The 57th Miss Universe Competition: An overview
July 18th 2008 02:06
Laura Dundovic misses out on Miss Universe
"We, the young women of the universe, believe people everywhere are seeking peace, tolerance and mutual understanding. We pledge to spread this message in every way we can, wherever we go." – The Miss Universe Creed
Back in May 2008 Laura Dondovitch beat out 28 other hopefuls to win the title Miss Universe Australia. This entitled her to compete in the global beauty pageant that is Miss Universe, held in Vietnam.
Making it all the way into the Final 10 contestants, it looked like Laura had a chance of replicating Jennifer Hawkins 2004 success but it was not to be. Taking out the title on July 13th was Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza, beating out the top 5 contestants from Russia, the Dominican Republic, Columbia and Mexico.
Looking beautiful may be a prerequisite but the coveted Miss Universe crown is a swimwear/nightgown tiara that carries charitable responsibility and diplomatic demands. Concentrating on poise, politeness and personality in its final stages of competition, the superficial accolade actually holds some merit.
The ceremony this year was hosted by low brow shockmeister Jerry Springer and ex Spice bimbo Mel B, catering to the billion strong viewership that tuned into the televised event.
According to the press release the winners crown is valued at $120,000, made of 18 karat white and yellow gold and is comprised of more than 1,000 precious stones, including 555 white diamonds, 375 cognac diamonds, 10 smoky quartz crystals and 19 morganite gemstones.
From the official website here are the rest of the results:
Final Results:
First Runner Up:
Miss Colombia, Taliana Vargas; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2008 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.
Second Runner Up:
Miss Dominican Republic, Marianne Cruz Gonzale.
Rest of Top Five:
Miss Mexico, Elisa Najera; and Miss Russia, Vera Krasova.
Rest of Top Ten: Miss Kosovo, Zana Krasniqi; Miss Australia, Laura Dundovic; Miss Spain, Claudia Moro; Miss USA, Crystle Stewart; and Miss Italy, Claudia Ferraris.
Rest of Top Fifteen:
Miss Vietnam, Lam Thuy Nguyen; Miss South Africa, Tansey Coetzee; Miss Japan, Hiroko Mima;; Miss Hungary, Jazmin Dammak; and Miss Czech Republic, Eliska Buckova.
National Costume Award:
Miss Thailand, Gavintra Photijak. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the international delegate whose national costume best reflected her country's culture, originality in preparation and the delegate's personal demeanor. She received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal.
Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award:
Miss El Salvador, Rebeca Moreno. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She also received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal
Miss Venuzuela takes the crown
A look at the gowns of glamour
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