6:00 am, thousands of local and foreign audiences rushed to the Crown Convention Center - Diamond Bay NhaTrang City to join the coronation of Miss Universe 2008.
Good morning Vietnam! in Vietnamese language received a lot of big hands. About 1 billion people around the world will be touching while watching program (live air and/or via NBC) by a new Vietnam country which is close to all global viewers. Each contestant in national costume was introduced on the screen. Miss Vietnam Thuy Lam came last and received a lot of big hands by supporters. National flags were waved by fans. The biggest host national flag was stretched by audiences. The hall was full of Vietnam! Vietnam shouting, which was something like a football match.80 contestants appeared on the stage in red, blue, violet, yellow colored dresses. Two speakers Jerry Springer and Mel B announced the 15 top list including Miss Venezuela, Miss Kosovo, Miss Mexico, Miss Vietnam, Miss South Africa, Miss Australia, Miss Japan, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Italy, Miss Columbia, Miss Russia, Miss Hungary, Miss Czech Republic, Miss America and Miss Portugal.
The judging panel for the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant included: fashion designer and entrepreneur Roberto Cavalli, Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins (Australian), Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, Nadine Velazquez, international cover girl and star of NBC, Louis Licari – hair designer, Joe Cinque, President of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, Eesha Koppikhar - Bollywood film & TV star, Taryn Rose shoe designer and the only Vietnamese person Mr. Nguyen Cong Khe, Editor in Chief of Thanh Nien newspaper.
The screen displayed a 9 minute-film propagandizing Vietnam country with beautiful landscapes of Hanoi Capital, Ha Long, Hoi An, My Son, Hue, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta which showed a friendly, peaceful, colorful, dynamic and developing Vietnam to all people around the world. With talents of American Director Glenn Weiss, Vietnam country has been so beautiful, poetic and attractive. Ho Chi Minh City will ever been the Pearl of East.
Hit Just Dance by Lady Gaga opened the swimming costume pageant of the top 15. The list of 10 candidates for the final round included Miss Venezuela, Miss Kosovo, Miss Mexico, Miss Australia, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Italy, Miss Columbia, Miss Russia, Miss America and Miss Portugal. The song Magic by Robin Thicke as background music for the gala evening dress pageant. Miss America Crystle Stewart was strongly supported though she slipped. Then speaker Mel B announced the Friendly Award went to Miss El Sanvador Rebeca Moreno. Miss Thailand Gavintra Photijak got the most beautiful national costume award. Top 5: Miss Colombia, Miss Venezuela, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Mexico and Miss Russia.
The interview was so interesting with clever answers of five candidates. Miss Mexico answered: “In my life, I love my family best where I get a lot of things”. Miss Venezuela: “Men always go to the straight point while women choose another way. Women should do like man do as some are not daring to express their thoughts for many reasons”.Miss Dominican Republic said: “Women need to be stronger in life and cause”. Also answered the question raised by model designer Roberto Cavalli: “What makes women sacrifice?” – That’s family, profession, works and community”. Miss Russia affirmed: “Success of women is children, a good job and happy family”.
Distinguished guests to the coronation: Her Excellency Deputy President of Socialist Republic of Vietnam – Madam Nguyen Thi Doan; Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism – Mr. Le Tien Tho, Party Secretary of Khanh Hoa People’s Committee – Mr. Nguyen Van Tu, Vice Mayor of Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee – Mr. Le Xuan Than, President of the UniCorp – Mrs. Tran Thi Huong and Mr. Nguyen Chan.
Results:Fourth Runner up: Miss Mexico Elisa NajeraThird Runner up: Miss Russia Vera KrasovaSecond Runner up: Miss Dominican Republic Marianne CruzFirst Runner up: Miss Columbia Taliana VargasQueen of Miss Universe 2008: Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza
