Miss Universe 2020 is beginning! What do you need to know?
Thousands, perhaps millions of Miss Universe fans around the globe, are going crazy as the popular beauty contest is back after long 17 months! Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the pageant had to be postponed. Candidates from 74 countries and territories are currently arriving at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, in Hollywood, Florida, USA. In the next few days, these young women will be judged in the interview, swimsuit, and evening gown competitions. The traditional national costume parade and competition will also take place. Females only are expected to be part of the judging panel.
The final telecast event will take place on May 16th, hosted by Mexican-American actor Mario Lopez, 47, and by Miss Universe 2012, actress and media personality, Olivia Culpo, 28.
Organizers said safety protocols that'll be administered by Seminole Hard Rock's Safe + Sound are being modeled after the 2020 Miss USA competition in November in Memphis, Tennessee. All candidates are being tested for Covid upon their arrival at the hotel.
In the US, Miss U 2020 will be broadcast by cable tv station FYI, while Spanish-speaking viewers will be able to watch it on Telemundo. It will be the first time since 1960 that the Miss Universe pageant will not be broadcast live in the US by a major English-speaking television network. Pop sensation Pitbull has been confirmed as a musical guest.
South Africa´s Zozibini Tunzi will crown her successor. Several countries will not participate in this year´s pageant because of the pandemic, including Germany, which will miss taking place in Miss Universe for the first time since its inception, in 1952.
Follow the leader: Amanda Obdam was the pre-arrival favorite. Can she keep this going?? The spotlight is on her!
Global Beauties´ pageant observers currently have the representative of Thailand, Amanda Obdam, as the candidate to beat. Amanda leads GB´s Super 11 pre-arrival list of favorites, followed closely by Misses Universe Canada, South Africa, India, and Peru. See the complete list HERE.
