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MISS UGANDA 2005


Official Photo


On Saturday (OCtober 9th), 15 contestants competed for the Miss Uganda title in Bat Valley, Kampala. 22 year-old Praise Akankwatsa, a journalism student, picked up the crown. Esther Mukasa, 21, a development studies student at Makerere University, was the first runner-up while Beatrice Kabajungu, 23, an arts student - also of Makerere - rounded out the top three spots. This year's event was more low-key than other years, as the license changed hands and is now held by Kadumukasa Kironde II. He still plans to send the top two girls to a camp for one month at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where they will be groomed by Tiner School of Beauty. 5'7" kankwatsa, who comes from Rukungiri, will be unveiled to the public on October 24 at the Sheraton Hotel. She will represent Uganda at the Miss World contest in China on November 10. Akankwatsa, who also is a part-time model with Downtown Models, said she is capable of winning the world title.
With excerpts from AllAfrica.com

MISS ST. LUCIA 2005


Official Photo


Miss St. Lucia was held on October 2nd in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. 8 contestants competed for the crown, but it was 20 year-old Joy Matty, a lab technician from Gastries, who picked up the crown. She will not move on the 2005 Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China. The Miss St. Lucia Antilles International crowned went to 19 year-old Sannyu Mason, who will go on to that pageant, and the Second Runner-Up was 18 year-old Nicole de Gale. Yasmin Walcott, Miss St. Lucia 1994, is the director of the pageant.
Courtesy of Syed Yasir Kamal/Miss St. Lucia Organization.

CHILE OUT OF MISS WORLD 2005





Millaray Palma, who organizes the Miss Mundo Chile competition, has officially announced that Chile will not be represented at the 2005 Miss World Competition. As she had stated in previous newspaper articles, the costs of organizing the pageant and sending a delegate were becoming too high, and no tv stations were interested in carrying the costs of the event in the generally pageant-apathetic country. Millaray came under increasing criticism in the last couple of years for possibly conflicts of interest in her pageant winners. Whether or not the Miss World organization chooses to and finds a local organizer to find a representative for this year's pageant is an open question.

MISS MUNDO DE PUERTO RICO 2005


Official Photo


On September 6th at, Ingrid Rivera, the representative or Dorado, was crowned Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico and will move on to the fast-approaching Miss World competition.

MISS SINGAPORE WORLD 2005


Official Photo


Shenise Wong

MISS WORLD ROMANIA 2005


MISS WORLD ROMANIA 2005: Official Photo


On September 30th, 20 year-old Raluca Voina from Campulung Moldovenesc captured the title of Miss World Romania 2005 and will now represent that country in the upcoming Miss World Pageant. Monica Cotar from Bucharest was First Runner-Up and will compete at Miss Tourism International in Malaysia. Diana Popescu from Craiova was Second Runner-Up. Alexandra Bolozan won the public vote, while Georgiana Tudor of Bucharest was named Miss Photogenic.

MISS KENYA 2005


Official Photo


Cecilia Mwangi

BELLEZA ARGENTINA 2005


Belleza Argentina 2005: Official Photo


Belleza Argentina 2005 was held on October 1st at the Sheraton Pilar Hotel & Convention Center in Pilar. Contestants from around the nation contended to represent tihs nation in the upcoming Miss World Pageant, but it was 19 year-old Political Science Student Emilia Iannetta who took the crown. Carla Petaccia from Buenos Aires was First Runner-Up, and Gisselle Fuentes Lajud of Tucumán was Second Runner-Up.

US MISS WORLD 2005


US MISS WORLD 2005: Miss CA USA Photo


The Hilton San Francisco played host the 2005 US Miss World Pageant on October 1st. 31 finalists competed in various rounds to represent the United States at the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China. 25 year-old Lisette Diaz from California took the crown. She also competed for last year's title. For the second year in a row, Kirsten Berset from Florida finished as First Runner-Up, while Ellen Chapman from California was Second Runner-Up. Michelle Slaybaugh, also from California, was Third Runner-Up, while Austen Brown from South Carolina was the Fourth Runner-Up.

MISS WORLD JAPAN 2005


MISS WORLD JAPAN 2005: Livedoor Photo


In Mid-September, the Miss World Japan pageant saw its first winner crowned: 23 year-old Youko Ueda from Hyogo. The First runner-Up was Rina Shinohara, 22 and from Shizuoka. The Second Runner-Up was M. Aa, 19. This is the first time in a many years that the Japanese rep. is not being sent by the Miss International Beauty Pageant.

MISS THAILAND WORLD RESIGNS


MISS THAILAND WORLD 2005: New Representative


Angie-Aschara McCline resigned her title of Miss Thailand World after only 1 1/2 weeks of wearing it, citing that the crown was too much of a burden for her. She says she wants to study further in the USA, and that she did not understand the contract upon signing it, which has led to heavy criticism from the Miss Thailand World organization, as well as others. They will be pursuing an investigation into her resignation, including allegations that she posed for risque photos and did not want them to show up. Cindy-Sirinda Jansen, who was First Runner-Up in the pageant, will begin preparations to attend the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China. With Information From: thaimiss.com

MISS CHINA 2005


MISS CHINA 2005: Official Photo


5'11" tall Ting-Ting Zhao (#26) was crowned Miss China on September 20th, beating out representatives from all over China for the chance to be the host delegate at this year's Miss World Pageant. First Runner-Up was #18 Chu Xin Xin, 5'10" tall, and the Second Runner-Up was #21 Mao Huan.

MISS MONDO ITALIA 2005


MISS MONDO ITALIA 2005: Official Photo


17 year-old Sofia Bruscoli, a model from Rome, was crowned Miss Mondo Italia on September 18th. 5,000 spectatotrs gathered in the port city of Leuca to see the crowning of the new beauty queen, televised on Channel Five. This 5'11" beauty was one of the winner of Elite Model Look Italia 2004, and will now move on to try and become Italy's first Miss World at the 2005 edition in Sanya.

