The 2018 Miss Universe National Costume Competition airs via live stream this morning, at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT (17:00 SAST) and you can tune in from home. It takes place in Bangkok, Thailand this year, ahead of the Miss Universe Pageant, which will be held this coming Sunday, December 16, 2018, at 7 p.m. ET.
Above is the official live stream for the 2018 National Costume Competition. Each of the 94 contestants for Miss Universe will show off a costume that represents each of their nations in a detailed display of cultures from around the globe.
For those hoping to watch the preliminary competition for Miss Universe this week, it will air at 7 a.m. ET on December 13, 2018.
Steve Harvey is returning as the host of the Miss Universe Competition this year, according to Page Six.
When it comes to the musical guests for Miss Universe 2018, NE-YO is set to perform his song “Miss Independent”.
The reigning Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, from South Africa, will return to the competition on Sunday in order to crown her successor. In a statement to the media, Nel-Peters said, “The Miss Universe competition provides women from all walks of life and all corners of the globe the opportunity to represent their countries and share their ambitions, perspectives and personal experiences on an international stage. Becoming Miss Universe changed the course of my life. And I look forward to seeing which amazing woman will benefit next!”
IMG took over the Miss Universe Organization in 2015, after it had previously been owned by Donald Trump for many years. Elite Daily reported that Trump purchased the organization in 1996 and then sold it to WME/IMG in 2015. Trump actually co-owned the organization with NBC, beginning in 2002, but NBC cut ties with President Trump, after he made comments that were deemed offensive, about Mexican culture, when he had announced his presidential campaign. At the time, Trump stated, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
For whoever wins the Miss Universe Competition, the official Miss Universe website lists the prizes as, “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 hair care 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 premieres, screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; and personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official Miss Universe Organization fashion stylist.” Tune in on Sunday evening to see which of the 94 contestants gets crowned this year’s winner.