Tonight is the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant, with a huge amount of contestants in the mix, totaling 92 hopefuls. The segments featured in the pageant are Swimwear, Evening Gown, Final Question and Final Look. As the competition narrows down throughout the evening, the judges and at-home viewers will help decide the winner. The pageant is set to air on the FOX network at 7 p.m. ET/ PT (time delayed) and host Steve Harvey returns for the third time in a row as the show’s host. Model Ashley Graham also returns as the show’s backstage host. The event takes place this year at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in The AXIS, where Jennifer Lopez, The Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears hold residencies.
Last night, the contestants all participate in the National Costume Show, which is an event that features costumes that represent each individual contestant’s country. Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere from France was last year’s winner at the pageant and this year, she will relinquish her crown to a new winner. As a hard-worker in school, she has plans to become a dental surgeon. And, maybe now that her reign as Miss Universe will end, she will be able to fulfill her scholastic dreams. According to News ABS CBN, Mittenaere already has it made in the love department, as she has been dating fellow dentistry student Matthieu Declercq. When Mittenaere won Miss Universe last year, it was the first time France won this pageant in decades. The last time that someone from France won was in 1953, at the second ever competition. Christiane Martel was the 18-year-old winner and she was also an actress.
Providing commentary for tonight’s competition in addition to the two hosts, TV personality Carson Kressley will team up with runway coach and pageant expert Lu Sierra. Many know Kressley from his days on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and The Celebrity Apprentice. As for the judges this year, the people making up the panel are Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam, TV host and makeup artist Jay Manuel, comedian and personality Ross Mathews, FOX Sports 1 reporter Megan Olivi, YouTube personality Lele Pons, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. Jay Manuel was a prominent cast member on America’s Next Top Model for years. Judge Pons is an internet personality, as well as an actress, and she recently ranked as number 8 on Forbes’ Top Influencers of 2017 list for the entertainment industry. Pons also recently co-hosted the Latin America’s 2017 MTV Millennial Awards.
When it comes to the prizes that the winner of Miss Universe receives, the official Miss Universe website lists them as these, “a year-long salary as Miss Universe; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a one-year supply of haircare products and tools from Farouk Systems, the makers of CHI Haircare; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry Shoes & Accessories; a personalized face chart and products from MAC Cosmetics; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness @ Le Parker Meridien Hotel and hair services from John Barrett Salon; a modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographers; dermatology and skincare services; a professional health and nutrition consultation; dental services; professional representation by The Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various events including casting opportunities, movie premiers, screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; and personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official Miss Universe Organization fashion stylist.” Tune in tonight to see who walks away with all of these rewards.