Miss Universe Blunders & Catastrophes | TPN by Request TPN#44

[@mattd6621]

fun fact: miss australia in 2015 also had a slip during her final evening gown right before pia, but she also made it thru to the top 5 !

[@PageantNerd]

Oh yes, very true! I must admit that one slipped my mind - would’ve been a nice tie-in with Pia. A good luck charm!

[@anamikanaskar2120]

Also harnaz had tripped a little during the priliminary competition

[@goodvibe47]

Not fun at all.

[@msin3997]

@@anamikanaskar2120 yeahhh she did....in the prelims however it was so smooth that no one could actually see it

[@anamikanaskar2120]

@@msin3997 I agree😍😍she is the queen...she is the moment ❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@Sengar253]

Even Harnaaz had a stumble during preliminary Evening Gown but it didn't affect her performance.

[@paullawrence4269]

So far, i am a new subscriber of THE PAGEANT NERD. and surprisingly, all his videos are brilliant, exhaustive and well-researched in terms of presenting discussions about various topics of interest for the world of pageantry. Kudos to you Mr Pageant Nerd.

[@rm689]

Omg I’m so happy to hear that you’re fave contestant ever is Kurara because same!! Her gown was made by Olivier Theyskens for Rochas and I thoguht it was cool on its own considering it was 2006 but yes easily overshadowed by the chain gown sadly.

[@CanoManuelGonzaga]

I think 2006 was still an era where glittery gowns were not yet the "it" gown. I remember in 2004 when Jennifer Hawkins blew everyone's mind with her bronze dress. In 2005, the gowns were still simple compared to what we see now. I can only surmise that Kurara's final gown in 2006 was well thought-out, but it just paled in comparison to Zuleyka's that evening.

[@KH-bq3lz]

I agree. Miss Universe 2006 Japan, Kurara Chibana is one of my all time favorite candidate and no matter what gown she wears, she carries it extremely well but I guess that night all the stars are lining up for Zuleyka Rivera, it is her destiny that night. Same goes for Miss Universe 2008 Taliana Vargas and Dayana Mendoza.

[@樂123]

thank you Roger, i really enjoy your review and to look back at those incidents of Miss Universe just brings back so many wonderful memories through out the years as a fans~

[@CriticalBeautySalon]

Of all the Venezuelan queens, Irene Esser gave the worst answer. In defense of Jamaica 2014, Emilio Estefan’s English was barely understandable (he should have practiced asking the question to the point of being clearly understood). I didn’t think Jamaica was being disrespectful at all. I don’t like when the girls “save” their better gown during the finals; they should be wearing it during the prelims because this is when they make their first impression on the judges. Good video, Roger! Very entertaining! 😀

[@PungiFungi]

He was not the only one. In fact half the judges had marble mouths could barely read the questions clearly. Miss USA had to repeat the question in her response to make sure she heard right.

[@jairomy]

Sorry but Jamaica's gestures lacked respect. Most judges noticed it and she lost the crown at that moment.

[@massimochiacchia798]

There Are different judges in prelims versus finals night so if a delegate makes it to rhe top 12 or 15, then ahe most defintiely is playing her cards right. How is a prelims’ judge going to know what a finalist chooses to wear?

[@TheNeurophysiology]

The "major... major" was actually misinterpreted. And remember that English is not her first language. Like any other contestants. I hope that speaking fluent English will not be a major basis for winning. Just a thought.

[@fernandobiggers62]

ROFL, she screwed her answer, miss perfect life fucked up, plain and simple, as Aimee and Taliana fucked up in the same questions 2008 and 2009, you can check it out

[@0210fnunez]

I haven't quite got over Irene Esser's bad answer at Miss Universe 2012 she was the winner that year not Olivia Culpo. I also agree with you Phillipines did have a better answer.

[@PungiFungi]

A better answer to an easy question apparently do not win over a good answer to a difficult question.

[@malcolmmarshall5946]

Can't believe Olivia won, Philippines was the best.

