 23 years old and stands 173cm tall. She will 
vie for the Miss Universe 2006 title July 23 in Los Angeles, California USA. Her court includes first 
runner-up, Yuka Hamada and second runner-up Sachiko Fujita.

Asked about her 3 special traits during the final interview portion of the Miss Universe Japan pageant, Kurara revealed that besides her native dialect, she also knows how to speak three more languages which include English, French and Spanish.

Miss USA 2006

Miss Kentucky was crowned Miss USA in the 55th annual pageant Friday night. Tara Elizabeth Conner, 20, of Russell Springs, was crowned by Chelsea Cooley of North Carolina, who was Miss USA 2005. The new titleholder will compete July 23 in the Miss Universe competition in Los Angeles. Conner is the first Miss USA from Kentucky. Many people have misconceptions about Kentucky, and she's ready to represent the South, she said. "The stars were in my favor tonight," she said. "I want to see how far this year can take me." Miss California, Tamiko Nash, 26, of Los Angeles was first runner-up. Miss Georgia, Lisa Wilson, 26, of Rome was second runner-up; Miss Ohio, Stacy Offenberger, 26, of Marietta was third runner-up. Miss Florida, Cristin Duren, 24, of Panama City Beach was fourth runner-up. The 51 contestants were trimmed to 15, then 10 semifinalists and finally five finalists. Visit Missosology's page dedicated to Miss USA More... 

Miss Universe Ethiopia 2006

The Miss Universe Ethiopia 2006 pageant turned out as an unparalleled event after it was successfully staged at the historic Ethiopian National Theatre, 14th of April 2006. Dina Fekadu, a 21 year-old philosophy student, defeated 22 beauties to take the Miss Universe Ethiopia 2006 crown. She will proudly represent Ethiopia at the 2006 Miss Universe pageant. She is the 3rd Ethiopian woman to represent her nation in Miss Universe. The pageant was witnessed by an almost sold out crowd of over 1000 guests which includes diplomats, dignitaries and entertainers. It was the biggest beauty pageant ever in the history of Ethiopia, and cements the Miss Universe brand and its National director Mr. Andy Abulime in the minds of the citizens of Ethiopia. The "Miss Universe Ethiopia pageant week" kicked off with the national costume and evening gown presentations that featured a music journey round in Ethiopia and culminated with the grand finale held the next day. The remaining finalists were Semegn, Tsigereda and Fetya. The semifinalists were Selome, Rubiat, Hiwot, Seada and Meheret. The winners of the contest will participate in 20 other international pageants such as Miss Earth, Miss International & Miss Intercontinental. Special Thanks to Andy Abulime

Miss Peru Universo 2006

21-year old Fiorella Viñas representing Lambayeque was crowned Miss Peru Universo 2006 in Lima. She took the crown from Débora Sulca, the outgoing Peruvian queen & Miss Universe 2005 semifinalist. She stands 1.78 tall and measures 90-57-92. She is a student of Hotel Administration and Commercial Aviation. Fiorella will travel to Los Angeles, California to vie for the Miss Universe crown. Meanwhile, Miss Ancash Valerie Neff was crowned Miss Peru Earth 2006. She will compete in this year's Miss Earth pageant in Chile. Miss Loreto, Veronica Navarrete placed as 1st runner-up. The remaining finalists include Miss San Martin (Paola Merea), Miss File (Cinthia Vidaurre) and Miss Junín (Odila Even Garcia). Special thanks to Francisco Marquez

Miss Malaysia-Universe 2006

25-year-old Melissa Ann Tan Swee Yen was crowned Miss Malaysia-Universe 2006 in Kuala Lumpur April 19, 2006. Her court includes first runner up Rehka Athmalingam and second runner up Daphne Chan. The 25-year-old from Malacca, who is the oldest among the 14 finalists, aims to play a bigger role as a beauty titleholder by helping underprivileged children. "It may not be monetary assistance, but I try to support them through other means, like education. There are many others in need of so many things, and I feel the need to give," said the brand development executive. She will represent Malaysia at the Miss Universe 2006 Pageant in Los Angeles, USA, from July 5-24. 

Pantene Miss Egypt

The winner of Pantene Miss Egypt 2006 is Fawzeya Mohamed. She is 22 years old and stands 5'8" tall. She is taking up Tourism at Helwan University and has been modeling since childhood. A total of 22 Egyptian beauties participated in this grand event held in Cairo, April 18th, 2006. The runners-up were Christine (4th runner-up), Nisrine (3rd runner-up), Rasha Hassan (2nd runner-up) and Reem Helal (1st runner-up). Fawzeya will represent Egypt at Miss Universe 2006 in the U.S.A. 20-year old Marize Fouad received the Miss Photogenic award. Special thanks to Aldrich Khan

Miss Guatemala Universe 2006

21 year-old Jackelinne Krimilda Verenice Piccinini Otten topped the Miss Guatemala Universe 2006 pageant. She is a professional model and a student of Law. Apart from winning the title, she also received the Best Costume & Best Modelling skills awards. Piccinini is a pageant veteran, who started competing at 14. She was crowned National Queen of the Youth in 1999, and was chosen Miss Guatemala Latin America in 2002. Her court includes Massiel René Cart (1st finalist) and Myrna Lissy Salguero (2nd finalist). The panel of judges include prominent businessmen, personalities and former Miss Guatemala titleholders such as Evelyn López Sandoval (2000), Rose María Castaeda (2001) and Florecita Cobián Azurdia (2003). Piccinini gets to represent Guatemala in Miss Universe 2006 and other international pageants. Special thanks to Oscar Flores

