Miss Universe 2017 Review

Hi everyone, I actually wrote this blog post live as I watch Miss Universe.. First time doing it and it's so fun!

FYI

• I love Lu as the commentator and Carson is amazing as well!
• My top favourites so far is South Africa, Russia and Venezuela (i dun see her as Miss Universe though)

Top 16
They have used a new format this year which resembles Miss World's competition format a decade back. Seriously, if you wanna copy, please copy sth good...

Africa and Asia Pacific

• 1) Thailand -- YESSSSS
• She sounds like a really cool girl
• 2) Sri Lanka
• Ok.. abit unexpected but she deserved her place! Funny cats names hahaha
• 3) Ghana
• She looks gorgeous with her hair back in the final night but I would rather have Angola as my top girl of colour.
• 4) South Africa -- YESSSSS
• YESSSS...She looks stunning
• At first I dun reli think a blondish brown hair colour suits her but in fact, it made her look even more stunning and elegant!

Europe

• 5) Spain
• I like her!
• 6) Ireland
• whattttt.... i think she's strong in the prelims but there are more deserving girls.
• She is a confident girl though
• 7) Croatia
• Whattttt.... i like her gown performance but reli....
• She's funny though
• OMGG where's Russia!!! Please be Russia
• 8) Great Britian
• She deserved her spot as she is stunning
• OMG but where is Russia!!
• My bets in Europe are Russia, Spain, Great Britain, Iceland, Germany and Spain! So you can tell I am devastated that only two of my bets got in!

Hahaha I love Lu:

• "If Thailand is in the show with me I would trip her!" hahaha
• We also get to know that, in fact, the reigning Miss Universe Iris is a tough girl! Even for Lu! U really can't judge a book by the cover!

The Americas

• 9) Colombia
• I was not optimistic about her chances when she got crowned but I actually see essence of Paulina Vega (but even more over the top) in her on the final night which made me though... OMG Colombia can be the next Miss Universe again!
• And I love "u wanted to see me right!" [smirk]
• 10) USA
• No surprises
• 11) Brazil
• Another afro. I actually like her more than USA. But by placing two afros together.. would only one make it to the top 10 after swimsuits?
• Love her answer hahaha and she is funny!
• 12) Canada
• She is one of my favourites! She is a sweet and classy beauty.
• Interestingly her interactions with Steve Harvey reminds me of Iris last year. That is why I thought she could be Miss Universe at this point!
• I must say the Americas is strong! Great personality and stunning looks! 
• BUTT where is Venezuela?!?! I dun have her as my next Miss Universe but it would be a shock if she is left out as she is very very strong!

OMG there are so many beauties left in the crowd. Venezuela, Russia, Peru, Indonesia, Mexico, Germany and Angola. Philippines must definitely be up there. Performance, my mega-favourite Russia does not seem to be able to battle with the others BUT please prove me wrong! At this point, all I wanted is for Venezuela to make it!

Wildcards

• 13) Philippines
• No surprises
• 14) Venezuela -- YESSSS
• Ok I have no more regrets now! Venezuela must be up there!
• She seems like a dedicated and elegant person
• Right now.... I kind of gave up on Russia and Iceland as I thought Indonesia, Peru and Mexico should make it based on prelims
• 15) Jamaica 
• wtf....
• alot of people seems to like her but I just dun see it! Kaci Fennell is so much stronger!
• Ok bye Russia
• 16) China
• wtf....
• I actually like her... but when there is just one spot left.. I kind of wish Peru or even Indonesia should make it.
• China seems like a lovely girl!

Oh wow, I actually saw a Miss Hong Kong in the cutscene.

Swimsuit Competition

The thing I dun like is that it seems that the pace was too rushed... the girls can't even have their ending poses then it's another girl already...

• Thailand
• Ooo she's wearing a one-piece but she rocked it!
• Sri Lanka
• I think her performance was good
• Ghana
• She looks like one of the judges Wendy Fitzwilliam haha but I think she would not make it further
• South Africa
• Bright personality and great facial expressions but not really a strong walk
• Should be able to get into next round though
• Spain
• Looks like a model
• Ireland
• Strong opening pose.. Made me actually thought she can make it to the other round
• Croatia
• Tall but that's it
• Great Britain
• Stunning face but so-so walk 
• Colombia
• Strong strong walk
• USA
• Decent walk as usual
• Brazil
• She is stronger than USA
• Canada
• Canada has a stunning face but she seems a bit too thin
• Please let her through
• Philippines 
• Strong as usual
• Venezuela
• Rocked the stage!
• Jamaica
• I still dun like her
• China
• I think the issue with China is the colour of the swimsuit.. made her look completely washed out....

My top 10 to advance to next round:

1. Venezuela
2. Colombia
3. Thailand
4. Brazil
5. Ireland
6. Philippines
7. South Africa
8. Great Britain
9. Spain
10. Sri Lanka

Seems that Lu's favourites are:

• Brazil
• USA
• Jamaica
• Thailand
• Colombia

Actual Top 10

• 1. Venezuela -- YESSS
• 2. USA -- kind of expected 
• 3. Philippines - Happy for her
• 4. Canada -- Yes - i want her to make it 
• 5. South Africa -- YESSS
• 6. Spain -- Yes
• 7. Brazil -- Yes -- happy that they allowed both afros to get in
• 8. Colombia -- YESSS -- she does not look as pretty in the video
• 9. Thailand -- YESSS
• It must be Great Britain....
• 10. Jamaica -- NOOOOOOOOOO

National Costumes Competition

• I got the winner right! Japan's costume change is so cool!

Evening Gown Competition

the Commentators are so good this year.. I like Lu alot.. she is just so vibrant and sassy. It's great to know that Lu thinks SA has a lot of personalities.

• Venezuela
• Hmmm I prefer her original gown.. she is good.. but not spectacular 
• Carlson is right thou.. Simple hair and elegant
• USA
• What's with her hair LOL let the afro go!
• Decent performance
• Philippines
• Better gown than her prelim gown but she doesn't reli wow me
• Canada
• Stunning princess dress
• She could have a better walk though
• South Africa
• hmmm this is an interesting dress and I'm not sure if I like it or not.. I really like the gown she showcased in South Africa for her send-off much much more.
• She looks stunning with the perfect bun and makeup
• Spain
• Gurllll.. She worked the weird gown! Strong performance!
• Lu is right.. her whole styling.. the messy ponytail and the feather reli does made her look softer
• Brazil
• Whyyy... The gown just does not work well with her exotic look
• Colombia
• Much better than her prelims dress -- Very strong performance!
• Love her attitude and pose as well
• Thailand
• Oh no.. why did she change her stunning white dress
• I dun like this dress... would be a shame if she doesn't make it coz of this
• I have a feeling that the dress would look good in person though
• Jamaica
• I dun like this dress actually.. thus I dun like her movement as well no matter how good she worked the gown
• But I will not be surprised if she make it to the next level.
• I think by Lu's standard, Colombia and SA are the only ones giving us the face! Really hope they make it!

My Top 5:

1. Colombia
2. Spain
3. Venezuela
4. South Africa
5. Canada

Actual Top 5

1. South Africa -- YESSS -- I should have more faith in her!
2. Venezuela -- YESSS
3. Thailand -- YESSS -- great that the judges dun agree with me
4. Jamaica -- NOOO but this is expected
5. Colombia -- YESSS -- another Miss Universe is within reach

Gosh I really wanted Spain to be in the Top 5!

Top 5 Question & Answer

• SA seems to be the only one who's enjoying herself on stage
• South Africa
• She is confident but this sounds abit pageant betty
• OMG pls dun shut her out from the top 3 just because of this.. She is the most stunning girl in this group
• Venezuela
• Btw She is so elegant and graceful - her attitude shines on stage
• Decent answer -- could be in the top 3
• Thailand
• Oh nooo... she stumbled and gave only an average answer
• Jamaica
• I just dun like her.. But she is a strong speaker.. Strong answer.. God she will be in the top 3
• Colombia
• Strong strong strong answer which is so down-to-earth -- top 3 for the forth year in a row Colombia -- she could actually be the next Miss Universe 

My Top 3:

1. Colombia
2. Jamaica 
3. Venezuela

I felt so bad for leaving SA out but her answer really is not strong enough.. I felt she knew it as well but kudos to her for keeping that stunning smile on her face! 

Actual Top 3

• Jamaica -- no comment
• Colombia -- YESSS
• South Africa -- HELL YAHHHH
• I should have more faith in her!

Top 3 Question & Answer

• Jamaica
• Her answer is strong but not as good as her first one
• Somehow I dun like her answer in this strong.. and it's not about the fact that I dun like her.. maybe she sounds abit too confident?
• Colombia
• Again.. so strong.. with loads of personality
• She should be the next Miss Universe! Good job Colombia!
• South Africa
• I just felt that her answer is just not as strong as the others
• It's too blah but she's stunning!
• As a lot of people always say.. personalise your answer with your personal experiences!

Ashley has a point! You take into the whole night and not just this question & answer portion!

• Personality-wise - definitely Colombia
• Overall night (beauty and presence) - South Africa! the commentators like her "sweet, sincere, beautiful, soft" Lu got it so right!
• Come on Demi... Bring home the crown

My Prediction:

1. Colombia
2. Jamaica
3. South Africa -- I would have put SA as my Miss Universe but the other two are reli strong tonight as the competition progresses

South Africa remains the most stunning one during the final look! Her dress actually grows on me and I think it fits her nicely!

Crowning

• Iris looks stunning in her dress! I think only SA can match her beauty!
• On a side note
• Jamaica and Colombia looks so serious!
• It's good to see SA keep on smiling.. she looks stunning!

• 2nd Runner-Up - Jamaica
• Yes! I think this should be the furthest she should go as she exceeded my expectations already 
• She seems disappointed.. well i think coz she thought she gave a strong final answer
• I dun get why people boo-ed
• And Miss Universe isssss...
• (look whose hand is on top! South Africa's - OMG please let SA win!)
• SOUTH AFRICAAA
• OMG OMG YESSSSS
• Good job to Colombia for placing 4 times in a row in the top 3!

