BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – INFORMATION reaching SKNVibes states that representatives from nine Caribbean countries will compete in the 59th annual Miss Universe Pageant scheduled to take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, August 23.
The countries are Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, United States Virgin Islands, Jamaica and British Virgin Islands.
The pageant’s website indicated that this would be the first time in eight years the BVI would be participating in the pageant. This country will be represented by Josephina Nunez.
Beauties from some 83 countries will battle for the coveted crown and will be judged the Swimsuit, Evening Wear and Interview segments.
Celebrity Apprentice 2010 winner Bret Michaels and co-anchor/national correspondent for NBC’s Today Natalie Morales will host this year’s pageant, as was done last year by former Celebrity Apprentice star Claudia Jordan, who co-hosted the event along with Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush.
The current Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernández from Venezuela, will crown the new Miss Universe at the end of the glittering event.
The pageant, which first started out in 1952 as a local "bathing beauty" competition spearheaded by Catalina Swimwear in Long Beach, CA, has now transformed into an international annual tradition with young women around the world vying to become a part of Miss Universe history.
Millions have watched around the globe as the contest has evolved into a powerful, year-round international organisation that advances and supports opportunities for the participating young women.
There will be a new musical collaboration between John Legend & The Roots which will set the tone for the Evening Gown segment of the pageant.
Legend is the recipient of six Grammy Awards and The Roots are renowned for their soulful, eclectic approach to Hip-Hop, which includes live instrumentals.
John Legend & The Roots will release their forthcoming album, ‘WAKEUP!’ on September 21.