Miss Iraq Universe 2006

Miss Universe pageant owner Donald Trump says he is considering a tribute to the newly crowned Miss Iraq, who has been hiding amid death threats. 'She is very proud to have won, and now she is in a very tough position,' Trump told Friday's New York Post. 'She is extremely brave.' Silvia Shahakian, 23, a Christian of Armenian ancestry, was crowned Miss Iraq Universe when the original winner stepped down after receiving threats from extremists. Shahakian told ABC's 'Good Morning America' she was going into hiding, but the Post said it is believed she is still in Iraq. She said "This chance does not come to every girl. So, I'm lucky to have that. I'm not going to lose it. I'll take care. I will change my living place. I would like to take that chance. I will do my best," she added. Trump said there may be a special salute to Shahakian during the Miss Universe pageant July 23 in Los Angeles. 'We've had countries in the contest before where it was not the most popular thing to do, but never like this,' he said. (UPI)

Miss Universe Hungary 2006

The new Miss Universe Hungary is Adrienn Bende. She is 20 years-old and stands 5'10" tall. She will represent her country in this year's Miss Universe beauty pageant to take place in Los Angeles, California, USA in July. 
 
Adrienn Bende is a pageant veteran who competed in the Miss World Hungary pageant in the year 2003 and 2005 and managed to place as 1st runner-up in both editions.

Miss Singapore Universe & Miss Chinese Taipei Universe

24-year old Carol Cheong won the Miss Singapore Universe 2006 title at a glitzy ceremony held at MediaCorp. Miss Cheong is an art director and received the award from last year's winner, Cheryl Tay. She will represent Singapore in the Miss Universe 2006 in Los Angeles in July. Special thanks to Fendi Bastien

Chinese Taipei will be represented once again at Miss Universe. 20 year-old Li Yen was crowned Miss Chinese Taipei Universe 2006. She stands 5'7" tall. She placed as 1st runner-up in last year's Miss Chinese World 2005 pageant. She will represent Taiwan, Republic of China in the Miss Universe pageant taking place in Los Angeles, California in July.

Star Hellas 2006

5'11" tall Olympia Hopsonidou was crowned Star Hellas 2006 in a glittering event held in Athens, April 10, 2006. She will compete in the Miss Universe 2006 set for July 23 in Los Angeles, California. 20-year old Irene Karra was crowned Miss Hellas 2006. She will represent Greece in the Miss World 2006 pageant in Warsaw, Poland, on September. Grand favorite Julia Alexandratou was adjudged as 1st runner-up. The 20-year old model will travel to Beijing, China to compete in the Miss International 2006 contest in September. 22-year old Elena Asimakopoulou who placed as 2nd runner-up will compete in the Miss Europe 2006 pageant in France. The Miss Hellas Tourism was 1.83 m tall Konstantina Prassa. Special Thanks to Alex

Miss Universe® Competition Returns to the United
States for the First Time in Eight Years

BURBANK - April 12, 2006 - NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, President, Miss Universe Organization, announced today that Los Angeles, California will host the 55th Annual Miss Universe Competition. The extravagant show will air live from the Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, July 23 (9-11 p.m. ET) on NBC and Telemundo. This is the first time since 1998 (Honolulu, Hawaii) that the United States will be the host country. 

"We are excited to bring the pageant to Los Angeles this year," said Curt Sharp, Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC Entertainment. "Broadcasting this international event from the entertainment capital of the world will add splash to an already spectacular show. Los Angeles provides not only a fantastic backdrop for the two-week event, it also offers great promotional opportunities for the Organization, the Network and telecast partners like Telemundo, who provide pre-show coverage of the event for their viewers. The Shrine Auditorium is the perfect place for the 2006 Miss Universe Competition," said Shugart. "We spent the last eight years taking the show around the globe and now it is our chance to return to the U.S. and show all of our international contestants, along with their friends and families, one of the greatest cities in the world: Los Angeles"

Toronto, Canada native, Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005 - travels the nation as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research, and legislation. She will crown her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast. Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues.

Miss Brazil Universe 2006

The new Miss Brazil Universe is Miss Rio Grande do Sul, Rafela Zanella. She is a 20 year-old medical student. Her court includes 1st runner-up Maria Cláudia of Acre & 2nd runner-up Beatriz Back Neves of Santa Catarina. Maria Claudia will represent Brazil in this year's Miss International pageant. It is also interesting to note that this year's Miss Brazil Universe Rafela Zanella has competed in 15 pageants and won it all!

Miss El Salvador 2006

Rebecca Iraheta was elected Miss El Salvador 2006 during the national beauty pageant held Friday, April 7, 2006 in San Salvador, El Salvador. 
 
She will represent her nation in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant taking place in Los Angeles, California. Rebeca is 18 years old & stands 1.75m tall. Special Thanks to Nuestra Belleza pageant

Miss Universe Latvia 2006

The winner of the Miss Universe Latvija 2006 is Sanita Kubina. She was crowned during a glittering event held in Riga. She will be the second woman from Latvia to compete in the most prestigious global pageant- Miss Universe. 
 
Sanita is under the tutelage of Osmel Sousa, President of the Miss Universe Latvija committee, and also  known as the "Czar of Beauty" & Venezuela's most important beauty queen maker.

Russia's Miss Universe representative

Alexandra Ivanovskaya, the original winner of Miss Russia 2005-2006 pageant held in Moscow in December 22, 2005 is unable to compete in this year's Miss Universe because she didn't meet the age requirement of the pageant. As of 1993, MISS UNIVERSE® delegates must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age by February 1st in the year they compete in the national competition. 