[@mikmowmil]

As a Jamaican I never looked at Kaci Fennel's reaction to the judge as disrespectful. To understand her reaction you'd have to understand the culture of the suburbs of Kingston, the capital. To draw perspective they'd be like the Valley girls in California.

[@benpogi4ever]

18:00 Sweden's and Thailand's updo was, most likely, done to save up time for the eve gown round or, in some cases, maybe they had less than enough time to change hairstyles for eve gown since they had "less than 10 mins" (or was it 5?) to change.

[@mizsaigon]

First time to stumble on your channel. such a meticulous critique, i agree to everything you said 😉

[@viveksisodiya5709]

Baby, you missed, HARNAAZ also tripped in her PRELIMINARY GOWN competition, she recovered very well, it's just right before she reaches the centre stage for last pose.

[@chesterarenas]

You’re very smart! I agree with you 100%! Great observations and analysis! Wow!

[@PageantNerd]

Thanks very much!

[@colourqueen22]

Also for me 😊 I preferred the prelim dresses of Iris (MU2016) and H'hen (Vietnam2018). Both of them looked amazing on coronation night but their prelim gowns were absolutely stunning 😍

[@ArnaldoNunezVasquez]

Great video as usual so thanks....I invite you to look for the final answer in 1967: Venezuela delivered a fantastic speech as a final answer and also was very beautiful and elegant while USA just answered “myself” to Bob Parker’s question however she took the crown.

[@rouguy1972]

Miss USA 2008 was gorgeous, nobody is better or worse for falling. Ridiculous that she wasn’t in the top 5

[@benpogi4ever]

18:22 -- One probable reason for the awkward hairdos in MU editions 2002 to 2005 was that the evening gown round came in right after the semifinalists were called and just before the swimsuit round-- hence the "critical" decision of what hairstyle to wear for each round; though some ladies during those years would wear an updo first and then wear it down for the SS and then again wear it up for the top 5 announcement again wearing their gowns-- these were very cumbersome to do and I guess even the MUO org noticed it thus changing back to the usual semis-SS-EG-top 10, top5 format from 2006 onward.

[@robertralphamosprinrehrig2084]

You did a wonderful a wonderful analysis.

[@nitpicker12]

Yes Irene Esser blew it big time!!! It was surprising she even managed to get a 2nd ru finish

[@vonnielaurie]

her scores on swimsuit and evening gown carried her to the 2nd runner up placement

[@PungiFungi]

@@vonnielaurie the semi final scores have nothing to do with the final rankings. It was obvious that the judges still take overall impression into account and collectively gave her enough higher rankings to place second runner up.

[@enticingmay435]

She was clearly the judges’ favorite (the the favorite of the audiences as well). Had she just given a normal answer in Spanish she would’ve won and we would’ve had another fabulous Miss Universe winner.

[@CanoManuelGonzaga]

@@PungiFungi I think Irene's answer was ok. The context was there. She made an analogy to her wave surfing that she can only surf when there's a wave and that politicians should make laws only when it's absolutely necessary and doable. A lot of people don't get this.

[@woofy60]

ilove your videos ..so much detail were oveelook on our part which you compiled and clearly itemize each and i enjoy your commentaries as well..

[@albertchanparan]

Miriam Quiambao's fall on the Miss Universe stage, Mary Jane Lastimosa's final gown & national costume, and Venus Raj's 'major-major' Q&A were now iconic in Miss Universe history alongside Pia Wurtzbach's coronation in 2015 after the wrong announcement from Steve Harvey, especially for the biggest pageant fan base in the world- the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@jojoabellar2536]

I agree that Carolina should have been at least awarded a spot in the final three.

[@alexanderpowell4789]

You forgot the birth of El Tocuyo, the ULTIMATE Queen Mariam Habach.

[@KuyaBJLaurente]

This might have a separate video of its own because of how legendary it is.

[@PageantNerd]

@@KuyaBJLaurente You read my mind! Watch this space… MU controversies coming up 😇

[@AndreDMalan1966]

I agree with you about Claudia Henkel. When she walked on stage with the slicked back hair I knew it was game over for us. We had high hopes for her.