MISS GUYANA 2005


MISS GUYANA 2005: Official Photo


18 year-old, 5'10" tall Jasmine Herzog, a biology student at the University of Guyana, picked up the Miss Guyana 2005 crown on Saturday night at Le Meridien, Georgetown. She pipped out another favorite, Ulex Atwell who was awarded 1st runner-up. Other contestants who placed in the top five were: Dacia Blackmore - 2nd runner-up; Lindener, Mikieda Franklin - 3rd runner-up and Melessa Payne in the 4th runner-up position.

MISS WORLD AUSTRALIA 2005


MISS WORLD AUSTRALIA 2005: Official Photo


19 year-old Dennae Brunow from Albury picked up the crown of Miss World Australia on Sunday night at Sydney's Wentworth Hotel. The gala featured national finalists from all over Australia, chosen in a series of regional events in Australia's biggest beauty pageant yet. Contestants were also expected to make a contribution to society, and Dennae raised thousands for the Australian Red Cross. She will now go on to the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China. Among the special guests in the event were former Miss World Belinda Green and former Miss World First Runner-Up Karen Jo Pini.

In a hint of controversy, Liberal Member of Parliament Michael Johnson attended the event as a judge. As part of the government's tourism committee, he is hoping to bring the 2008 Miss World Pageant to Brisbane. Local government and businesses in Gold Coast, Australia sought to bring the Miss World Pageant there this year, but they chose to return to Sanya, China.

MISS SWITZERLAND 2005


MISS SWITZERLAND 2005: Official Photo


21 year-old Lauriane Gilliéron was crowned Miss Switzerland 2005 on Saturday (9/7) in Locarno. She will now represent Switzerland at both Miss World 2005 and Miss Universe 2006. The First Runner-Up was Melanie Meier, and the Second Runner-Up was Fabienne Kropf. The finalists group was completed by: Zoe Torinesi, Manuela Lettieri, and Nina Ladina Kurz.
Thanks to Michael Knittel

MISS MONGOLIA 2005


On September 10th, The Central Cultural Palace in UlaanBator played host the Miss Mongolia 2005 beauty pageant. Beating out 12 other finalists was G. Khongorzul, who took the top title and will now represent Mongolia for the first time ever at the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China. G. Nandinchimeg and T. Uranzal were the First and Second Runner-Up, respectively.

MISS SLOVENIA 2005


MISS SLOVENIA 2005: Official Photo


Sanja Grohar, a 21 year-old from Kranja, picked up the title of Miss Slovenije 2005 on Saturday night and the right to compete in Miss World 2005. Aneta Salihovic was the First Runner-Up while Katja Cuderman was the Second Runner-Up. Ljubljana's Congress and Cultural Center played host the event, which was televised on POP TV.

MISS VENEZUELA 2005


On Thursday night (9/15), a new sets of Miss Venezuela's emerged after a 4.5-hour marathon broadcast, which was even interrupted by a speech from President Hugo Chavez. Jictzad Vina, representing Sucre, emerged as a shocker in the pageant as the winner of the Miss Venezuela Universe crown. Susan Carrizo, a tall beauty from Costa Oriental, picked up the title of Miss Venezuela World 2005, and Daniela Giacomo , representing Barinas, picked up the Miss Venezuela Internacional crown.

MISS JAMAICA WORLD 2005


MISS JAMAICA WORLD 2005: Official Photo


23 year-old Veterinary Student Terri-Karelle Griffith picked up the title of Miss Jamaica World 2005 on Sunday night (9/11), beating out finalists froma cross the island. This 5'9" tall beauty is pursuing her studies in Las Villas, Cuba, but will put them off to pursue the Miss World title in Sanya, China later this year. Griffith also was voted Miss Congeniality and Most Aware and won the Talent Competition. The Runners-Up were: Peta-Gaye Walker (Miss Watt's New), who also won Miss Sport and Beach Beauty, followed by Nalini Banhan (Miss Water Falls), who was the public vote winner, Ravn Rasheeda (Miss Empire Supermarket) and Sharice Fernander (Miss Libresse).

MISS THAILAND WORLD 2005



Angie-Aschara McCline picked up the title of Miss Thailand World 2005 on Saturday night, as well as the Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality Awards. The six-footer will now represent her country at Miss World 2005 in Sanya, China. The First Runner-Up was Cindy-Sirinda Jansen, and the Second Runner-Up was Gift-Kanokkarn Inntim.
With Information From: thaimiss.com

MISS SCOTLAND 2005


MISS SCOTLAND 2005: MaryFromDungloe Photo


On September 6th, 23 year-old Aisling Friel took the crown of Miss Scotland 2005 as the Glasgow Conference Center. She is a flight attendant from Glasgow and will now compete at the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China.

MISS INDIA-INTERNATIONAL 2005





Vaishali Desai has been chosen as India's representative to the 2005 Miss International Beauty Pageant in Japan, which kicks off on September 9th and ends on September 26th. Vaishali is 22 years old and 5'8" tall. She is a professional model from Bangalore, although of Gujarati descent, and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. She was also First Runner-Up at the Elite Model Look India 2004. Designer Ritu Kumar, as usual, has coordinated the ethnicwear, while Ashley Rebello has designed a georgette-style evening gown in turquoise and green, as well as her swimwear.

MISS NEPAL 2005


MISS NEPAL 2005: Official Photo


Sugarika KC was crowned Miss Nepal 2005 in Kathmandu, and will now represent Nepal at the 2005 Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China. Shavona Shrsetha was the First Runner-Up and will go on to Miss Earth 2005, while Ayusha Pokherel will move on the 2006 Miss Asia-Pacific International Pageant.