The 1st runner-up Alla Tretyakova assumes the title of Miss Universe Russia 2006 and will fly to Los Angeles, California to vie for the Miss Universe crown. She is 23 years-old and hails from Novosibirsk. 

Miss Universe is going to Hollywood

The Miss Universe Organization has sent a confirmation to say that this year's edition of the Miss Universe pageant will be taking place in Los Angeles, California, USA. 
 
Over 80 delegates from different parts of the globe will travel to Los Angeles starting in July for the most exciting and historical event of the year. Scheduled on Sunday, July 23rd, millions of viewers around the world will witness the crowning of the new Miss Universe on the NBC Television Network.

Miss Universe New Zealand 2006

North Shore's very own Elizabeth "Liz, Lizzy" Gray won the coveted Miss Universe New Zealand 2006. The 1st Runner Up is Sharaine Barrett from Christchurch & the 2nd Runner Up is former Miss NZ Asia-Pacific Intl & Miss Howick Kylie Anderson from Farm Cove. Elizabeth is 23 years-old and lives on the North Shore studying Bachelor of Sports and Recreation at Auckland University of Technology. Elizabeth will represent New Zealand in Miss Universe 2006 pageant in June.

Miss Spain 2006

20 year-old Elizabeth Reyes Villegas representing Malaga outclassed over 50 women from all over Spain to win the Miss España 2006 crown in a glittering event held at Castellón's Marina d'Or. She is 20 years old and stands 1.80 m tall. She will vie in this year's Miss Universe & Miss World pageants. Inma Torres del Rey of Alicante placed as 1st unner-up. She will compete in the Miss Europe 2006 pageant. Miss Soria Sara Sánchez Torres was 2nd runner-up and will be sent to Beijing, China to contend in the Miss International 2006 pageant.

Miss Universe Slovak Republic 2006

5'11" tall Judita Hrubyova was crowned Miss Universe Slovenskej 2006. She is a 20 year-old student of nursing from Bardejov. She will represent Slovak Republic in this year's Miss Universe & Miss Intercontinental pageants. Judita is an absolute stunner and was considered top favorite from the beginning upto end of the pageant. She also won the Miss Tip, Miss Media and Miss Mary Kay awards. The 1st runner-up Katarina Manova will represent Slovak Republic in the Miss Earth 2006 pageant in Chile. Lucia Gasparikova placed as 2nd runner-up. Special Thanks to Barbora Markova

Miss Sweden Universe 2006

24-year-old Josephine Alhanko was named Froken Sverige 2006. She stands 5'7" and will carry the Miss Sweden sash at the 2006 Miss Universe pageant. In 2001, she ranked 61st in Sweden's FHM edition of 100 Most Beautiful Women.

Last year, the pageant owner Panos Papadopoulos failed to send a Swedish delegate to Miss Universe due to protests & threats from several feminist groups.

Qi Fanq dethroned. New Miss China revealed.

Qi Fang, a junior university student & winner of the Miss Universe China pageant held on the 1st day of March was stripped off her title six days after a so-called violation of the rules of her contract. The president of the Miss China pageant, Mr. Qin Zhen, indicated that Qi Fang was dethroned due to her failure to accomplish her duties which included training, appearances and other activities. Qi Fang was asked to return the crown and sash, and to terminate any professional relationship between her and the organizing committee. During a press conference it was announced that 1st runner-up Gao Ying Hui is the new Miss Universe China, and will represent the country during the Miss Universe 2006 pageant in July. Gao Ying Hui is 22-years old and stands 1.79 m tall.

The ousted beauty Qi Fang revealed to the media that the rules of her contract as Miss Universe China astonished her. "What is most intolerable is that they said I should sleep with an assistant in a single room," Qi said, adding the organizer even refused to offer her the original text of the contract. 

Miss T&T Universe 2006

Lightning struck twice at the 2006 edition of the Miss Trinidad and Tobago pageant on Monday evening, when 2004 Miss T&T/World winner Kenisha Thom was selected to represent this country at the 2006 Miss Universe competition. Thom, 22, became the second successive former Miss World entrant to do so, following the success of 2005 Miss Universe representative and 2002 Miss World entrant Magdalene Walcott, when she topped a field of nine hopefuls during the pageant's showcase at Club Zen, Keate Street, Port of Spain. Former national junior swimmer Tineke De Freitas was chosen to represent T&T at the Miss World competition, scheduled to take place in Poland on September 30, by the seven-member adjudication panel which included former Miss World 1986 Giselle La Ronde-West. Valene Maharaj, 19, was selected first runner-up and will be a stand-by replacement should any of the winners be unable to fulfil their obligations. Pageant coordinator Adrian Raymond said the presentation was not a show, but instead "a public showcase" to select national representatives. He said the step down was due to an initial lack of funding and commended title sponsor TSTT for "coming the rescue of the pageant". www.trinidadexpress.com

Miss Bahamas Universe 2006

24 year-old Samantha Carter, a Systems Administrator and Senior at the College of the Bahamas was crowned Miss Bahamas Universe 2006 on March 26th. She will represent the Bahamas at the 2006 Miss Universe Pageant to be held in July this year. The 5'8" intellectual smiling beauty took to the stage with 20 other contestants and not only won the hearts of the judges, but also the Judges Interview Award, Miss Popularity, Best Body, Best Costume & Spokes Model Awards. With a physical statistics of 34-27-36 and weight of 124 lbs, this brown-eyed conversationalist aspires to become an Educator within the Secondary school system. Meanwhile, 5'9" bubbly beauty Leandra Pratt was crowned Miss Earth Bahamas and will represent the Bahamas at the 2006 Miss Earth pageant. This 19 year-old crowd pleaser also captured the Miss Photogenic and Best Evening Gown award. She has been modeling from an early age and enjoys the world of Art and Fashion. She is currently a student at the College of the Bahamas studying Law & Criminal Justice and hopes to one day open her own law practice in the Bahamas. Special thanks to Ms. Gaynell Rolle 

