What you always wanted to know about Miss Universe

Some interesting facts and figures about the biggest beauty pageant in the world.

How many women compete?
Delegates from 75 to 85 countries take part in the pageant every year.

HT Image

Any age requirements delegates must meet?
As of 1993, Miss Universe delegates must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age by February 1st in the year they compete in the national competition.

Can delegates be married?
No. Delegates may not be married or pregnant. They must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled nor given birth to a child. The titleholders are also required to remain single throughout their reign.

How are the semi-finalists chosen?
All delegates are judged in three areas of preliminary competition:

Interviews: Judges spend time with each delegate to learn about her successes, goals and ambitions.
Swimsuit Competition: Each delegate wears one of a variety of swimsuit styles provided by a sponsor.
Evening Gown Competition: Each delegate wears a gown she has chosen for herself.

All scores are entered into a computer and are then tallied in each of the three categories. The delegates with the highest aggregate scores are named the semi-finalists. The competition is narrowed twice more to produce the winner.

How are the Titleholders and runners-up chosen?
Once the finalists are named, their scores are discarded, and they begin competing anew. In the final competition, the same three areas are judged. The judges' scores in these categories are tallied and the winners are named live on the air.

What prizes and gifts do the winners and the contestants receive for participating in the event?
Miss Universe 2004 will receive the following from the Miss Universe Organization:

The new Miss Universe will be crowned with the Official Miss USA diamond and pearl crown by MIKIMOTO, valued at $250,000.

- A year long salary as Miss Universe
Specially designed Miss Universe cultured pearl tiara valued at $20,000 from Mikimoto
- A New York City apartment for the year of her reign, complete with laundry service and ground transportation.
- Personal appearance wardrobe
- A $5,000 cash prize and an assortment of cosmetics from Cover Girl
- A $10,000 shopping spree, courtesy of ShopNBC, the premiere shopping network of MISS USA 2004
- Preciosa Crystal trophy valued at $3,500
- A crystal chandelier from Preciosa valued at $4,000
- An assortment of Preciosa crystal figurines valued at $600
- A two year scholarship valued at $45,000 from The School for Film and Television in New York City
- A swimsuit wardrobe from Endless Sun
- A $2,000 cash prize from Endless Sun Swimwear
- Personal Services including a year-long membership to Reebok and year-long pampering at New York City's John Barrett Salon
- A shoe wardrobe from Nina
- Leather bound modeling portfolios by leading New York City fashion photographer Fadil Berisha
- Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization
- Extensive travel opportunities with a personal travel manager representing sponsors and charitable partners
- Access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties
- A professional CD Rom of interviews and appearances
- Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers
- Professional public relations media training
- Professional media / public relations representation by Planet PR in New York City
- Complimentary teeth whitening at one of BriteSmile Spa Centers
- Year Long dermatology and skincare services services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher

FIRST RUNNER UP - $3,000 cash award, Preciosa Crystal trophy valued at $3,500

SECOND RUNNER UP - $2,000 cash award, Preciosa Crystal trophy valued at $3,500

THIRD RUNNER UP - $1,000 cash award, Preciosa Crystal trophy valued at $3,500

FOURTH RUNNER UP - $1,000 cash award, Preciosa Crystal trophy valued at $3,500

TEN SEMI-FINALISTS - $500 cash award, Preciosa Crystal trophy valued at $3,500

What happens to the winners after they are named?
Part of each titleholder's prize package is an employment contract with the Miss Universe Organization (now Miss Universe, L.P., LLLP). To fulfill that contract, the titleholder becomes a representative of the company for one year.

Miss Universe is provided with a deluxe apartment in New York City and travel the world meeting dignitaries, speaking on behalf of the company, meeting with charitable organizations and appearing at events held by official sponsors.

Who sponsors the Events?
Clairol, Bikini.com, Sacha Cosmetics, Aromes du Jardin, Sprint, Donald J Pliner, Maurice Lacroix, and Hoya are just a few of the many corporate sponsors of the Miss Universe.

Source: Miss Universe LP, LLP