[@Monggolino]

Respectfully disagree re: Kurara Chibana's gown: I thought while the silhouette was simple, the details were unique & the overall aesthetic was contemporary and effortlessly chic. Black, whilst not often used in pageantry, was impactful in this instance. I know that everyone seems to be gaga over Zuleyka's gown for its innovation but I just never really liked it, even back then. I was surprised by the final placements as Japan had the best overall performance for me, especially the charm and wit she exuded in interview. Also LOVED Lauriane from Switzerland & Kenisha from Trinidad & Tobago that year (she was severely underscored!)

[@rayj5091]

in 2018 Jamaica didn't freeze, she mentioned her teleprompter didn't display with it was suppose to when it was her turn.

[@jacobmizrahy8096]

It's been 30 years and I still can't get over how Carolina Izsak did not advance to the top 3 over in MU 1992 and eventually winning the Crown she duly deserved. She had it all: class, elegance, statuesque, beauty and a presence that would turn looks. She was regal.

[@ajsy1090]

The format change that started in 1990 (possibly in response to Texas' winning streak at Miss USA 1985-1989) caused Carolina to fall especially her on stage question was her weak point (losing to Paola in the semifinals and Top 6).

[@PungiFungi]

That was the whole point of the format change…to include the possibility that the front runner will not make the final round to make it more unpredictable.

[@paengs.delrosario7804]

Who among the eventual top 3 (Namibia, India, and Colombia) did not deserve to advance to the final round?

[@PungiFungi]

@@paengs.delrosario7804 in 1992, personality and beauty was the winning formula. Carolina was extraordinarily beautiful but during the semifinals interview, I could see it was her beauty, not what she actually said, that carried her through. There is something unapproachable about Carolina. A warmth that Namibia had, and later in winners like Oxana, Pia and Catriona. But I agree if it was pre 1990, she would’ve won hands down.

[@rowan64official]

​@@paengs.delrosario7804True but you could say India because she did not give a great final answer.

[@RaiRojas]

My new favorite channel.

[@TheSphinx65]

Why are we all so obsessed with the answer of Venus Raj “major, major”? Her answer may be too dramatic with words (will “big, big” still create waves?) but it was, in a way, clear…you should have included instead the final answers of Ms U Philippines 1984 and 2016 candidates…now those were bombs! PS: I didn’t know that a handsome face matched that sexy voice 😍

[@stanleystone49]

Nice video I enjoyed it very much 😊

[@Dpageantbuff]

I love your voice and commentary! Pls make more videos, I'm a fan! Hope you can feature more Miss Universe beauties from the 50s to the 90s since I wasn't even born that time yet

[@ajsy1090]

I think the styling of Miss Ireland in 2010 and Miss South Africa in 2012 caused their exclusion in the Final 5 despite they wore "stunning gowns"?

[@jacob-ni6jr]

Both of their styling was great

[@ajsy1090]

@@jacob-ni6jr Maybe that was your opinion, another factor would had been "play safe" performance?

[@jxt1661]

Been waiting for your interesting videos. this is no exception. Welcome back TPN!

[@brybry3633]

Irene Esser would’ve won the crown in 2011 had she given a decent answer! She was so beautiful! 😍🥰😍🥰😍

[@nitpicker12]

The judges went easy on Olivia Culpo. She tripped, and gave a weak answer saying 'I don't regret it' when she was asked something she would never do again. And that bun didnt look that good, kinda looked like an onion but it worked for stefania in prelims, Demi and her. Definitely Usa didnt want to have a longer gap than 15 years.

[@lukes.3488]

Olivia Culpo didn't even deserve to be part of the top 5, then.

[@nasirisrarhussain4477]

Thank you for another interesting video dear Roger.

[@benpogi4ever]

20:34 USA's silver fitted gown and hair updo for MU made her look "a little older" as compared to her hair-down-styling and black ball gown at MUSA which was way better IMHO as it encompassed her fun-free-spirited personality.

[@tristanndc]

Would never forget the 2019 prelim thing

[@ccvccv5600]

Love your work

[@benben123ilano4]

Fun fact: MJ did have another gown that she wore on rehearsals and it was a pink gown made by an filipino designer.

