DELEGATES PRE-TAPE OPENING NUMBER

NHA TRANG - In what was a extensive production session of about 8 hours, the 80 delegates of Miss Universe 2008 pre-taped the opening number intros wearing their national costumes.

No audio was needed as the delegates' clips will be shown with "voice-overs" recorded previously. Fans will have the opportunity to see their delegates showcasing their beauty on camera as well as introducing themselves to the TV audience.

To the melody of Mika's "Love Today", each delegate was carefully directed on stage by the pageant's choreographers, to make sure everything looks perfect for the telecast on July 13th. Some contestants were visibly tired, but they were willing to cooperate in what was one of the latest stages of this year's competition.

Some surprises on camera: Delegates from Kosovo, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Panama confirmed their stunning beauty during the close-ups shown on the screens inside the Crown Convention Center; other delegates did very well today as well. That was the case of Montenegro, Japan, Ukraine and Thailand.

After taping the intros, the contestants rehearsed the calling of the Top 15. Their routine, which started at 5 am, ended at 7 pm when they were taken for dinner with their families and then off to sleep. The hectic schedule will increase in the days leading up to the final.

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