Thomas Roberts, Mel B to Host 2013 Miss Universe Pageant

AJ Marechal

TV Reporter@Variety_AJM

Thomas Roberts and Mel B will host the 2013 Miss Universe beauty pageant, NBC announced today. Both hosts hail from the Peacock family, as Roberts hosts “MSNBC Live” and Mel B serves as judge on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

This year’s Miss Universe pageant will be held in Crocus City Hall in Moscow, and the location for the 2013 iteration of the venerable pageant franchise sparked controversy, as Russia had recently unveiled a slate of laws that banned “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations around minors” and discouraged the public discussion of homosexuality. The Miss Universe pageant issued a statement in August, noting that the instated Russian laws are “diametrically opposed to the core values” of the org. Andy Cohen announced in August that he would not return to host the pageant due to these laws, noting that, as a gay man, he “didn’t feel right stepping foot in Russia.” He had previously hosted Miss Universe’s 2011 and 2012 pageants.

Roberts, who is openly gay, took to MSNBC’s website to pen a blog postabout his decision to host the pageant in spite of Russia’s anti-gay laws. In it, he writes: “This November, I will co-host Miss Universe in Moscow partly because it is a huge, visible opportunity for LGBT people. Everywhere…I am just like millions of LGBT people around the world. We are good, regular, hard-working people who come from solid families. So when I heard there was a chance at this assignment I aggressively went after it.”

He continues, “I too am diametrically opposed to these laws and share in the president’s outrage. I am unafraid to say I am proud of my husband and my family—I’m proud of their love for me. I’m proud of the incredible steps forward equality has taken this year… So people may wonder: “Thomas, how can you accept this assignment? Shouldn’t you boycott Russia?” I am not going to boycott. Boycotting and vilifying from the outside is too easy. Rather, I choose to offer my support of the LGBT community in Russia by going to Moscow and hosting this event as a journalist, an anchor and a man who happens to be gay. Let people see I am no different than anyone else.”

The 62nd annual Miss Universe Pageant will be broadcast on Nov. 9 on NBC, with a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo.

Daniela Álvarez Crowned Miss World Mexico 2014

Daniela Álvarez was crowned Miss World Mexico 2014 on October 17th, 2013 during an event held at the Toluca International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Toluca). The beauty representing Morelos is 19 years old and stands 1.74 m. She will represent Mexico in the Miss World 2014 pageant, scheduled for October 1014 in London. Earlier, Daniela won the Miss Talent Award.

The Miss Northwest Florida Program Books Are Here!

Program books designed for the Miss North West Florida 2014 official Program Book • We offer graphic design solutions for all your pageantry needs! ALL STATES, ALL AGES, ALL PAGEANT SYSTEMS WELCOME!

Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe, Could Face 2 Years In Jail For Taj Mahal Photo Shoot

The Huffington Post  |  By Cavan Sieczkowski

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo claims she didn't want to do the controversial footwear photo shoot at the Taj Mahal, a move that could allegedly land her and others in jail for two years if found guilty.

On Monday, the Hindustan Times reported officials from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) would file a police complaint against Miss Universe for her Oct. 6 visit to the Taj Mahal because of a footwear photo shoot that took place on the grounds of the world wonder.

Apparently, Culpo modeled pairs of shoes at the marble ledge known as the Diana Seat, using the Taj Mahal as a backdrop, without permission from ASI.

"The sandals from a bag she carried were taken and placed on the Diana Seat for shooting pictures, which is not permitted by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)," Taj caretaker Munazzar Ali told India's Mid-Day paper, according to the Hindustan Times. "It also amounts to disrespect and insult."

Police Inspector Sushant Gaur said Culpo and others in the group were in violation of India's Heritage Act, according to the Associated Press. The legislation bans commercial activity at the Taj Mahal, which is a World Heritage Site.

Now, authorities have filed a case against them. Culpo and others could face up to two years in jail and a fine of 100,000 rupees ($1,600) if found guilty, Gaur said, per the AP.

Now, the 21-year-old is speaking up and saying she had issues with the shoot to begin with.

"I mean, I'm an employee of the Miss Universe organization and following directions given to me," Culpo told the Providence Journal. "I guess their vision was, 'What's better to identify India than the Taj Mahal?' But unfortunately it's something that was highly offensive. Honestly, I did say out loud at one point, 'Isn't this a little inappropriate?'"

"It's upsetting to me that I was a part of that," Culpo added. "It's really upsetting because I loved my visit to India, and I would love nothing more than to go back, even in the near future."

