Model Alicia Machado won the Miss Universe competition in 1996. While serving as Miss Universe, Machado struggled with her weight. News and gossip organizations speculated that she might be replaced by the runner-up, although Machado finished out her term. In February 2006 she was the first Miss Universe to appear on the cover of the Mexican edition of Playboy.

• "Beauty is only temporary, but your mind lasts you a lifetime."— Alicia Machado

• "I know that people will remember me as Miss Universe because it was my first great achievement, but I still have my whole career ahead of me."— Alicia Machado

• "If you don't have talent or preparation for whatever you want to do, you will not be successful in anything."— Alicia Machado

• Celebrity Baby Blog: Former Miss Universe Alicia Machado confirms pregnancy (January 23, 2008)
• People En Espanol: Alicia Machado Could Be Pregnant (January 22, 2008)
• Open Your Eyes Magazine: Alicia Machado Interview
  • In this interview, Alicia Machado reveals that she thinks her sexiest features are her legs and her smile, while men prefer her sense of humor and her butt.
• Planck's Constant: Alicia Machado Blog Posts | More of Alicia Machado