Miss Sri Lanka Universe 2006

TV anchor Jacqueline Fernandez was crowned the new Miss Sri Lanka Universe. She is 20 years old and stands 5'7" tall. She is now on her way to compete against some of the world's most beautiful women at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant in June. She was crowned by Miss Sri Lanka Universe 2005 Rozanne Diasz. The first runner-up was Chathurika Fernando and second runner up was Irosha Kurera. Jacqueline is one of three children of long-time Bahrain residents Elroy & Kim Fernandez & currently works as an English teacher & an anchor on Sri Lanka's ETV in Colombo. Special thanks to TradeArabia News Service

Miss Jamaica Universe 2006

19 year-old student and model Cindy Wright topped the annual Miss Jamaica Universe pageant. She is determined to become the first Jamaican to bring home the prestigious Miss Universe title in 2006. Her determination and hard work are twin factors which the statuesque, 5' 11" green-eyed beauty claims gave her the edge over 21 other contestants to win the coveted and highly-contested Miss Jamaica Universe crown. Among the five finalists were Georgia Bennett, 25, 5'10, a teacher; Stephanie Mclean, 20, 5' 9", a TV host; Danisha-Raquel Osbourne, 23, 5'10", a student, and the doctor Tanesha Davis, 26, 5'3" and a crowd favourite. Second place went to Osbourne and third to Bennett. Wright was also adjudged Best in Evening Wear, Most Photogenic and Best in Swimwear. Special thanks to Jamaica Gleaner

Miss Bulgaria 2006

Slavena Vutova was the happy winner crowned Miss Bulgaria 2006. The 17-year-old girl from the town of Shumen, Northeast Bulgaria, has earlier won beauty crowns, the latest being Miss Black Sea 2004. A mathematician, Slavena has had a long sports record, running on the track field four year, playing table tennis three years, swirling in sport dances two years and eventually being engulfed by swimming. Bulgaria's rival for Miss World 2006 in Poland is a polyglot speaking English, German and Russian. 

The 20-member panel favoured also Galena Dimova for Miss Bulgaria Universe, Mariela Mumdzhieva for Miss Bulgaria-Europe and Ivelina Lashova for Miss Bulgaria Tourism. The contest had inspired more than 3,200 young ladies to turn in, but only 36 were anointed to step onstage in the final round. Special thanks to Novinite

Miss Thailand Univese 2006

18-year old Charm Onvarin Osatanon, a student from Bangkok is the new Miss Thailand Universe. Reigning Miss Universe Natalie Glebova crowned her. She will vie in the Miss Universe 2006 pageant to take place this August. Charm also won the Miss Photogenic and Singha's Miss Conserve of Thai special awards. The 1st runner-up was Patra Rung-rattanasundorn, who will represent Thailand in the Miss Earth 2006 pageant in Chile; the remaining runner-ups were Suvarat Karnkorn, Umpika Chunprecha and Chayanee Pongpeaw.

Reality TV elects Ukraine's rep to Miss Universe

Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova's official visit to Ukraine last year commenced the formal castings for the Miss Ukraine Universe 2006 contest. In Kiev, the reigning Miss Universe spent a few days with her grandmother whom she failed to visit for the last 12 years. Natalie said that she hopes to pass her crown to a Ukrainian beauty. She wonders why Ukraine has never won a Miss Universe crown despite the fact that the country is comprised of very beautiful women. Aspirants in this year's Miss Ukraine pageant sent their applications via e-mail. The best ones were requested to join the castings. 15 finalists were chosen for a reality TV show titled "Become Miss Universe."

In the early stages of the program, 5 girls which includes Miss Ukraine World 2000 Alena Sherban, were selected to stay in a house outside Kiev. They were filmed while enduring grueling pageant trainings. After a week, 1 aspirant got booted out and the remaining finalists were flown to Paris for fashion events. To finish, the jury picked 20 year-old Inna Tsimbaluyk as the new Miss Ukraine Universe. Inna was born in Chernovtsi. In 2003 she was crowned Queen of Kiev. She will attempt to win her country's first Miss Universe crown in July. Check out Inna's Photo Gallery CLICK HERE. - Miss Ukraine Committee

Miss Universe Canada 2006

6'1" tall fabulous model Alice Panikian was crowned as this year's Miss Universe Canada. She takes the tiara from Natalie Glebova, who went on to win the Miss Universe title last year. She also copped the Best in Swimwear and Miss Photogenic awards. Alice was born in Sofia, Bulgaria and came to Canada when she was five years old. She is in her second year at York University majoring in English and Communications and hopes to become a broadcast journalist. It is interesting to note that she recently won the international beauty title, Reinado Internacional del Café 2006 in Colombia. Her court includes 1st runner-up Ana Zotovic, 2nd runner-up Angela Triantafyllakis, 3rd runner-up Fanny Samaniego & 4th runner-up Galyna Skrypnyk. Leslie Cloutier won the People's Choice Award, Ana Zotovic was awarded with the Most Beautiful Hair award and Abigail Lee was chosen Miss Congeniality.
 