MISS TANZANIA 2005


MISS TANZANIA 2005: IPPPress Photo


Miss Kinondoni, Nancy Abraham Sumari has won Miss Tanzania 2005, in an event held on Friday at the Diamond Jubilee hall in Dar es Salaam. Nancy emerged victorious after defeating 25 contestants where she outsmarted them in all required criteria’s, outfits namely, designed dress, beach and other wear. Natalia was First Runner-Up, while Jeniffer John was second Runner-Up. Nancy, in addition to going to the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, will win: a fully-furnished house situated at Tabata Chang’ombe and a Toyota Balloon car. She will also be paid 2m cash and allowance of 100,000 for a period of eight months. Nancy’s victory is historic in Ocean Sandals Miss Tanzania as she is the first to be presented with a crown worth 27m and jeweler’s worth 2.8m.

MISS ENGLAND 2005


MISS ENGLAND 2005: Miss Maya Photo


18 year-old Miss Maya, Hammasa Kohistani, was crowned as Miss England 2005 on Saturday night at Liverpool's Olympia Theater. Kohistani is not only Muslim but fled Afghanistan at an early age, and then came from Uzbekistan to England at the age of 9. Hammasa speaks 6 languages, resides in West London and hopes to join university soon to study advertising. She has been modelling professionally and has expressed an interest in acting, as well. Islamic Conservatives called for her and 3 other Muslim entrants to withdraw before the pageant but not she will only be focused on representing England at the Miss World finals in China.

NEW SOUTH AFR. MW REP.


MISS WORLD SA 2005: Sun Int'l Photo


As the next Miss South Africa Pageant is scheduled for December 10th, the same day as Miss World 2005, Claudia Henkel has been replaced for the international event by her First Runner-Up, Dhiveja Sundrum or Durban. According to the contract of every Miss SA, she must crown her successor. Vanessa Carreira, Miss SA 2001-2002, had to forego the Miss World Competition due to the same problem. Claudia, who was a semi-finalist at the Miss Universe Pageant earlier this year, expressed disappointment at not being able to compete again. A spokesperson for Sun International, organizers of the event, stated that the movement of Miss World from its traditional November dates to early December has been cause for this conflict.

MISS POLONIA 2005


MISS POLONIA 2005: Official Photo


The new Miss Polonia was crowned in early September, and she is Malwina Ratajczak from Krapkowic, who will move on to the 2005 Miss World Pageant in December. She also picked up the titles of Miss Max Factor, Miss Alta Roma and Miss Tele. The First Runner-Up was Magda Zalewska, who will most likely compete at the Miss Universe Pageant in 2006, while the Second Runner-Up was Agata Paskudzka, who may be designated to Miss International 2006.

MISS ZAMBIA 2005


MISS ZAMBIA 2005


In an event delayed several times, 23 year-old Media Studies Graduate Precious Mumbi was crowned Miss Zambia 2005. The event was held at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Saturday night. Kazya Musuka, 24, a law student, was the First Princess, and 24-year-old production assistant, Katanekwa Matundwelo, was Second Princess and recipient of the People's Choice award. Mumbi will represent Zambia at the 2005 Miss World Pageant in China.

MISS SWAZILAND 2005


MISS SWAZILAND 2005


Zinhle Magongo was crowned Miss Swaziland 2005 in a long-awaited event at the Mavuso Trade Hall, which was cancelled last year due to financial problems. Amy Witbooi and Nozipho Mzileni were First and Second Runner-Up, respectively. Miss Swaziland traditionally competes in the Miss World Pageant, but nothing has been confirmed yet for this year's representative.
Photo: Times of swaziland

MISS WORLD HUNGARY 2005


MISS WORLD HUNGARY 2005


Semmi-Kis Tünde from Budapest picked up the 2005 Miss World Hungary crown on Saturday, beating out other finalists from across the nation.

MISS LIBERIA 2005


MISS LIBERIA 2005


Snorti M. Forh, 23, the Montserrado County representative, was crowned Miss Liberia 2005 at the Monrovia City Hall. She is a student of the United Methodist University and will go on to the 2005 Miss World Pageant in China. Munah Pelham was the First Runner-Up. This is the first time a local pageant has been held in several years, as the country has just now started settling down from a bloody war. Sebah Tubman, Miss Liberia 1999, was Fourth Runner-Up at the Miss World Pageant that year.

MISS BOLIVIA 2005


MISS BOLIVIA WORLD 2005


The finals of Miss Bolivia were held on August 5th in Santa Cruz. 19 year-old Desiree Duran of Litoral was crowned Miss Bolivia Universe. She is an engineering student and will go on to next year's Miss Universe Pageant. 19 year-old Viviana Mendez of Litoral was crowned Miss Bolivia World. Coincidentally, Desiree and Viviana were in the same positions in the Litoral pageant. Gretel Stehli was crowned Miss Bolivia International and will go on to the upcoming pageant in Tokyo, Japan.

MISS MUNDO NICARAGUA 2005


MISS NICARAGUA WORLD 2005


Miss Mundo Nicaragua was held on Sunday, August 7th. Nine finalists competed to represent Nicaragua at the 2005 Miss World Pageant, with 21 year-old Valeria García from Altagarcia picking up the title. She has been modelling for three years and studies Engineering, and competed in Reinado Mundial del Banano in the past.

MISS NORWAY to MISS WORLD 2005


MISS NORWAY 2005/FROKEN NORGE


Froken Norge Postponed to 2006 The annual Froken Norge contest, which selects the Norwegian representatives to Miss World and Miss Universe, has been postponed to January 2006. In light of the fact that a Miss World 2005 representative was needed, Helene Trasavik, Froken Norge-Universe 2004-2005, will now go on to that pageant. Helene is half-Thai and half-Norwegian and finished among the Top 15 semi-finalists of Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand, where she was a big favorite for the crown.

MISS MALTA WORLD 2005


MISS MALTA WORLD 2005


Miss Malta World was crowned. She is 18 year-old Ferdine Fava of St Julians. The pageant was held at the Selmun Mercure Palace Hotel in Mellehia

MISS WALES 2005


MISS WALES 2005


22 year-old Claire Evans was crowned Miss Wales 2005 in Cardiff recently. Claire comes from Aberystwyth and is a runner. Last year's Miss Wales made it to the Top 15 of Miss World for the first time ever by winning the Miss World-Sport title. Beauty consultant Laura Livesey, 23, from Old Colwyn, Conwy, came second and Llanelli student Lisa Lloyd-Hughes, 17, was third.