[@jeromehiralall3336]

Amazing video, thank you so much!

[@jacob-ni6jr]

Miss England 1982, she should of made it farther. Her face was gorgeous. She was given a dumb question. Bob asked her about her boyfriend and then asked her about Peruvian men… I just find that unfair. What was she supposed to say?

[@PungiFungi]

Be politically correct and say where a man is from is irrelevant to her because him being kind and loving is what matters. Thank you!!!! You have to know to play the game.

[@jacob-ni6jr]

@@PungiFungi I agree, but those 2 questions shouldn’t of been given to her back to back in the same interview

[@JCesar-xf2bk]

Sarah Rose only advanced to the finals because she was from the USA. Had she come from ANY other nation, it wouldn't have happened. Out of all the pageants, MU is the one that tends to favour the organization country the most. I've lost count of the bland and sometimes quite ugly USA delegates that practically always qualify, whereas beauties from less strong sashes are forced to just clap. It's really disgusting.

[@benpogi4ever]

19:27 That defeats the purpose of one of MUO's (or any pageant for that matter) creed of fostering peace and understanding. The same issue with LEB and ISR also happened at Miss World 1993. 😞

[@yatinsrivastava7520]

Love the quality of your videos. Pageant fan from India 🇮🇳 ♥

[@angelodelacruz6108]

Nice to see you talking on camera, than voice over, because you are good looking guy so as your voice, you know miss universe very well that's why I always looking forward for your new video

[@benpogi4ever]

18:57 MU 2010's Marilessa Gibson did just that on both prelims and finals and, regardless whether or not she made the first cut, that beehive updo looked way to awkward on her.

[@PungiFungi]

Gibson already did a blunder before the competition started by having a nose job that do not quite fit her face.

[@benpogi4ever]

@@PungiFungi Oh no 😞

[@benpogi4ever]

18:36 - Totally agree that Curacao should have kept her hair down as iut is rather than that awkward bun as opposed to her 60s-inspired updo during prelims. One factor to consider for this "error" would be the time allotted for the girls to make changes in hair and makeup from SS to EG. Janine Tugonon said the same thing in 2012 when "there was not enough time to do the bun on her hair for EG so the stylist went for simple ponytail instead".

[@benpogi4ever]

18:36 -- MU Japan 2015 / Arianna Miyamoto's one-style bun from top 15, SS and EG was , IMHO, way too playing safe. She could have worn her hair down for both rounds like she did during prelims or wore a ponytail hair extension then switch to a synthetic bun like she did during MU Japan finals-- the latter not being so time-consuming as only the hairpieces would needed to be changed in-between rounds.

[@jxt1661]

My heart still aches that Taliana did not win that night. She’s still my all-time favorite Miss Colombia.

[@ZombieMiraculer74]

Same, but you can't deny Dayana's presence when she is on stage.

[@jacob-ni6jr]

She’s overrated, that walk was weird and she was so over the top. She isn’t a good as Valerie Dominguez which is my favorite Colombian who doesn’t get talked about enough.

[@jxt1661]

@@jacob-ni6jr still "MY" favorite Sta. Colombia.

[@hernancano8681]

@@jacob-ni6jr But people talked about her, much! Remember Agroingreso Seguro?

[@robertmoya1868]

@@ZombieMiraculer74 yeah but she’s turned out to be a total religious freak homophobe. So goodbye to her

[@rm689]

Unrelated but Paraguay 2006 Lourdes’ gown was sabotaged so she used Bolivia’s after party gown (they shared the same ND) that’s why it was a bit short for her and she put her one earring @ cleveland and it worked

[@PungiFungi]

She made top 5 regardless. Some saw her as a threat.

[@RaulPhillipGatal]

​@@PungiFungiParaguay was my sentimental fave that year

[@michaelromero7982]

Loved, loved the video.

[@CanoManuelGonzaga]

I'm actually surprised you didn't include 2003 Japan's blunder in the final QnA. She had the best evening gown presentation that time in the finals. What she did was shockingly fashion-forward.