The Miss Universe Organization released a statement to The Huffington Post Wednesday apologizing for the incident and explaining that titleholders make videos with promotional tie-ins throughout their reigns.

"As part of these videos, we sometimes incorporate sponsors into these shoots," the statement read. "The filming that took place outside the Taj Mahal was never intended to be used as a commercial nor was it meant in any way to be disrespectful."

The Rhode Island native set off on a 10-day trip to India last month. Her visit was focused on celebrating female empowerment and spreading AIDS awareness, according to the Miss Universe website.

More Content Pages designed for the Miss North West Florida 2014 official Program Book | MISS NW FL Pageant

 

Content pages designed for the Miss North West Florida 2014 official Program Book • We offer graphic design solutions for all your pageantry needs! ALL STATES, ALL AGES, ALL PAGEANT SYSTEMS WELCOME!

Venezuelan beauty contest bridges political divide

By JORGE RUEDA CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans have trouble agreeing on anything these days, whether it's who really won the election to replace Hugo Chavez or who to blame for this South American nation's mounting economic woes.

But for a few gala-filled hours, they put all that aside to embrace a shared national obsession: beauty. In what is traditionally the country's most-watched television event, millions tuned in Thursday night to watch as 18-year-old Migbelis Castellanos was crowned Miss Venezuela.

The 5-foot-7-inch, green-eyed blonde is a political science and communications college student from the state of Zulia. The youngest of 26 finalists competing for the crown, she'll represent Venezuela at next year's Miss Universe pageant.

Even as regular Venezuelans struggle to contend with galloping inflation, shortages of basic goods such as toilet paper and strict currency controls, the beauty contest, now in its 61st edition, is experiencing something of a rebirth.

After four years of reduced budgets and smaller venues, the pageant returned this year to Caracas' main indoor arena, the Poliedro, with a capacity of 15,000. Interest was also piqued by a new reality show beamed across Latin America, called "Miss Venezuela: Everything for the Crown," which followed the finalists as they learned to walk, talk and smile their way to glory.

Venezuela has won more major international beauty competitions than any other nation, including six Miss Universe titles, and beauty pageants rank alongside baseball as the country's most-followed diversion, one that transcends social class. A whole industry of grooming schools, plastic surgeons and beauty salons has emerged to prepare young women for the thousands of pageants that take place each year around the country in schools, army barracks and even prisons.

"It doesn't matter if you're Chavista or a government opponent, this is one sin we all share," Jose Luiz Martinez, a 21-year-old college student, said yesterday in downtown Caracas. As if to prove that point, Maria Eugenia Enriquez, wearing a red shirt stamped with the piercing gaze of the late Chavez, said she never misses the festivities. "I'm a revolutionary but I like to watch the show with my entire family," said Enriquez.

"Miss Venezuela is as much ours as the arepa," she said, referring to the corn cake that's an emblematic part of the country's diet. Last night's show was expected to draw more than two-thirds of the television audience, according to Venevision, the network responsible for organizing and broadcasting the pageant.

While the self-styled 21st century socialist revolution implemented a decade ago by Chavez drove a wedge in Venezuelan society, the scale of political vitriol has intensified since the charismatic leader's death in March and the narrow victory by his hand-picked successor, Nicolas Maduro, over opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who has accused Maduro of stealing the vote. In turn, Maduro has slammed his critics as "lackeys" of the U.S. empire conspiring to destabilize the government.

The country's problems weren't visible under the bright lights last night, politics did nudge their way into the question and answer period, when the candidate for Caracas, Andrea Lira, said that more than chasing an ideal of beauty, she dreams of one day transforming her divided nation. "I want my country to be a country that isn't complacent and that continues to struggle in the face of adversity so that we can come together in spite of our differences," she said in remarks that elicited extended applause from the audience.

Beauty Exposed Interviews Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo

Ad designed for J'LYNDEE J. PHOTOGRAPHY

Full Page ad designed for J'Lyndee J. Photography • If you are looking for a photographer that specializes in Maternity, Newborn or Conceptual Children’s sessions, look no further. Jami Daniel's J'Lyndee J. Photography comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Check out her website to see some of her stunning work: www.jlyndeejphotography.com | We offer graphic design solutions for all your pageantry needs! • ALL STATES, ALL AGES, ALL PAGEANT SYSTEMS WELCOME! • Feel free to TAG & SHARE!

Miss World Megan Young Talks About The Pageant’s Controversy And Representing Philippines

By Riza Ornos 

Newly crowned Miss World Megan Young was spotted in London while touring around the city as she took pictures of some of London's hot spots including the Buckingham Palace, Thames, Lyceum Theater and the Big Ben. But one important stop of her tour on October 4 is BBC's Impact studio where she talks about the pageant's controversy and how it feels like to be flying the flag of the Philippines.

