Miss Puerto Rico crowned Miss Universe
LOS ANGELES - An 18-year-old aspiring actress from Puerto Rico, who hopes to someday star in U.S. and Latin American films, was crowned Sunday night as Miss Universe 2006.
Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico shared a nervous emotional hug with first runner-up, Kurara Chibana of Japan moments before the winner was announced, then clasped her hands to her mouth in amazement as she heard her name called. She beamed as the crown was placed on her head.
Miss USA Tara Conner was the contest's fourth runner-up. Also finishing in the top five were second runner-up Lauriane Gillieron of Switzerland and third runner-up Lourdes Arevalos of Paraguay.
Conner was vying to become the first U.S. winner since Brook Lee in 1997. The Kentucky native wore a red-white-and-blue jockey outfit and cracked a whip during the opening parade of nations. Several of the contestants sported costumes featuring colorful native dress, including feathers, sequins, fur, massive headpieces and, in the case of Miss Japan, a Samurai sword.
Awards were given for photogenic, congeniality and national costume.
Lia Andrea Ramos of Philippines was chosen most photogenic in an online vote by the public. Angela Asare of Ghana won the congeniality award in a vote by all 86 contestants. Chibana, who carried the impressive looking Samurai sword, won the award for best national costume.
"They were probably afraid not to pick Miss Japan or she would use that sword," quipped Carson Kressley of TV's "Queer Eye," who provided commentary along with 2004 Miss USA Shandi Finnessey. Opera singer Vittorio Grigolo and Latin singer Chelo provided musical performances.
The pageant began with the top 20 finalists' names being announced early in the show. Then their scores were discarded and competition began again, with the field gradually narrowed throughout the night.
As soon as the final 20 had been selected, they immediately strutted across the stage in skimpy two-piece bikinis for the swimsuit competition.
After being narrowed to the final 10, the competition moved to evening gowns, with the smiling contestants walking across the stage to music provided by Grigolo.
The field of 86 was actually narrowed to 20 last week during preliminary judging in the contest's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories, but finalists weren't announced until Sunday's show was under way, allowing all 86 to be introduced to the television audience.
The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors.
Natalie Glebova of Canada was to crown her successor at the end of the two-hour telecast with a diamond-and-pearl-studded headpiece valued at $250,000.
"My year as Miss Universe has meant more to me than I can express," said Glebova, who began her reign with a trip to South Africa where she publicly took an HIV test.
"I have traveled the world on behalf of various HIV/AIDS organizations, promoting education, research and legislation, and I walk away from this experience feeling like I truly made an impact."
"Access Hollywood" host Nancy O'Dell and actor-singer Carlos Ponce were emcees of the 55th annual pageant, broadcast live on NBC.
The celebrity judging panel included actor James Lesure of "Las Vegas"; "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry; actress Bridgette Wilson Sampras; Sean Yazbeck, newest winner of "The Apprentice"; former Dallas Cowboys star Emmitt Smith; anchor Maria Celeste Arraras of Telemundo's "Al Rojo Vivo"; Claudia Jordan, briefcase model on "Deal or No Deal"; fashion photographer Patrick McMullan, and 2003 Miss Universe Amelia Vega.
The pageant was last held in the United States in 1998, when the show originated from Honolulu.
Winner, Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Puerto Rico
Runner-up, Kurara Chibana, Japan
3rd Lauriane Gillieron, Switzerland
4th Lourdes Arevalos, Paraguay
5th Tara Conner, United States