[@manuelacavalhieri7231]

In 2007, the japanese and the brazilian were very beautiful and indeed deserved to be in the top 2!

[@ggrr840]

Really great video! 🙂

[@jonalonzo3632]

Always enjoy your contents… ❤

[@josephcantelmo8687]

What a great way to start my day! Great video chock full of interesting facts and opinions. I will carefully (because words can hurt) comment on my own country and Sarah Rose Summers. I truly don't think that her off the cuff comments were meant to be mean HOWEVER, they were careless AND showed that perhaps she was not ready for a title and responsibility like Miss Universe. I like you knew at that moment her chances of progressing even a little bit had been dashed. Life lesson to ALWAYS think before you speak and ALWAYS think if you are about to go on video because it somehow lasts forever. Well so nice to see your content and relive some glory pageant days. Excited for Miss Universe in January and would love to see your content on how you feel the Miss USA system has changed much like your report on Venezuela. Sending friendship and love from the US - Joseph

[@emersonarturo8809]

Hi, I like your video, has very interesting points of view. Greetings from México.

[@orlandojrsevilla1836]

Love your Background ✨🌌❤️

[@jairomy]

I am so happy I found this page! I have been a huge Miss Universe fan since I was a little boy. I've always wanted to find pages like yours and I really enjoyed this video. If you may I have some comments about your video: MU Blunders & Catastrophes: The MU 2019 queens who fell did so in the swimsuit portion though not the evening gown(prelims). 1998's Miss Colombia was extremely rude during the top 6 interview portion. She seemed very arrogant and full of herself. I read a lot about Carolina Izsak's defeat and many people came to a conclusion that she was very snobbish, not very likeable and you could see it in her replies. She really thought she had it in the back, so did most of us, until they noticed it got to her head that she forgot she was a human like everyone else and that she had flaws. Her shoulder move when answering the top 6 question also showed insecurity and I think also cost her points. In the end, I whole heartily agree that Carolina should have been top 3, instead of Namibia? India's answer is still to this day one of the top scores so she had top 3 locked and it would have been a close call between Namibia's obvious and boring answer and Colombia's insecure but charming answer. I couldn't agree more with you, deciding who goes top 3 by random questions is very wrong and unfair. When you get a question where you can mention that country or it's population it is so easy to win the agree and possibly the crown. That portion needs to be reworked for sure. Irene Esser and Taliana's Vargas trying to answer in their terrible English(sorry but it was really bad) cost them the crown most likely. The preparation for MU is extremely hard but I think learning English to increase the chance to win MU is not something that is too hard to do and it will be useful for the rest of your life. 2014's Miss Jamaica loss really hurt me because I also noticed the way she reaction to Emilio's Estefan thick accent. Lots of Jamaican also have accents so her doing that unconsciously did cost her the crown imo. I also think the entire look is a big factor because a lot of judges work in the fashion/modelling/acting/beauty industry and they often analyze the contestant on their look more than their content. Thank you for this video. I am a huge fan. You're very handsome and love the accent! Thank you

[@biyaherongpulubi]

Wow

[@PageantNerd]

Thanks so much for your lovely comments, and my sincere apologies for taking so long to respond! I really appreciate the time you took to leave all your observations. I must say I find them all very agreeable! In the end, what’s done is done - history is all locked in, although I’m actually considering doing a video about “alternative” winners - a year by year look who I think should’ve won instead of the actual winner. Might stir up a bit of controversy! Thanks again for your kind words - all the very best to you ❤️🥰

[@alanlim647]

Why is Venus Raj includied here? There's no blunder nor slips?. Saying " major major isn't a grammatical error at all. I teach English and repeating the word major simply put emphasis on it. Why would it be considered a slip then?

[@alanlim647]

It was an unrehearsed and confident answer

[@PageantNerd]

Because she didn’t answer the question - she was asked to name a difficult moment in her life and she was unable to think of one. The “major major” thing was something that was ridiculed at the time, even leading former Miss Universe Margie Moran to use it in her question at a subsequent Binibining Pilipinas.