MISS TOURISM INTERCONTINENTAL 2005





Sonal Chauhan, one of the ten finalists of Femina Miss India 2005, was crowned Miss Tourism Intercontinental 2005 at a ceremony in Sarawak, Malaysia, despite arriving late due to wardrobe issues. Sonal defeated Miss Russia, Natalya Pervova and Miss Lebanon, Sandra Raymond El-Sayegh, who were first and second runner-up, respectively. 30 contestants participated in all for this title. Sonal is a 20 year-old philosophy student from Noida.

Star Cyprus 2005

July 3rd, 2005


STAR CYPRUS 2005

MISS CYPRUS 2005


on July 7th, 10 finalists competed in a televised event for the 2005 Pancyprian Beauty Contest. The winner were as follows:
Star Cyprus 2005: Elena Jerodjakonoy. Elena is 23, 1.78 m tall, and a Pedagogy student from Paralimni. She will compete in Miss Universe 2006.
Miss Cyprus 2005: Nikolas Temene. Nikolas is 19, 1.79 m tall, and a Pedagogy student from Larnaca. She will compete in Miss World 2005.
Miss Carlsberg - Anna Ceologoy. Will compete in Miss Europe.
Miss Mediteranean - Grace Dimitrios. Will compete in Miss International 2005.
First Runner-Up: Anna Irakleoys, and Second Runner-Up: Doxja Moytsoyri.
Courtesy of Typos. Images from Go2 Cyprus

Miss Ireland 2005

July 3rd, 2005





On July 1st, the new Miss Ireland - 2005 was crowned at the City West Hotel in Dublin. 20 finalists, chosen through regional pageants and castings, competed at the final event. The eventually winner was 6'0" tall Aoife Cogan, who represented VIP Magazine. Cogan is a professional model and had the highest odds in the contest prior to winning. She will now represent Ireland at the Miss World Competition, to be held from November-December in Sanya, China. This is the 3rd year that Assets Modelling Agency organized the event.
Image from Asset Modelling Agency

Miss Gibraltar 2005

July 3rd, 2005





On July 2nd, Miss Gibraltar 2005 was crowned in an event organized by the Gibraltar Tourist Authority at St. Michael's Cave. 24 year-old Melanie Chipolina, both the niece and cousin of former Miss Gibraltar winners, took the title home, as well as the Gibraltar Chronicle award for Best Interview. Shayanne Almeida was First Princess and Kirian Lopez was Second Princess. The newly crowned Miss Gibraltar 2005, wearing the new crown commissioned for this year’s show, will reign for the next year and represent Gibraltar at the Miss World Pageant in China in a few months time.
Image from Gibraltar Tourism Authority

Miss Mundo Colombia 2005

July 3rd, 2005





On July 2nd, Bogota played host to the 2005 Miss Mundo Colombia event. 31 finalists battled it out, but it was 21 year-old Erika Querubin, Miss Antioquia, took the top title, as well as awards for most beautiful body and most beautiful face. Yuri Natalia Arango of Vichada was First Runner-Up, while Diana Condía Durán of Meta was Second Runner-Up. Erika is 5'10" tall and a third-year student of Social Communication. She will represent Colombia at the 2005 Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China on December 10th.
Image from Miss Mundo Colombia Official Site

Miss World in Surgery Scandal





Miss Korea 2005





Kim Ju-hee, 23, was all smiles after being 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 the nation at the 2006 Miss Universe contest. Kim also took home the Most Photogenic Award. The runner-ups of the pageant were Oh Eun-young from Seoul and Lee Kyung-eun from North Chungchong Province, who will each receive 15 million won in prize money, and represent Korea at the 2005 Miss World and Miss International competitions, respectively. The 49th event was participated in by 53 contestants, including 11 from abroad.

Other prizes went to Kim Mi-young from Los Angeles, who received the Friendship Award; Park Si-hyun from South Chungchong Province, who took home the Manner Award; and Kim Suk-young from Kyonggi Province, who received the Award of Most Popular among Netizens. News courtesy of Hankooki

Miss Iceland 2005

June 3rd, 2005





On May 20th, Ungfru Island 2005 (Miss Iceland) was crowned. Unnur Birna Vilhjamsdottir won the title, followed by Ingunn Sigurpálsdóttir and Margret Elisa Hardardottir. Unnur will represent Iceland at the 2005 Miss World Pageant, and possibly at the 2006 Miss Universe Pageant.
Thanks to Michael Knittel

HIATUS DURING MAY 2005


Miss Universe 2005 Updates

May 3rd, 2005





ITALY - The Miss Universe Organization has removed its license from its current Italian license-holder, a pageant created in 2000 solely to select representatives for Miss Universe. On May 10th, the first Miss Universo Italia will be crowned in a small ceremony. She will be the last contestant to arrive in Bangkok, on May 12th

NIGERIA - Silverbird Productions has designated the first runner-up to Most Beautiful Girl Nigeria, Amusu Roseline. The 21 year-old English student was designated to Miss Universe after some years where the director sent the same winner to Miss World. The original winner, Akinnifesi Omowunmi, will still go to that pageant.

ARGENTINA is the final country for which details are still unknown, including whether the country will participate or not. In both 2002 and 2004, Argentina was not present in the pageant.

Miss Guatemala 2005

May 3rd, 2005





Aída Estrada was crowned as Miss Guatemala Universo 2005, while María Inés Gálvez was crowned Miss Mundo Guatemala 2005 last night at the Grand Tikal Futura Hotel. They will go to Miss Universe in Bangkok and Miss World in Sanya, respectively. Cynthia Marín finished as Second Runner-Up. Six participants took part in the contest.