Glebova- who called her successor Alice "gorgeous" and "absolutely stunning" -- definitely filled the role with grace and class. Alice will too. "She's a natural," said Denis Davila, Miss Universe Canada's national director. "She's handling it well." The date and host country for the 2006 Miss Universe pageant have not been announced yet, but Alice says she'll give it her best shot -- despite the fact no country has ever had back-to-back winners. "It has never been done before but anything is possible," she said. "I am nervous but I'll do my best to make Canada proud." - Joe Warmington

Miss Israel 2006

18-year old Yael Nizri was named Israel's Beauty Queen. She will represent her country in this year's Miss Universe pageant. Israel's Maiden of Beauty and Israel's Miss World 2006 representative is 23-year old Anastasya Yentin. Anastasya stands 1.75m and will vie for the Miss World 2006 crown in September. Israel's Queen of Grace is 17-year old Tehila Mor. She is 1.77m tall and will be flown to Shanghai, China for the Miss International 2006 pageant. 19-year old Hila Eran won the right to represent her country at Miss Europe after copping the Israel's Teen Queen title.

Miss Uruguay Universo 2006

Fatimih Davila was elected as Miss Universe Uruguay 2006 in a glittering pageant held at Mount Carlos Hotel Conrad Resort and Casino in the department of Maldonado, Saturday 18th of March. Teledoce Television Color telecasted the pageant live, with the participation of 15 beauties from different parts of Uruguay. Antonio Vergara of Colombia organized the event. The voting of the public and a panel of judges determined the 5 finalists and they were Fatimih Dávila, Shashnaia Dogliotti, Inés Gaggero, Laura Vaamonde and Erika Falken. The winner Fatimih Davila is 18 years-old and stands 1.74m tall. She will compete for the Miss Universe 2006 title in July. The virreina Shashnaia Dogliotti will represent Uruguay in Miss World while 1st Princess Ines Gaggero will compete in South American Queen 2006. The 2nd Princess is Laura Vaamonde while the 3rd Princess is Erika Falken. - Alavaro P.

Femina Miss India 2006

Neha Kapoor was crowned as the new Pond's Femina Miss India Universe. "Oh god! It's still not sinking in. It has to sink. It has to sink," were among the first few words Miss India Universe 2006 Neha Kapur said when she won the most coveted crown. Twenty-two year old Miss India Universe Neha Kapur who hails from Delhi learnt classical dance forms when she was very young. She has four years of training in Bharatnatyam and eight years in Kathak. She also won the Miss Photogenic and Miss Fresh Face awads. 

Mumbai has a lot to cheer as both Miss India Earth 2006 Amrita Patki (20) and Miss India World 2006 Natasha Suri (21) are from the tinsel town. Parineeta Chaudhary, Pooja Sharma, Sonali Sehgal, Tanya Vakil, Aishwarya Sakhuja, Vibhinta Verma and Aarohi Misra made it in the ten finalists, while Tanya and Sonali also made it to the top five. 

Neha Kapur was also elected Miss Photogenic is 22-years old and 1.76 m tall. She will represent India at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant in July. Natasha Suri is 1.75 m tall and will compete in the Miss World 2006 pageant in Poland, September 30th. Amruta Patki will travel to Santiago, Chile, to compete for the Miss Earth 2006 crown while Neha will represent India at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant in July. -Times of India

Miss Paraguay 2006

Tagged super model Lourdes Arévalos won the Miss Universe Paraguay 2006 title. She is 22 years old and stands 1.84cm tall. She is taking up Commercial Engineering. 
 
In the year 2001, Lourdes was crowned Miss Expo. She later topped the Miss Hawaiian-Tropic International Paraguay in 2003. She is an experienced model who has graced both local and international runways & magazines. 

Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2006

After two weeks of camp with 26 beautiful contestants, Nigeria's queens were finally selected on Saturday the 11th of March at the Expo Centre of the Eko Hotel & Suites. Abiola Bashorun, a 19-year old student who competed as Miss Lagos, won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2006 beauty pageant. She will represent Nigeria at the Miss World beauty pageant later this year. 

22-year old Tienepre Alexandra Oki of Oyo was crowned Most Beautiful Girl in the Universe 2006 in Lagos. She will represent Nigeria in Miss Universe 2006. She was also named Face of Nigeria previously. Okie majored in English and loves to eat fish & chips. Miss Edo, Vanessa Oyinye placed as 2nd runner-up. She will try her luck at the Miss Tourism International pageant. 

MBGN is an international event on the Nigerian entertainment calendar. Winners of the pageant represent Nigeria in international beauty pageants such as Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss Ecowas beauty pageants amongst others. Agbani Darego, 2001 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria made history, when she won the most coveted Miss World 2001 pageant. She is the first and only Black African to accomplish this feat to date. – Silverbird Int’l

Miss Ecuador 2006

Katty López, a model & corporate executive won the right to represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant after topping this year's Miss Ecuador pageant. She is 19 years old and hails in Guayaquil. Her court includes Rebeca Flores who will compete in Miss World 2006 pageant to be held in Warsaw, Poland this September and Denisse Rodriguez who will vie at the Miss International 2006 pageant in Shanghai, China. Gamavisión transmitted the pageant live. Former-Miss Universe 1985 Débora Carthi Deu served as one of the judges.

Miss Nicaragua 2006

5'7" Cristiana Frixione was named Miss Nicaragua 2006. Aside from winning the crown, she also received the Best Hair, Best Face, Best Figure & Best Interview awards. Sharon Amador and Anahir Rocha placed as her 1st & 2nd runners-up respectively. Reigning Miss Universe Natalie Glebova graced the event.