[@paengs.delrosario7804]

I recommend that you do an episode about ONE-HIT WONDERS -- countries that have won one of the BIG 4 PAGEANTS (i.e., MU, MW, MI, and ME) only once, but never (or almost never) placed again. Examples would include, but not limited to, BOTSWANA (MU 1999), EGYPT (MW 1954), GRENADA (MW 1970), GIBRALTAR (MW 2009), HONDURAS (ME 2003), BERMUDA (MW 1979), NAMIBIA (MU 1992), and BELIZE (ME 2021).

[@PageantNerd]

I LOVE that idea, thank you! Will definitely do some research into that one 😎

[@paengs.delrosario7804]

@@PageantNerd I stand corrected. NAMIBIA also finished in the top 10 at the 2003 MU.

[@ramsesdgreat219]

What a great video!!!!!

[@robertmoya1868]

Speaking of blunders, it would be interesting to do a video of gorgeous girls who wore hideous evening gowns. Miss Universe Uruguay 1985, Miss Universe Spain 1985 and Miss Universe Sweden 1984 (who actually won, despite) come to mind. And it had nothing to do with the trends of the times, because I clearly remember thinking they were horrible choices back then (yes I’m old).

[@benpogi4ever]

18:20-- Way back in the 80s and 90s, most of the girls did in fact wear awkward hairdos from the start as, maybe (just maybe-- a BIG theory) either there was not much time to have a quick hairdo change from swimsuit to gown or, again MAYBE, the women just wanted to save up on time and simply wear one hairdo for all of the rounds. USA's 1986 and 1988 did this in MU by simply wearing a french twist all throughout the night. But, yes, it is more conventional and/or preferable that women wear their hair down for the swimsuit round and then wear it up (or still keep it worn down) for the eve gown round.

[@nelsonmcduff5218]

It annoys me that the contestants often don't actually answer the question and instead give a rehearsed speech, but because they sound confident and intelligent, people let it slide.

[@mikmowmil]

@10:22 I've said this...Miss Universe up until recently wasn't necessarily a search for the "right winner" especially in the trump years. Once it reached Top 5 it was about luck and potentially causing a controversial moment that will make the news or trend on social media afterwards.

[@robertmoya1868]

More examples - Miss Universe Russia 2001, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2010, Miss Universe Finland 1993, Miss Universe Jamaica 2010, Miss Universe Canada 1985, Miss Universe Israel 1976 (who also won).

[@joeyrocamora9346]

Ms. Philippines it's so gorgeous ❣️😍👍😻

[@arcastro57]

During the 1968 Miss Universe Final Interview round, Martha Vasconcellos was so nervous that when Bob Barker asked her "Tell me about your hometown, she said breathlessly, "I can't speak", and Barker proceeded to prompt her for answers. She just clammed up! In contrast, 1st runner up Miss Curacao, who spoke 5 languagaes, was so endearing when she was asked to speak in pidgin Papiamiento, and describe her "tiny,tiny: island nation. Still, the nerve-wracked Vasconcellos won Miss Universe.

[@Dpageantbuff]

You missed Guyana's bad fall in 2012, Soyini Fraser's fall was quite unfortunate

[@justink6297]

I felt the same when Carolina Indriago Miss Venezuela 1999 wore a better gown in prelims as opposed to finals night. Then again, the prelims gown was so similar to the Minorka Mercado gown from MU 1994 that's probably why they opted for the restricted fully covered gown.

[@eliasjosuecastillorios8114]

Great video.

[@massimochiacchia798]

It is probably worth mentioning that when a delegate chooses to wear an updo, it nine times out of ten would highlight the delegates face whereas having tossled or dangling hairs doesnot really allow you to see the face as much. I personally would prepfere an updo or a chignon in an evening gown segment as to see a delegate’s face more when made up than the length of her hairs which could be dreadfully distracting. Mind you I dont mind in some cases long hair if it is styled properly and maintains the contestant’s age. Case in point: Miss Curacao 2016 look was just outdated. The dress was outdated but the hair was nice. So as you had preciously mentioned the styling plays a very large part in being noticed by judges.