British and Irish Rep's to Miss Universe 2005

May 3rd, 2005



TOP U.K. BOTTOM Ireland


Under mysterious circumstances, both Ireland and the United Kingdom have chosen Miss Universe delegates with no national pageant. Brooke Johnston, a Canadian resident who works in film production, has been named Miss Universe UK. The 26 year-old has been competing in the Miss Universe Canada Pageant for the past few years, and was designated as Miss Earth Canada in 2004. Her connection to the U.K. is unknown and who selected her is also at large. Mary Gormley, who lives in Northern Ireland, was curiously chosen as the representative for Ireland. Mary competed in Miss Northern Ireland last year and finished 3rd. Details of the Irish selection are totally unknown, but this 6' tall shop assistant from Belfast will be in Bangkok, Thailand next week to compete for the Miss Universe title. /TD>

Miss Denmark - Universe 2005

May 3rd, 2005





Gitte Hanspal, a 23 year-old Masters' Student from Copenhagen, has been designated by the Pretty Danish company as the Danish representative to Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand. Gitte, of mixed Danish and Indian origin, won the Miss Scandinavia crown last year for Denmark.

Miss Thailand Universe 2005

March 26th, 2005





Details Awaited

Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2005

March 23rd, 2005





The Most Beautiful Girl of Nigeria 2005 was held last week, with the largest contestant turn-out ever. 18 year-old Akinnifesi Omowunmi, a student representing Kwara, picked up the title and will now represent Nigeria in Miss Universe and Miss World 2005. Further details expected later.

Veteran Trinidad Beauty in Miss Universe

March 23rd, 2005


Magdalene Walcott has been officially named.


The night before Cheryl Ankrah was officially dethroned by a Trinidad court, 5 beauties competed at Trotters to choose a new representative for Miss Universe 2005. Considered to be director Peter Elias' handpicked choice, Magdalene Walcott was announced as the winner on Wednesday night. The 21 year-old was chosen by Peter Elias to represent the island nation in Miss World 2003, where she finished 15th among the Top 20 finalists. She is currently studying accounting. It does not appear Elias plans another pageant anytime soon, as it is now known the 2005 Miss World representative was chosen from the same group, and speculation has it that it will be Jenna, Miss Trinidad-Earth 2004. However, the announcement will be officially made in August.

Sweden Likely to Be Out of Miss Universe

March 23rd, 2005


Last year's delegate


Froken Sverige was once a highlight of Swedish entertainment, but throughout the 1990's, ratings declined, even as new gimmicks, such as public voting, were introduced to get the audience to care. Last year, things hit a low point as TV3 gave up its rights to a Swedish magazine, which was on the verge of softcore porn. A pageant was hastily thrown together and a representative sent off. This year, the license will go to Panos Emporio, a swimsuit retailer in Nordic countries. However, the new company has announced that there will be no pageant this year, and therefore, no representative to Sweden in Miss Universe 2005. Froken Sverige lost the rights to Miss World in 2003, when a modelling agency was given the chance to organize a new pageant.

Miss Universe Ethiopia 2005

March 14th, 2005





Atetegeb Tesfaye, a veteran beauty queen, picked up the ttile of Miss Universe Ethiopia 2005 on Saturday night. She comes from Nazareth and was First Runner-Up in the Miss Ethiopia World Pageant in 2003, where she went on to Miss Malaika 2004 and eventually placed 3rd. Atetegeb was followed by Jitu Abraham, a 23 year old girl from the USA and 20 year old Dina Fekadu from Wollega to take second and third positions respectively. A computer science graduate from the Hilcoe College of computers and a journalism student in South Africa, Atetegeb will represent Ethiopia at the 2005 Miss Universe beauty pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.

Trinidad Awaits New Miss Universe Rep.

March 14th, 2005


Who will replace Cheryl Today?


Amidst major controversy, a judge ordered that Peter Elias, national director of Miss Universe for Trinidad & Tobago, could dethrone Cheryl Ankrah, the original representative for this year, at his discretion. After he had originally made the decision, Cheryl took him to court and even ordered an injunction against a mini-pageant he organized to choose someone new. This time, he invited five girls the night before the ruling, to compete at a sports bar, including: Crystal Cunningham, Lo Anna Laurie, Jenna Marie Andre (Miss Trinidad-Earth 2004), Magdalene Walcott (a former Miss World finalist), and Tanya Gomes. Magdalene Walcott is considered to be the insider choice. Ankrah will issue a statement later.

Bb. Pilipinas 2005

March 14th, 2005





Miss Estonia 2005

March 21st, 2005





Miss Estonia was held tonight, with Jana Kuvaitseva, 18 years old and 1.75 m tall, emerging victorious. She will represent Estonia in Miss Universe 2005 and Miss Baltic Sea 2006. First Runner-Up was Marina Kolbina, who will go on to Miss Europe, and Second Runner-Up was Triinu Laurits, who will go to Miss Intercontinental most likely.
Courtesy of Michael Knittel

Miss Spain 2005

March 20th, 2005





Veronica Hidalgo, a 20 year-old representing Girona, was crowned Miss Espana 2005 in a gala ceremony held in Marina D'Or on Sunday night, lasting until almost 3 am. She will represent Spain in Miss Universe 2005. First Runner-Up was Lleida's Mireia Verdu, 1.79 m tall. The clear audience favorite, Mireira will go on to Miss World 2005 in China. Miss Las Palmas, Laura Ojeda, was Second Runner-Up and will compete in Miss Europe 2006. Borja Alonso González, representing A Coruna, won the title of Mr. Espana 2005 in the same event. Representatives from Córdoba, David López Guillén, and Zaragoza, Joaquín Calleja Romero, finished 2nd and 3rd.

Miss Bahamas Universe 2005

March 14th, 2005





On Sunday night, 19 year-old Denia Nixon picked up the title of Miss Bahamas Universe 2005. She currently works at a clerk in a sporting lounge, and beat 7 other contestants for the crown. She will represent Bahamas in the May 30th Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. First Runner-Up was Nadia Cash, a Psychologist who will attend Miss Earth 2005 in the Philippines. Lashonne Outten, Miss British Fidelity Insurance, finished 3rd; 4th was Dimetria Stubbs, Miss Galleria Cinemas; and 5th place went to Philincia Cleare, Miss Garfi Designs.

Miss Europe 2005

March 12th, 2005





After a one-year gap, Miss Europe 2005 culminated tonight in Paris, France, with 36 participants. The new queen is Miss Germany, Shermine Sharivar, who took part in Miss Universe last year. First Runner-Up was Miss Armenia, Lusine Tovmasyan. Second Runner-Up was Miss France, Cindy Fabre. Third Runner-Up was Miss England, Laura Shields. Fourth Runner-Up was Miss Slovak Republic, Tatiana Krcmeryova. The remaining semi-finalists came from: Greece (Valia Kakouti), Serbia & Montenegro (Sandra Obradovich), Finland (Mira Salo), Czech Republic (Adita Hortova), Poland (Karolina Gorazda), Iceland (Sigrun Bender) and Turkey (Birce Akalay). The delegates went together to Jerba, Tunisia for shootings before the final event.

Miss World Tours the U.S.

March 12th, 2005





Having been appointed a tourism ambassador of Peru, Miss World 2004 - Maria Julia Mantilla went on videoshootings in different locations for an international campaign, intended to draw more visitors to Peru. Among the shoots was Macchu Picchu, where Maria dressed in Native costumery.

In one of her first major tours post coronation, Maria set out on a trip throughout the United States. She first arrived from London into Chicago, where she took time our to see the Windy city, but it was quick trip down to Altoona, Iowa. There, she took part in the Variety Club's annual telethon: The 23-hour event raised more than $3.5 million for children's charities. She also attended a benefit dinner entitled 'Stars Dinner' the day after. After that, she was taken to Houston, Texas, where she was the Chief Guest of a Unicef benefit for Tsunami victims. $275,000 was raised by the event, which included performances by noted artist India.Arie. The event itself was entitled "Designs of Hope", which included a fashion show of designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Emanuel Ungaro, Vera Wang and others. Miss World entered the stage with children dressed in different world costumes. At the end of her trip, Maria stopped over in Latin hotspot Miami, Florida. There, she had the chance to be interviewed and photographed by media outlets such as El Vocero of Puerto Rico, Escenario and Univision. She discussed the importance of her role in charity work through the year, as well as her upcoming plans. She is still scheduled to tour Latin America and Europe, and will be in Puerto Rico in July for the crowning of the new Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico.

Miss Paraguay Universe 2005

March 12th, 2005





The Salón Galas del Yacht and Golf Club of Asuncsion played host to Miss Paraguay Universo 2005 last night. In a controversial pageant, the victorious winner was 20 year-old Karina Buttner, who will now go on to Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand. Karina was second runner-up in Reina Sudamericana 2003 and immediately afterward, Gloria Limpias, director of the pageant, made arrangements for her to compete at Miss World 2003 in Sanya, China. The controversy arose as contestants dropped out, citing Gloria's favoritism towards Karina.

Emilce Gómez was the First Runner-Up; It is most likely she will be sent to Miss World 2005. Paloma Navarro was the Second Runner-Up; She was another controversial contestant, who was already chosen to represent Paraguay in Miss Asia-Pacific 2005. Rossana Beltrán was the Third Runner-Up.

Miss Ecuador 2005

March 11th, 2005





In a stunning event at the Teatro Centro de la Casa de la Cultura, 21 year-old architecture student Ximena Zamora (Pichincha) won the crown of Miss Ecuador 2005. First Runner-Up was Maria Elisa Marquez; Second Runner-Up was Bianca Salame; Third Runner-Up was Magdalena Stahl; and Fourth Runner-Up was Maria Gracia Manzano.In a press conference called two days before the pageant, Gamavision announced that it had lost the Miss Universe license to Canal Uno, which will hold its new pageant on April 15th. As a result, it is most likely that 5'10" Zamora will go on to Miss World 2005.

Miss Japan Universe 2005

March 8th, 2005





Miss Japan Universe 2005 was elected tonight in Tokyo. The winner was 21 year-old, 6'0" tall Yukari Kuzuya, who will represent the nation in Miss Universe 2005 in Thailand on May 31st. She is a model and comes from Aichi. The First Runner-Up was Mayuko Kimura, while the Second Runner-Up was Takako Tomita .

Miss Croatia Universe 2005

March 7th, 2005





Miss Croatia Universe 2005 was elected tonight. The winner was 18 year-old Jelena Glisic of Plaskog, who will represent the nation in Miss Universe 2005 in Thailand. The First Runner-Up was Branka Raskovic , while the Second Runner-Up was Olga Crvelin.
Thanks to Michael Knittel

Miss Nicaragua 2005

March 6th, 2005





Miss Nicaragua 2005 was held in a glamourous event in Managua's Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío. 12 contestants competed for the two crowns: Miss Nicaragua (Universe) is 23 year-old Daniela Regina Clerk,a business administration student who stands 5'6" tall and will be present in Thailand this June. First Runner-Up is 19 year-oldFátima Johanna Madrigal of Managua. She is 5'10" and studying industrial engineering. The First Runner-Up was Rebecca Reinoso of Granada. This year, the title of "Miss Mundo Nicaragua", which is officially handed out in the pageant, was not presented for good reason. It is unknwon if the Miss World Organization will request a separate pageant or has found a new licensee. Miss Canada Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova, and Miss Costa Rica Universe 2005, Johanna Fernández , were special guests.
La Prensa Nicaragua

Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe 2005

March 6th, 2005





Water's Edge in Battaramulla hosted Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe 2005 on February 25th. Emerging victorious is local model Rozanna Diasz, who will bring Sri Lanka back to the Miss Universe Pageant after a 9-year absence. First Runner-Up was Olivia James and Second Runner-Up was Chaturika Fernando. Proceeds from the event went to tsunami fundraising.
Lanka Mirror

Miss Europe Sets Location/Date

January 26th, 2005


The last Miss Europe Pageant, held in 2003/Paris (AP)


Its official...Miss Europe 2005 will be finally held on March 12th, in Paris, France at the Palais des Sports. The contestants were flown out to Jerba, Tunisia for shootings, similiar to what was done last year before the final event. TF1 will be televising the event live. Local officials and businessowners in Jerba hope that exposure on France's top channel will help to attract more tourists.