Frixione is a 22 year-old graduate of Business Administration with Cum Laude honors at the American University. She loves sports, modeling & dancing. Before winning the Miss Nicaragua 2006 crown, she worked as an English teacher of grade school children. Cristiana now hopes to win the Miss Universe beauty title for her country.

Binibining Pilipinas 2006

Three brown-complexioned and brainy beauties - representing Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao - topped the 43rd Bb. Pilipinas Beauty Pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum last Saturday, March 4. For the first time in a long while, Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) has produced a set of winners who truly look like the embodiment of Filipino pulchritude: brown, brainy and beautiful. The decision of BPCI this year to hire a panel of judges composed mostly of foreign diplomats serves the very purpose of the pageant: to produce a set of winners who will surely be noticed abroad. Davao City's Lia Andrea Aquino Ramos, the new Bb. Pilipinas-Universe also won 4 special awards namely Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit, Most Beautiful Hair and PAL Sunniest Personality. Lian will represent the Philippines at the 55th Miss Universe Pageant at a still undisclosed venue in June. Bohol's Anna Maris Arcay Igpit is the new Bb. Pilipinas-World while Quezon City's Denille Lou Valena Valmonte, the new Bb. Pilipinas-International. They will carry the Philippine colors at major international pageants this year. For a complete coverage on this event, CLICK HERE.

Miss China Universe 2006

Fang Qi won the right to represent her country in this year's Miss Universe beauty pageant after winning the highly contested Miss China Universe 2006 pageant in Harbin. This 22 years old Chinese charmer stands 5'9" tall. She will be undergoing extensive preparations for the Miss Universe pageant in the upcoming months. Former Miss Universe Justine Pasek graced the event.

Miss Estonia 2006

1.76m tall Kirke Klemmer was crowned Eesti Miss Estonia 2006 in a glittering pageant held on March 4, 2006. She will represent Estonia in this year's Miss Universe 2006 pageant starting in May. Her court includes Kairi Rondo (1st runner-up), Alissa Tsuprinskaja (2nd runner-up) & Ljudmila Kolosina (3rd runner-up). The runners-up have also gained the opportunity to compete in global pageants such as Miss Europe and Miss Baltic Sea pageants among others. 

Crowned Mister Eesti 2006 is 21 year-old Villu Loonde. He will represent Estonia in Manhunt International competition later this year. Bogdan Oleinik and Valdo Pärn placed as 1st & 2nd runners-up respectively.

Miss Universe Zambia

Mofya Nickoleta Chisenga was crowned Miss Universe Zambia 2006. Stunning Mofya Chisenga took over the crown from Cynthia Kanema and will represent Zambia at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant to be held in an undisclosed location at the end of May. Mofya beat 8 other semifinalists and although the competition was stiff, she impressed the judges with her grace and charm. Mofya, a 23-year-old marketing assistant who works for Microlink Technologies is also the 4th runner up of the Miss Tourism Queen International 2005 and also represented Zambia at the Miss Tourism World Competition which was held in Zimbabwe. Mofya's runners up are 21-year-old Sibeso Nasilele and 24-year-old Mumbi Kamoto. The event took place at the Theatre Club of Lusaka and had a traditional Zambian feel to it. Luckily, this year, the organization has managed to raise funds to buy Mofya a car which will facilitate her duties when she comes back from the contest at the end of May. Now she will concentrate on her preparations for this year's most prestigious global pageant. Visit Miss Universe Zambia's official website.

Miss Czech Republic 2006

19 year-old Renata Langmannova was crowned by Miss Universe Natalie Glebova as Ceska Miss 2006. 
 
She will represent Czech Republic at Miss Universe.  Her court includes 1st runner-up Miroslava Kostarova and 2nd runner-up Barbora Kolarova. They will also compete for world beauty titles such as Miss Earth, Miss International & Miss World this year. 

Miss Cayman Islands 2006

20 year-old Ambuyah Ebanks of West Bay was crowned Miss Cayman Islands 2006 during a black-tie event held at the Lions Community Center. She is the tallest of this year's Miss Cayman Islands contestants at 6 feet. A water sports enthusiast in her spare time, she hopes for a career in international modeling. She has wide-ranging interests and aspirations, and would most likely to promote the charm and friendliness of the Caymanian people during her reign. Her first duty as Miss Cayman Islands is to attend the Miss Universe Pageant in May. Her first runner up is Arleth Chiari while her 2nd runner up is Jovanni Hessing. A total of six contestants vied in the pageant. Ambuyah Ebanks also received the awards for Best Legs & Best Gown.

Miss Costa Rica 2006

Fabriella Quesada Sequeira, a former Miss Teen International titleholder was crowned Miss Costa Rica 2006. She is 22 years old & stands 1.81 m tall. She will compete for the Miss Universe crown with over 80 beauties from different parts of the world in June.

21-year old Belgica Arias succeeded Leonora Jiménez as the new Miss Costa Rica World. She will vie for the Miss World 2006 title in Poland this coming September.

Miss Suomi 2006

20 year-old Ninni Laaksonen topped the Miss Suomi 2006 pageant. She will be wearing the "Miss Finland" sash at this year's Miss Universe pageant. Ninni comes from Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. She stands 5'9" tall. The first runner-up is Sini Vahela. She will compete in the Miss Europe 2006 pageant. The 2nd runner-up Karoliina Ylajoki will compete in the Miss International beauty pageant to be held in China this coming September.