[@musicarabia5584]

I love this video❤

[@AlbertoHonor41]

When Venus (2010) made her final answer, the entire filipino crowd stayed quite the rest of the show, similar to when Irene (2012) said her answer in English you could hear a pin drop from the Latinos…

[@alexismonroy4345]

can you do some of these video ideas -Former pageant powerhouses -Queens who aren't from the country they represent -how philippine winner are mixed with white race

[@nzsl368]

*auntie's hairdo?* miss philippines' ariella arida's hairstyle in the prelim of miss universe 2013 (in russia) was one of the most talked about hairstyles

[@jusmeoh9846]

OMG thought you were voice recording Just like siri and alike

[@PageantNerd]

Haha I get that every now and then… Nope, that’s just my voice!

[@fhiNkme]

That major major is really phenomenal! Hahaha ❤

[@eiraremejeene]

Izsak's answer is actually good. But maybe the others had better answers. But she did just fine. Meanwhile, Irene Esser was on her way to becoming the next Miss Universe until that answer happened. She, unfortunately, wanted to do a Diana Mendoza and answer in English which went against her. Had she done a Stefania and answer in Spanish, the crown would have been hers (given she'd answered well). The fact that she ended 2nd runner up even with that major blunder suggests she was really winning the competition until she sabotaged herself. Anyway, she's still one of my favorites, even more than Isler.

[@PungiFungi]

At least she have some response, unlike Monica Spear (RIP) who just gave up.

[@colourqueen22]

Another example is South Africa in 2021. Lalela deserved her placement no doubt, but Idk if she deserved top 5 and even more top 3. In top 5 even though she was confident she really stumbled on her answer, trying to give two sides without really giving a final answer. I felt Valeria did better

[@obedthemagnificent7128]

Lol I think in her case it was that her question was harder and her answer made her stand out because it was not weak but strange and straight with a punch it gave it a bit of a weight when Valerie looked way too nervous and a bit uneasy.

[@colourqueen22]

@@obedthemagnificent7128 hmmm different takes I guess

[@robertmoya1868]

That was a lot of fun Pageant Nerd. I agree with most of your subjective input. Here are a couple of fun ones from earlier years: 1968 - In the final question, Miss Brazil started hyperventilating and no words came out of her mouth. She never answered the question. Luckily for her, final questions did not carry as much weight back then. And she was such a bombshell of a woman, that she went on to win! Had final questions been more important, Miss Curaçao would have been the deserving winner. Of course, the times were different and it definitely was an uphill battle for a black girl from the Caribbean. It wouldn’t be the last time a Curacao candidate would be robbed (in my opinion). See Verna Vázquez. The same silent answer syndrome happened sometime in the early eighties with a European finalist, but the country escapes me. All I remember is she didn’t speak much English. 1993 - Miss Colombia’s uber-cinched velvet dress got tangled up on her 7-inch platform heels, making her limp all the way onto her top three spot. She was still first runner up. The same year, Miss Puerto Rico rambled in her top 6 question and stopped to ask the translator “¿Vas a traducir?” (“Are you going to translate?”). Then She wanted to continue and Dick Clark told her time’s up. She also previously had gone into the glass silent booth and abruptly adjusted her cleavage by grabbing her breasts as if she were backstage out of sight. Except that millions saw her. She went on to win. Speedy recovery, and keep up the great content!!

[@PageantNerd]

Hi Robert, thanks for your kind words! There are so many little moments that I love watching when I revisit old pageants. I’ll have to check out MU 1968 in more detail - to think it was another 9 years until a black woman won MU. I think the European woman you’re thinking of in the 1980s was Miss Sweden in 1984 - her final answer was pretty average, but as you say that didn’t matter so much back then. Even in 2004 Australia’s final question response was far from impressive but she still managed to win. There are other super minor events that I’ve noticed from watching old pageants on repeat. They didn’t affect the final result but I love them nonetheless. Again in 2004, Australia kept squeezing Puerto Rico’s hand when the final results were being announced, as if to say “stop holding my hand!” I found that very odd. And in 2010 when Rima Fakih stood frozen, not clapping, when Philippines was announced as the last semifinalists and USA was shut out. I’ll have to check out those events you’ve mentioned above. Thanks again!