Mishal Husain, BBC's Impact host asked Young what it feels like when her name was called as the the new Miss World:

"It was surreal actually, because I was already preparing myself that oh maybe I won't I get it. So i was preparing myself because I just want to have that acceptance that if I win it then it'll be spectacular, if I don't then it's fine with me. I want to be a good sport that night," the 23-year old Miss Philippines revealed.

Young is the first Filipina to win the elusive Miss World crown and her victory inspires a lot of Filipinos that even after a week of winning the crown she is still the talk of the town.

"It's heart warming for me, because we've had a lot of issues going on for the past month back home with the tragedies that have been happening and for me to be that spark of hope and inspiration back home, for me to be being able to uplift the spirits of my fellow Filipinos is an honor."

Before joining the prestigous beauty contest, Young thinks that pageants such as Miss World is superficial and did not see that essence of her joining such pageant. Until she got to know the Miss World's main focus which is "Beauty With A Purpose," a charity that reach out to the people and to the less previledge.

When asked what she can do to help her country Philippines, the new Miss World thinks that starting small is the way to make a solid impact.

"It's great to start small because you have that foundation of getting to where you wanna be and I think I rather start small in helping, encourage people and putting that hope that there's tomorrow and they dont have to suffer and they don't have to think negatively its always that positve outlook that gets people to evolve," Young quipped.

Host Mishal Husain also tells Megan that she will be a part of BBC's #100 Women, a new season programming that highlights on women's lives around the world that will feature more on women's voices and stories. Husain also pointed out about the equal rights of men and women in the Philippines where she asked Young how it feels like growing up in the Philippines as a young woman.

"One thing  I can assure you is that I did not feel that there was a difference between.. you know that there is superior between men and women, and I find that really great because you know were based, were actually they make us grow in a way that its based on skill, if you can do semething, if you can show people that you're  capable of doing something then you'll succeed in life its not about who you are, like your a man or a woman or you have a different preferences in life or you know if you live a certain way in life it about how you can achieve things," Young adds.

10 Things You Don’t Know About Miss World 2013 Pageant

By Riza Ornos |

Known as the oldest surviving major international beauty pageant, Miss World was held for the first time in 1951 and since then many exciting things had happened that shaped the international beauty contest into what it is today.

The latest Miss World competition was held for the first in Southeast Asia, and was concluded in Bali, Indonesia. Here are the 10 interesting facts about Miss World 2013.

1. Miss Philippines Megan Young is the first Filipina to win the elusive Miss World Crown, after her victory she vowed to be the best Miss World ever. Thanks to Cory Quirino, the woman behind Miss World Philippines, she managed to win the highest place in the pageant after three years of being the head and one of the most successful franchise holders in pageantry.

2. England, Indonesia, Spain and Philippines are the 4 countries that are placed in Miss World pageants for 3 consecutve years (2011-2013).

In 2011; Miss World Indonesia Astrid Ellena and Miss World Spain Carla Garcia are one of the semifinalist, Miss World England was Top 7 and Miss World Philippines Gwendoline Ruais was the first runner-up.

In 2012; Miss World Spain Aránzazu Estévez, Miss World England Charlotte Holmes, Miss World Indonesia Ines Putri Tjiptadi Chandra and Miss World Philippines Queenierich Rehman were in top 15.

In 2013; Miss World Indonesia Vania Larissa and Miss World England Kirsty Heslewood were in top 10, Miss World Spain Elena Ibarbia was in top 6 and finally Miss World Philippines Megan Young won the crown.

3. Ghana consistenly shows that their candidates can compete with the world beauties when 2013 Miss World Ghana Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter got the second runner-up and was on the Top 6 of Miss World pageant.

4. Miss Word France Marine Lorphelin gave France their best placement since 1998 when she won first runner-up in the pageant. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first French woman to have won the Miss World Title, 1953 Miss World Denise Perrier.

5. Brazilian beauty Miss World Brazil Scancler Frantz falls short in the competition and did not make it to the Top 3 of the pageant. An ironic twist of fate when Frantz and Hollywood superstar Halle Berry met in Rio de Janeiro on April 11, and just like "X-Men" star both of them finished as finalists (Berry was former Miss World 1986 finalist).