OMG the Mikimoto crown is back

• It looks so perfect on Demi.. stunning, regal, just like a Miss Universe!
• I like the results this year and Miss Universe fails to disappoint. I wish Demi would have the most fantastic year of her life!

Backstage

• I finally understand why although Demi didn't shine as bright as the other two during the Q&A session, she managed to seal the deal
• In the CHI lounge backstage after the competition, Demi's personality truly shines and she seems to be a fun, friendly and bubbly girl, just like Olivia Culpo
• I am sure the judges saw this in her during the interviews and the events leading up to the finals and this contributed to a large part to her being crowned!

Miss Universe 2017 (Pre-Finals)

After Miss World's eventful month in China, I must say that Miss Universe is just a disappointment in the events following up the finals. The location of the preliminary competition is cheap looking as well (although I must say it does not look that bad in the official version published by the Miss Universe Organisation). I guess I reli have take it for granted that the preliminary competition should be on a decent stage and I would no longer complain that the preliminary competition is usually not entertaining enough.

Now, as always, I am more interested in the evening gown competition and thus, I would only make a post on this specific portion. I will divide this into two categories: (i) dresses that caught my eye and (ii) contestants that caught my eye.

(i) Dresses that Caught my Eye (in alphabetical order)
Angola 

• Lauriela looks so natural and her silver gown with fringes all over the bottom half of the gown looks stunning. She reminds me of Miss Teen USA 2012 Logan West. My only complaint is that her hair is abit too puffy.

Cambodia

• By is Cambodia's first bet in the pageant and I think she had done a good job in evening gown. The high-neck nude gown with an overdress is impacting and looks much better in motion.

Canada

• Canada's gown is a pageant-betty gown but it looks stunning on Lauren. It made her look like a princess. She could have improved her walk though.

DR

• This is one dramatic stunning ballgown and you just can't stop yourself from looking at her. My only concern is that it blended in too well with the background of the prelims. BUTT I am sure that it will look stunning on the final stage. 

France

• Wow France! I was underwhelmed by Alicia's performance throughout the two weeks but she really brought it when it matters the most. The silver see-through with "tulle capelet on her shoulders" (taken from Nick Verreos) just brings out the elegance in her. Her hairstyle and make-up were on point that night which highlighted her exotic beauty. One of the best of the night.

Great Britian

• Anna was on alot of people's list for evening gown but it is not until I watched the preliminary competition that I notice the dress is actually a leotard. I think the gown is impacting and red is her colour. She is the most stunning contestant from GB since Amy Willerton.

Guyana 

• Stunning canary yellow dress. The colour is perfect for her and the dress really does exude "the colour of joy".  Coupled with her simplistic ponytail and makeup, she just looks eye-catching.

India

• Shraddha's dress is so carpet ready. I really wish she would ditch the tippy tops and go for a pair of simple silver strappies. Yet, I do not think she can bring another crown to India this year. Compared with Miss World's Manushi Chhilar, I do not think Sharddha has the spark to win the Miss Universe crown. No doubt, though, I would not be surprised if she excel in tonight's finals.

Indonesia

• The pink dress is so flowy and it just pops on stage. Pretty.

Lebanon

• It's no surprise that Lebanon's dress is top-notch. They have some really talented designers and it is great they can to showcast their dresses on the international stage.  

Nicaragua

• Berenice's mint coloured ballgown is so unique that it just stands out from the crowd. It stands out in a good way in that the sequins and the shape is stunning. 

Peru

• Stunning, shimmery and flowy. Pretty. But please change the shoes.

Peru

• This is a stunning sequin-detailed gown. One of my favourites of the night. 

Sri Lanka

• A simple red dress BUT the colour pops and made her stood out. 

Thailand

• Mic drop. No words.

Venezuela

• Venezuela is strong as usual and a non-placement for two years in a row in just not possible.

(ii) Girls that caught my eye

Russia

• Russia is stunning! One of the faces of the pageant. I think her dress is good but it's not spectacular. I really hope she has a better gown for the finals as it would be a shame if she is shut out of the top 5 because of that.  

I have always thought Russia is the most stunning girl in the group until I saw

Israel

• Stunning! She has the face of the pageant! Even though she's in a cheap-looking white dress, I gave her a really high mark just because of her face. Based on beauty alone, she should be given a ticket into the top 15. But she seems to be a timid girl on stage with bad stage-chops. It would be such a shame if she is shut out of the top 15 because of this.

South Africa

• I have Demi-Leigh as my winner but i really can't make up my mind as to whether I like or dislike her green dress as it actually looks decent in motion. Let's just say this is an indication that she can do much better. I am sure she would be up there and have a stunning gown prepared. I would not be surprised to see the lady from the rainbow nation being crowed tonight.

Nepal

• Nepal looks fresh and exotic. She looks much better in motion and I would think a simple gown will make her fresh look stand out even more. 

Finland

• The European countries are strong this year. Finland looks like a barbie doll. 

Mauritius

• On the other side of the spectrum, Mauritius looks like a supermodel with a statuesque figure. I would understand if she places in the top 15.