[@PungiFungi]

When Curacao was announced the runner up, Brazil was absolutely shocked. She thought she lost because she messed up.

[@RaulPhillipGatal]

You must be referring to Belgium in 1981. She finished 2nd to Irene Saez in the semis but she totally clammed up in the Q&A and thus ended up 4th RU

[@guido88au]

Fun fact: Mirriam Q and Venus Raj are wearing the same earrings from the collection of Madame Stella Araneta. Every Miss Phils has worn them on pageant night at Miss Universe every year in the 90s through the 2000s. I think Venus was the last one to wear them.

[@PageantNerd]

Thanks for fun facts! I found Pia’s stories about Madame Stella recycling evening gowns from year to year quite amusing 🤣

[@sar983]

​@@PageantNerdLOL ❤😂

[@robertmoya1868]

For a while, all Miss Venezuelas wore the same long pink earrings provided to them by Osmel Souza, sort of as a tradition.

[@RaulPhillipGatal]

Just because a certain contestant tops both the swimsuit and gown competitions doesn't mean that she dominated the field nor got most of the judges' votes because it's about the scores being averaged. Perhaps, one or two of the judges gave her perfect scores thus the highest averaged scores. There would have been a different outcome if they used the judge's vote as determinant

[@budakecik249]

I just cant blink my eyes looking at your eyes 😊

[@hernancano8681]

In 2019 the questions to the top 5 were assighned by the organization, which was rare and not transparent!

[@DudeEM]

Venus Raj’s question was assuming coming from the judge giving the question. Good, obedient girls were going to be unable to give an impressive answer OR be accused of being a fake holier-than-thou snob.

[@wilmer_1995]

I thought the same thing about Jamaica 2014. I found it a bit rude

[@PageantNerd]

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one… I understand there are cultural differences in how we communicate, but I thought the “hello?” was a bit disrespectful, if there was no one on the other end of the telephone line!

[@wilmer_1995]

@@PageantNerd I would only understand the "hello?" if she was making sure/testing the mic worked. If not, didnt like it

[@affordablefoodideas]

i always admire delegates from Curacao but i wonder why they never placed in MU

[@CarlosGarcia-gy4lr]

Miss Colombia’s “not you” was ☠️☠️☠️

[@PageantNerd]

Brutal!!!

[@ThomOutman]

I have to say I really don't like most updo hairstyles. The only contestant who I felt ever pulled it off was Christy Fitchner, Miss USA 1986. I really HATED Olivia Culpo's & R'Bonney Gabriel's updos. I likewize hated Miss Ireland's 1983 updo, Michelle Royer's & Courtney Gibbs' updos in 1987 & 1988. I think Holland's Angela Visser & Gretchen Paulhemus proved in 1999 how elegant u can be with your hair down. Miss Sweden is infamous in my mind for putting their hair up for the Evening Gown. There is a reason Yvonne Ryding won in 1984.

[@ZYDRUNAS70]

I always thought that Rachel Smith would have been crowned MU, but that fail changed judge’s decision

[@robertmoya1868]

More contemporary examples include Miss Universe USA 2022, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2021, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2020 and Miss Universe USA 1997 (who also won with that hideous pineapple dress)

[@nestoremmanuelaltamiranoga6058]

What a handsome guy you are Mr. pageant nerd, like for this hahaha xD!

[@fernandobiggers62]

Bad hair day, you forgot to mention Miss Mexico 2006, holy shit Herons nest hair rofl

[@mikmowmil]

Did I hear you say "English mink"? Wasn't her response English man?

[@orlandodiola7076]

I still think Janine Tugonon of the Philippines was robbed of the Ms. U crown.

[@gregbell3559]

I love the ones that come out oh I'm going to win ooh we look at me then fall on their rear ends ...there was one year one of the contestants spoke 99percent of her language and in the end said in English something like and golf or tennis but it was hilarious. I had people even at work I heard ladies snickering In the lunchroom over that one, I think it was in the papers too.