Among those 36 who are expected at this pageant are:

  • Lusine Tovmasian (Armenia) - Never arrived to Miss World 2003
  • Olga Antropova (Belarus) - cont., Miss World 2004
  • Tatiana Tavares (Belgium) - cont., MU & MW 2005
  • Selma Seitanic (Bosnia)
  • Kristina Radneva (Bulgaria)
  • Edita Hortov?(Czech Republic)
  • Christina Demetriou (Cyprus)
  • Mira Salo (Finland) - cont., Miss Universe 2004
  • Cindy Fabre (France) - cont., Miss Univ. 2005
  • Shermine Sharivar (Germany) - cont., Miss Univ. 2004
  • Valia Kakouti (Greece) - cont., Miss Univ. 2004
  • Sigrun Bender (Iceland)
  • Cathriona Duigman (Ireland) - cont., Miss Univ. 2004
  • Keren Friedman (Israel)
  • Jeanette Ersdal (Norway)
  • Karolina Gorazda (Poland) - cont., Miss World 2003
  • Gabriela Botezat (Romania)
  • Diana Zaripova (Russia)
  • Sandra (Serbia & Montenegro)
  • Tatiana Krcmeryova (Slovak Rep.)
  • Farah Ahmed (Spain)
  • Marie Dahlin (Sweden)
  • Birce Akalay (Turkey)
  • Laura Shields (United Kingdom) - SF, Miss International 2004
    A final list of contestants will be made known later on.

    Priyanka Picks Up Villain Award

    February 27th, 2005





    The 50th annual Filmfare Awards, India's oldest and most prestigious film awards program, was held in Mumbai last night. Priyanka Chopra, Miss World 2000, picked up the award for best Negative Character for Aitraaz, only the second time in history a woman has picked up this award. For the same role, she also appeared among the nominees for the Best Supporting Actress. Priyanka is one of the most upcoming actresses in the industry, combining this with one of the year's biggest hits, "Mujhse Shaadi Karoge", and a number of big projects expected to boost her status even more.

    Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai was also nominated, in the Best Actress category, for a role she plays in the critically-acclaimed art film "Raincoat." She did not pick up the award, as expected, and was absent from the event as she busily shoots for a new release in England.

    Ceska Miss (Universe) 2005

    February 25th, 2005





    Katerina Smejkalova of Sternberk won the inaugral 'Ceska Miss' competition last night, beating out 11 other finalists in a new pageant, specially licensed to send representatives to the Miss Universe Pageant for the Czech Republic. The winner is 5'8" tall and a Pedagogy student. Miss Universe 2004, Jennifer Hawkins, was on hand to crown the new winner. The court consisted of Zuzana Stepanovska and Michaela Stoudkova, respectively.

    Miss El Salvador 2005

    February 28th, 2005





    Irma Dimas, representing the region of Sonsonate, picked up the 'Miss El Salvador' title last night in San Salvador. The 18 year-old second-semester Law student also picked up titles for the Best Legs, Best Smile, and the Integrity Award. She will represent El Salvador at the 2005 Miss niverse Pageant. Miss Cabañas, Alejandra Cárcamo took honors of First Runner-Up while Misss Libertad, Nessie Anaya, was Second Runner-Up.

    Mrs. World 2005

    February 25th, 2005





    The Sahara-created resort of Amby Valley, outside of Mumbai, India, played host the 2005 Mrs. World Pageant tonight. Emerging victorious out of 41 contestants was Mrs. Israel, Sima Bakahr, an architect. Mrs. Croatia, Ivana Brnic Boce was named the first runner-up and Mrs. New Zealand, Sherin Peace finished as second runner-up. Completing the top six were the delegates from USA, Julie Templeton and India, Jeevika Shah. Ukraine, Singapore, Thailand, Namibia and the Philippines completed the finalists group. Mrs. Israel also won the Beautiful Legs Awards, while Ukraine (Svitlana Valova) won Dettol Beautiful Skin, and Bulgaria (Yana Marinova) won Duncans Beautiful Smile.

    Miss Universe's National Directors Make Switch-Up

    February 21st, 2005


    GERMANY

    TRINIDAD/TOBAGO

    ARUBA



    ARUBA: Maya Frigerio has officially been dethroned as Miss Universe Aruba 2005. The title has gone to Miss World Aruba 2004, . The official reason for Maya's replacement is not fulfilling her duty. Last year's Miss Universe Aruba was likewise dethroned.

    GERMANY: Asli Bayram is the winner of Miss Deutschland, but the directors of the competition seem to prefer sending Natalie Ackermann to the Miss Universe Pageant. Natalie was a competitor in Miss Colombia 2000, and this year competed in Germany. Asli will most likely compete in Miss Intercontinental and Miss Europe. This replacement awaits confirmation

    TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: After her dethronement, Cheryl Ankrah has decided to take action. Amidst rumors that Kenisha Thom, or Jenna Edwards, would take her place, the local organizers decided to hold a pageant to choose a new representative. A local judge ordered an injunction against the pageant, as he will hear the case.