Miss Universe Hrvatske

Tall & beautiful- Biljana Mancic of Split earned the Miss Universe Hrvatske 2006 title in Opatiji. She succeeded Miss Croatia Universe 2005 Jelena Glisic.

Biljana is 19 years old & stands 5'11" tall. She will represent Croatia in the upcoming Miss Universe 2006 pageant. The finalists include Monika Muškovic and Anamarija Vucicèvic. Many Croatian fans disapproved of the top 3 winners. They also claimed that the other stunning girls touted as favorites were misjudged.

Miss Deutschland 2006

Daniela Domrose was named Miss Deutschland 2006 after almost 3 hours  of exciting pageantry in Krefeld. It is interesting to note that she will only represent Germany in Miss Europe and most likely in their home-based Miss Intercontinental pageant this year. Nathalie Ackermann, 25, a Medicine student in Dusseldorf and a former Señorita Colombia contestant was elected as Miss Deutschland Universe 2006. She will vie for the Miss Universe crown in June. Other winners are Fatima Funk (Miss Deutschland Earth, to compete in Miss Earth 2006 in Chile) and Katrin Schwarz (Miss Deutschland International). 

Froken Norge 2006

The new Froken Norge Universe is Martine Jonassen. She will compete in the Miss Universe 2006 pageant this May. She is 18 years-old and stands 5'8" tall.

Tonke Skaevik was named Froken Norge World. She will represent Norway in this year's Miss World pageant to be held in Poland. Helene Traasavik and Miss Universe 1990 crowned the two queens.

Top Miss Universe Canada 2006 contestant wins
Reinado Internacional del Cafe 2006 pageant

Alice Panikian, Miss Universe Canada 2006 contestant was crowned as  International Queen of the Coffee 2006. She is touted as favorite to win the Miss Universe Canada title because of her cosmopolitan looks and background. 

Her court includes Argentina's Evangelina García (Virreina), Venezuela's Liliana Campa (1st runner-up), Spain's Rocío Guerrero Bobadilla (2nd runner-up) & Colombia’s María Leonor Duque Trujillo (3rd runner-up).

6'1" tall Alice Panikian earned the nod of the judges with her elegance, intelligence and overall package. She was born in Sofía, Bulgaria and has been living in Canada for 5 years.

Birthday girl wins Miss Belgique 2006 title

 5'8" tall Virginie Claes of Hasselt won the Miss Belgium 2006 competition 18th of December 2005, in VTM studio in Vilvoorde. It is interesting to note that she also celebrated her 23rd birthday while competing for the crown.

Her court includes 1st runner-up Kaat Vermeeren and 2nd runner-up Emilie Dupuis. Claes will represent her country in the 2006 editions of Miss Universe, Miss World & Miss Europe pageants.

And the new Miss Dominican Republic Universe is...

19 year-old Mia Lourdes Taveras López (right), representative of the city of Santiago won the right to represent her country in the Miss Universe 2006 pageant after winning the Miss Republica Dominicana Universo 2006 at the Palacio de Deportes in Santo Domingo.

Invited as special guest is the reigning Miss Universe Natalie Glebova who also donated over 1 million pesos for the Pink House, an institution that works for the benefit of children infected with AIDS. Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera (left) graced the event as well. Taveras is currently taking up Industrial Engineering. She stands 5'10" and speaks English and Italian. Her court comprises Miss Espaillat, Eva Arias (1st runner-up), Miss Distrito Nacional, Dawilda Gonzalez Cid (2nd runner-up) and Martha Gonzalez (3rd runner-up).

Stiviandra Oliveira Elected as Miss Angola 2006

Stiviandra Oliveira, 18, (left) from southern Huila province, was elected Miss Angola 2006 Friday evening in northern Cabinda during a contest that had "Maiombe" Forest as background theme. Miss Angola 2006 was rewarded with jewels, a Wolkswagen vehicle,  among others as her prizes. She will compete at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant.

The jury chose Isménia Júnior of Cabinda as first maid of honor whereas the second maid of honor was Djamila Fortes, representative of Luanda province. Ismenia Junior (right) will be Angola's representative to the Miss World 2006 pageant.

Among the 10 semi-finalists were Edna Lopes, Jandira Dungão, Mariana Mandangi, Suzana Portela, Yassera Fernnades, Elsa Mussengue and Noelma da Costa. 

Performers in the Miss Angola 2006 pageant include Kintuene Tunga Nzola, singers Euclides da Lomba,  Bangão, Gingas do Maculusso and Brazilian singer Alcione. - Angola Press

Surprise Winner of Miss South Africa 2005

Nokuthula Sithole is the surprise winner of Miss South Africa 2005. She was crowned at the Sun City Superbowl last night. Sithole, 21, daughter of the late Soweto surgeon Dr. Gabriel Sithole, reacted with shock when presenter Sami Sabiti called her name. "When they announced my name, my body went numb from the waist down. I kept having flashbacks from the whole week. I was trying to see what the judges saw in me. You have to be assertive and confident. I have found myself. I am a woman of substance and I am very much in touch with my spirituality."

Sithole, an Orlando Pirates fan, dedicated her victory to her father. Next week she will join the Department of Transport in raising awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, during the Arrive Alive campaign. "I believe I am a great person, and people should give me an opportunity to contribute to South Africa in the coming months," said Sithole. Her prizes include R50000 cash and a Smart ForFour car.  Vivacious Matapa Lydia Maila, 20, was the second princess, while the crowd favourite, Avumile Soso Qongqo, 19, was first princess. 

