History of Miss Universe pageant

Miss Universe the biggest and the most spectacular beauty pageant of the world has come a long way now. Be it Sushmita Sen or Lara Dutta Indian beauties have made their mark at the global beauty extravaganza. Let's take a glance at the history of miss universe.

Miss Universe the biggest and the most spectacular beauty pageant of the world has come a long way now. Be it Sushmita Sen or Lara Dutta Indian beauties have made their mark at the global beauty extravaganza. Let's take a glance at the history of miss universe.

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'Miss Universe' as the pageant was born when the winner of the "Miss America 1951" pageant, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose in a swimsuit from its major sponsor, Catalina swimwear. The brand's manufacturer Pacific Mills withdrew from Miss America and set up the Miss USA and Miss Universe contests.

The first Miss Universe Pageant was held in Long Beach, California in 1952. Armi Kuusela from Finland won the contest who gave up her title to get married to a Filipino tycoon, Virgilio Hilario, shortly before her year was complete.

The contest was first aired on TV in 1955.