    Miss Universe Hungary 2005

    February 16th, 2005





    Miss Hungary Universe 2005 is Szandra Proksa, 22 years old, 1.72m (5'8") tall. Szandra comes from Siofok which is located at Lake Balaton. Szandra was crowned on February 14th among 18 finalists in the city of Pecs. She will now represent Hungary in Miss Universe 2005.
    Courtesy of Michael Knittel

    Miss Suomi 2005 (Finland-Universe)

    February 15th, 2005





    Miss Suomi 2005 20-year old Hanna Ek. She stands 1.72 m (5'8") tall and comes from Porvoo. Hanna will now represent Finland in Miss Universe 2005. The 1st RU is Elina Nurmi (18) and 2nd RU is Susanna Laine (23). The runner-ups will participate in other international pageants for example Miss International. The remaining finalists: Anna Aalto, Sanna Kankanpää and Essi Arola. During this week the Miss Finland-pageant was shattered by a scandal. One of the 10 finalists had to be disqualified. It was Saija Ketola. It was discovered that she was married, made nude pics and was suspected of several cases of theft. Therefore the Miss Finland-pageant only had 9 finalists this year. Miss Finland 2004, Mira Salo will represent her country in the Miss Europe 2005-pageant to take place in the next few weeks.
    Courtesy of Michael Knittel

    Aishwarya Rai Sets Sights International

    February 14th, 2005


    Aishwarya attends the premiere of Bride & Prejudice in New York City



    From top student, to top model, to Miss World, to top Indian film actress status, Aishwarya has come a long way. Now she wants to feature in more international projects, and is going all out to get it. Her first official international release is Bride & Prejudice, co-stars Martin Henderson. The film has just recently made its UK and US releases, with mixed reviews, although the film opened in India to a dismal response. Nonetheless, Rai has been travelling to both countries to promote her project, appearing on American shows such as '60 Minutes' and 'David Letterman' to gain publicity.

    Her upcoming international projects are plentiful. Chaos, which is being directed by Frenchman Coline Serreau, will see her co-starring Meryl Streep sometime in 2006. Mistress of Spices, based on the novel, will star her and Dylan McDermott, and still claims a release of 2005, although nothing is set. Chasing the Monsoon will feature her as Michael Douglas' co-consipirator, in a production which will be set in India. Another project is Roland Joff?s Singularity, which is supposed to co-star Brendan Fraser, but nothing has been finalized so far. Other projects include Windfall, about the 1984 Industrial Disaster in Bhopal, India, and possibly, Ladies Night, which will be shot in Philadelphia.

    On the home front, Aishwarya ended 2004 with two art films, Raincoat and Chokher Bali, intended to diversify her image away from just commercial cinema. Her only other commercial release was "Kyon! Ho Gaya Na?", a heavily-publicized project which fell flat with audiences. This year, she will star in Taj Mahal: The Great Indian Experience as Mumtaz Mahal herself, in India's first IMAX film.

    Aside from her new projects, Aishwarya continues her role as the face of numerous leading brands in India, including Coca-Cola and L'oreal. She recently participated in the HELP Concert, a spectacular telethon by India's entertainment industry to raise money towards Tsunami assistance.

    Mr. India 2005

    January 29th, 2005





    Last night, the Goregoan Sports Complex in Mumbai hosted the 2005 Grasim Mr. India contest. Viraf Phiroze Patel took top honors, while the First Runner-Up was 21 year-old Kushal Tandon from Mumbai and Second Runner-Up was 19 year-old Karan Hukku from Jaipur. 24-year-old Viraf, an aspiring merchant navy officer studying at Mumbai Maritime Training Institute, is also the reigning Mr. University. It is dobutful he will represent India at any international competitions. Among the judges were ex-Miss India's Priyanka Chopra and Gayatri Joshi.

    News Briefs From Around The World

    January 30th, 2005





  • MISS WORLD 2006 BIDS: While Miss World may have settled on completing its three-year contract with Sanya for 2005, it plans to move out of Sanya for the 2006 pageant and is welcoming many different cities. Currently there are bids from Dallas, Texas in the United States, Chinese cities such as Dalian, a resort city in Northern China, and Australia, where organizers in the Gold Coast are still trying after an unsuccessful 2003 bid.

    Now, Vibe, the Cardiff agency which promotes the Miss Wales competition, is leading a bid to bring one of the biggest televised world events to Wales for the very first time in its history. And, having liaised with the Miss World Organisation, Miss Wales event organiser Paula Abbandonato has revealed that Miss World boss Julia Morley would welcome the Welsh bid. Paul Sergeant, manager of Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, is also backing the bid. He told us: "Cardiff is one of the best cities in the world so why not bring the contest here? While this is all good, the British reaction to Miss World has never been too great. (icWales.uk)

  • Ex-Miss World Aussie sues: The 2003 winner of the MWA competition, Olivia Stratton, is out to claim what is rightfully hers. During the local contest organized by Jim Davie in 2003, Olivia was one of 500 entrants attracted by big promises which came crashing down once the excessive spending on the event sent the pageant into bankruptcy. Olivia was left without any support whatsoever as she pursued the Miss World crown in Sanya, China. She is now suing Davie in court, claiming $250,000 in promised prizes, as well as all out-of-pocket expenses she paid to pursue a year of charity service as required by her title, as well as paying to traing for the Miss World competition. As of 2004, the Miss World Australia contest is run by John Waterhouse and businesswoman Pauline McFetridge. (News.com.au)

  • Uganda In Miss World Limbo: Sylvia Owori, who served as Miss Uganda in 2001, took over the national competition that year and his since then produced Uganda's representative at Miss World, expanding the national contest with more sponsors and better talent. Now, she says she is ready to quit: “I have accomplished all I can with Miss Uganda. It is time a new generation of organisers came in to take it to a new level. A fresh injection of energy and enthusiasm is needed to maintain the momentum it has gained,?she said. There has been no word about any prospective organisers. Owori still holds the valid Miss Uganda license issued by Miss World. Whoever wishes to organise Miss Uganda 2005 will have to apply to the Miss World organisation, which will then approach Owori for confirmation. (New Vision, Uganda)

  • Pageant News Archives #1 (12/02 - 3/03)
    Pageant News Archives #2 (4/03 - 6/03)
    Pageant News Archives #3 (6/03 - 9/03)
    Pageant News Archives #4 (9/03 - 12/03)
    Pageant News Archives #5 (January 2004 - April 2004)
    Pageant News Archives #6 (May 2004 - September 2004)
    Pageant News Archives #7 (October 2004 - January 2005)

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