Miss Universe

The Miss Universe contest is held every year and is run by the Miss Universe Organization. Although it was founded in 1952 by Pacific Mills, Donald Trump bought the television rights in 1996. The current president is Paula Shugart. The organization sells television rights to other countries and produces other contests such as Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.

The current Miss Universe is Stefania Fernandez, from Venezuela. She won the title on August 23, 2009.

The organizers claim that this is far more then just a beauty pageant. The woman competing must be intelligent, well- mannered, and cultured. They also must be challenged in swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

In 2007 there were 77 contestants and only the top fifteen were able to qualify for the swimsuit competition. Ten were selected for evening gown in which only five were left in the competition. From these five a question was asked to decide the final winner of the competition.

The pageant was on CBS in 1955 until 2003 when NBC took over the television rights. The pageant has been held in different locations around the world.

For one year Miss Universe travels all over the world to raise awareness of AIDS and stresses the importance of disease control. Miss Universe also spreads a message of peace. The lucky contestant also has the fortune of using an apartment in Trump Tower in New York City during her reign.