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Pageant commemorates tsunami
30/05/2005 13:07 - (SA)
Bangkok - A new Miss Universe is set to be crowned in the Thai capital on Tuesday, but the pageant will offer a sombre nod to its host region as it observes a moment of silence for tsunami victims, organisers said.
The 81 women vying for the world's most coveted tiara took the stage on Monday for final rehearsal at an arena in suburban Bangkok where the glamorous drama will play out live on a global telecast.
"We're in excellent shape, the set is amazing and the girls are in a great mood," Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organisation, said.
With the 54th Miss Universe pageant to be broadcast live during prime time to the United States and many of the 170 other markets airing the show, contestants will be forced to look their best at an unseemly hour, taking the stage in evening gowns as early as 08:00 Thai time.
With barely a day before one elated woman replaces Australia's Jennifer Hawkins as the new Miss Universe, odds makers have the Latin Americans and Caribbeans as favourites to wear the crown.
Topping the list are Miss Puerto Rico Cynthia Olavarria, Renata Sone of the Dominican Republic, Canada's Natalie Glebova and Miss Venezuela Monica Spear.
Not forgetting the Tsunami
The US-run competition is being held in Thailand five months after giant waves decimated coastlines around the Indian Ocean and killed more than 217 000 people.
About 5 400 died in Thailand, half of them foreign holidaymakers, and more than 2 800 remain missing.
Organisers said a "moment of respect" will see the arena's lights dimmed as some 5 000 guests hold up small lights to represent a candle-filled sea.
"We couldn't do the show without having a moment of remembrance," Shugart said. "One message that needs to come across is that Thailand has moved on."
Contestants showcased the country's recovery from the tsunami in an effort to convince tourists it is safe to return to the Land of Smiles.
Footage of their trip to Thai islands hard-hit by the waves will be aired during the show.
The contestants are quickly whittled down to 15 quarter-finalists, who parade in evening gowns before the judges.
Ten semi-finalists then strut their stuff in swimsuits. Five finalists chosen then endure a live interview before one is crowned Miss Universe.
The pageant is co-owned by US broadcaster NBC and New York property tycoon Donald Trump, who is due to take a seat at the event along with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose government has made no secret of its hope that the pageant will reverse its sagging tourism fortunes.
- SAPA
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South Africa