The Miss SA Teen winner was Bertha Marie le Roux, 17. Sandhya Naidoo, 16, was chosen as her second princess, while 18-year-old Nontsikelelo Khumalo was first princess. - SundayTimes & www.iol.co.za

   The new Miss Botswana 2005

20-year old Lorato Tebogo is the new Miss Botswana 2005. Outgoing queen Juby Peacock crowned Lorato during the conclusion of the pageant at the Gaborone International Convention Center.

Botswana failed to send their Miss Universe delegate for the past few years because of lack of sponsorship. Their first representative to Miss Universe was Mpule Kweglagobe, who admiringly captured Botswana's first Miss Universe crown in 1999. As of press time, Tebogo's participation to Miss Universe is not yet confirmed. 

On the other hand, Botswana's Miss World directors are planning to acquire the Miss Universe franchise in order to send Tshegofatso Robi who earlier competed at the Miss World 2005 pageant.

 Miss Universe 2006 Bidders

The following countries are bidding to host the Miss Universe pageant in May 2006.

1. Cancun, Mexico
2. San Salvador, El Salvador
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4. Moscow, Russia
5. Perth, Australia
6. Montevideo, Uruguay
7. Bangkok, Thailand
8. Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Miss France 2006

Alexandra Rosenfeld, 19, beat forty-four other participants to win the Miss France 2006 title in Cannes, southeastern of France on December 3, 2005. She will represent France in Miss Europe, Miss Universe & Miss World pageants next year. Cindy Fabre (left) who is currently competing in Miss World was flown to France to crown the winner. Rosenfeld is a 19-year-old student from Languedoc majoring in tourism. Rosenfeld's court includes first runner-up Sophie Ducasse, Miss Ile-de-France; second runner-up Laura Fasque, Miss Albigeois Midi-Pyrénées; third runner-up Elodie Lebon, Miss Réunion; and fourth runner-up Virgine Gaudeneche, Miss Pays de l'Ain.

Miss Lebanon 2005 named

5'9" Gabrielle Bou Rached, 19, was crowned Miss Lebanon 2005 in Beirut. She will vie in Miss Universe and Miss World pageants next year. Top favorite Annabella Hilal placed as 1st runner-up.

Last October, Rached competed in the Miss Asia 2005 pageant in Hong Kong. She placed as one of the Top 9 semifinalists and was awarded Best in National Costume and Miss Intellect. Her hobbies include dancing, poetize, photography and music.

Former Miss Venezuela is the new Miss Poland Universe


Miss Poland Org. officially elected 26 year-old Francys Mayela Barraza Sudnicka as Poland's repesentative to the Miss Universe 2006 pageant.

In 2003, she competed & placed as a semifinalist at the Miss Venezuela pageant. Representing Venezuela, she also won the Model of the World 2003 & Miss Tourism International 2000 titles.

Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006


18 year-old Zuleyka Rivera from Salinas was named Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006 at the Panamerican Pier in San Juan, Puerto Rico, November 10, 2005. Outgoing Miss Puerto Rico Cynthia Olavarria crowned her. The reigning Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova of Canada graced the event. Zuleyka will try to extend the successful streak of her country in Miss Universe. Her court includes Yauco's Lorenia Delgado (1st runner-up), Ponce's Marilyn Bartolomei (2nd runner-up), Rio Pedras' Tanya Huntley (3rd runner-up), Lajas' Lizmary Nazario (4th runner-up) and Dorado's Vanessa Figeroa (5th runner-up).

Cousins win back-to-back in Señorita Colombia pageant


24 year-old Valerie Tarud Dominguez, 5'8," was crowned Señorita Colombia 2005. She will represent her country in next year's Miss Universe pageant. She's the 1st cousin of last year's Señorita Colombia winner, Adriana Tarud- who also passed on the crown to her. This is the 2nd time cousins won back-to-back in Srta. Colombia. The 1st was from 1983-1984 when Susanna Caldas and Sandra Caldas won.


Miss Korea winner receives 20 million in cash

Kim Ju-hee, 23, was crowned Miss Korea 2005 at the Convention Center of the Grand Hilton Seoul Hotel in western Seoul. A graduate of Yonsei University with a degree in English language & literature, Kim received 20 million won in cash and will represent her nation at the 2006 Miss Universe contest.

The Miss Korea beauty pageant was co-hosted by the Hankook Ilbo, a sister paper of The Korea Times, and CJ Media.

Magalie crowns her sister as the new Miss Mauritius

Twenty-four-year-old Isabelle Antoo was crowned Miss Mauritius 2005 in October and will be the island's candidate at the Miss Universe 2006 Competition. Twenty girls took part in this competition but only twelve made it to the finals.

Incidentally, Isabelle's sister Magalie Antoo was last year's winner and Mauritius' representative at the Miss Universe 2005 pageant held in Bangkok.


Miss Indonesia Universe 2005 is of German descent

21-year-old Nadine Chandrawinata of Jakarta, was crowned Miss Indonesia Universe 2005, on July 29th, 2005. Nadine was born in Hanouver, Germany and has a twin sister. "Shadow only exist when there's light, if the darkness comes the shadow will dissapear. That's not like true friends," said Nadine that made her won the title. "Winning Miss Indonesia competition is not in my mind before," she reveals in an  interview after the pageant.

A model throughout her teenage life, Nadine has starred in few commercials and in an upcoming movie which will be released soon. She is now studying at the London School of Public Relations. Her other interests are swimming and traveling. Continuing the crusade of her predecessors as Miss Indonesia 2005, Chandrawinata will use her title to increase awareness about drugs and domestic violence. Her yearlong reign will take her around Indonesia as an ambassador for organizations.

 

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