6. The use of Balinese Sandalwood Fan in Miss World 2013 has raised a lot of quentions. Instead of flowers beauty queen is given sandalwood fan or kipas cendana which is believed to be distinctively Balinese as it gives sandalwood scent when one uses it. The main symbolism of the fan is the unity of different cultures all united in Indonesia in one purpose, which reflects Miss World's Unity in Diversity.

7. The second best performance of Gibraltar at Miss World History, Miss World Gibraltar Maroua Kharbouch was hailed as the People's Choice winner, and thanks to her fans she went straight into the Top 6 even when she was excluded from the Top 20.

8. Slovakia was placed for first time in the Top 20 of Miss World, thanks to 2013 Miss World Slovakia Karolina Chomistekova.

9. Nepal and Indonesia was placed for the first time in the Top 10 of Miss World pageant.

10.The 2013 Miss World pageant has a record number of 127 delegates.

Natalie Fiallo Crowned Miss Florida Teen USA 2014

Natalie Fiallo was crowned Miss Florida Teen USA 2014 at the conclusion of the pageant held on October 6th, 2013 at the Bailey Concert Hall, Broward College, Fort Lauderdale. She will represent the state of Florida in the Miss Teen USA 2014, scheduled for next August in the Bahamas.

BBC World TV: Miss World talks about controversies

Cover designed for the Miss Florida Teen USA 2014 official Program Book | MISS FL TEEN USA Pageant

MISS FL TEEN USA 2014 starts today! Let's celebrate the occasion with the cover designed for this year's official program book! | Best of luck to all delegates, and a BIG THANK YOU to those who chose PAGEANT DESIGN to design their program book ads! We truly appreciate each and every one of you! | We offer graphic design solutions for all your pageantry needs! • ALL STATES, ALL AGES, ALL PAGEANT SYSTEMS WELCOME!

'Kentucky Beauties' Combine Pageantry with Charity

By: Eric Eckstrom

(source: http://www.wkyt.com)

Beauty pageants have a storied and at times controversial history in America, but while opinions vary, they continue to attract young women who believe in the value of them.

“I practice all the time doing pageants. I work hard at this and this is something I absolutely love,” said Kaleigh Kendrick, a pageant contestant.

“I think it just builds confidence in a person and it is like ‘hey’, I’m out there and I can get these titles and make a difference,” said Laura Castle, another contestant.

Here is Prestonsburg, that call for making a difference isn't just an empty cliché', a Kentucky pageant production called Kentucky Beauties is holding its preliminary contest while collecting items for a Lexington based charity group called military missions.

“This specific truck is going to them tonight to go towards their Operation S.E.N.D. program. Last week, they sent out over 450 care packages to our deployed men and women [over] seas,” said Stephanie Warren, the founder of Kentucky Beauties.

So far, the group has collected more than 30,000 items for this charity. And while the short term impact is obvious, organizers hope the spirit behind their work changes perceptions about what it means to be in the pageant industry.

“Pageantry is not always what you first anticipate. It’s not the stereotypical fake tans, and hair and big [puffy] dresses,” Warren said.

“We’re not stuck up; we don't think we are better than everybody else. We love getting out there. We love helping the community,” Kendrick said.

Melody Price, mother of one of the contestants, said, “Most people have the ‘toddlers and tiara’s’ image. That they are not really working on anything important, that it's all about beauty and who is the prettiest and who wears the best dress, and it’s really not, it's a lot about what they can do for their community.”

The Miss Florida Teen USA 2014 Program Books Are Here!

2 months in the making and it's finally here! The Tel-Air Interests, Inc. family welcomes the latest MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA official program book!

We offer graphic design solutions for all your pageantry needs! ALL STATES, ALL AGES, ALL PAGEANT SYSTEMS WELCOME!

Miss World pageant 2013: Miss Philippines Megan Young crowned in heavily-guarded 63rd annual event in Bali

BALI, Indonesia -- Miss Philippines, Megan Young, was crowned Miss World on Saturday amid tight security on Indonesia's resort island of Bali, where the contest's final round was moved following protests by Muslim hardliner groups.

"I promise to be the best Miss World ever," Young, 23, said after winning the 63rd annual event, as a large number of Filipino fans who traveled with her celebrated by jumping and waving the country's flag. Despite threats from the Islamic Defenders Front to disrupt the contest, police said no rallies were staged Saturday.

The group has demonstrated for weeks, calling for the government to cancel the pageant because members say it shows too much skin and goes against Islamic teachings. The 127 contestants vying for the crown were introduced Saturday wearing evening gowns shimmering in sequins, many of them with plunging necklines and slits up the leg.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/philippines-megan-young-crowned-world-2013-article-1.1470428#ixzz2gNHS6FC4