Controversial Beauty Queens

Alicia Machado - Miss Universe 1996

Ever since being elected as Miss Universe 1996, the scandals keep chasing Alicia. During her reign she suffered weight problems and, in order to keep the title, she was forced by Donald Trump to diet and exercise. In 2005, she participated in a Spanish reality show called 'La Granja' (The Farm) where she was severely criticized for having sex with one of her roommates in front of the cameras. She has posed nude for both the Mexican edition of Playboy (in 1996) and for the American one (October 2007), something a Miss Universe titleholder had never done before.

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza - Miss Universe 2006

While she was being crowned as Miss Universe 2006, the Puerto Rican beauty fainted due to nervousness, heat and exhaustion. Months later she was criticized for gaining weight so she had to diet. In June 2007, she was forced to leave an airplane because she insulted a flight attendant. She defended herself saying that is was all a misunderstanding. She was also linked to a Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas. (Click Here for the whole story).

Ingrid Marie Rivera - Miss World 2005 2nd run-up / Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2007

During Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2008 contest, she claimed that someone had sabotaged her clothes and makeup with pepper spray, causing her a bloated face and a nasty rash. After an investigation, police confirmed that she was telling the truth.

Denise Marie Quinones August - Miss Universe 2001

Miss Universe 2001 was another beauty queen with weight issues. The Puerto Rican native was questioned a lot about it for a while, but she always kept her cool and tried not to give it too much thought. Nowadays, she looks stunning.

Hannelys Quintero - Miss Venezuela Mundo (World) 2007

As she was being crowned Miss Venezuela World 2007, she was startled when a man jumped onstage and with no apparent reason, took the crown and started joking around. This guy was quickly taken away and the incident was just a quick, awkward moment.

Christina Silva - Dethroned Miss California USA 2008

She had only been enjoying the title of Miss California for 4 days when the producers of the beauty pageant stated that there had been a mistake counting the votes so she was dethroned. Silva stated that she was being discriminated for her Latin roots.

Elite Model Look 2008 Contest

The Elite Model Look International 2008 was held in Sanya, China. The contest is a yearly fashion modeling event held by Elite Models Management, an international model management group.

Complete Results:

Semifinalists:
* Argentina - Sofia Krawzick
* Croatia - Aleksandra Radanovic
* Czech Rep. - Anna Kalina
* Denmark - Julie Rode
* Denmark - Stine Hansen
* Finland - Fanny Kivimaki
* France - Elene Lazic
* France - Manuela Lazic
* France - Laura Kargulewicz
* France - Victoria Tuaz
* Georgia - Anna Kowach
* Nethelands - Avna Visser
* Nigeria - Tracy Onyekachukwu
* Slovakia - Anna Kapusnakova
* Slovakia - Karolina Swchabova

Winners:

Elite Model Look 2008 - Belgium (Loiuse Maselis, 180cm)
2nd Place - Chile (Josefina Cisternas, 174cm)3rd Place Tie - Sweden (Tilda Persson, 177cm)3rd Place Tie - China (Sun Fei Fei, 179cm)

Mrs. Philippines 2009 Winners

Mrs. (Misis) Philippines 2009 was held last December 17 at the Aliw Theatre in Pasay, City.

The 28 Official Candidates are:
Abegael Borta, Liezlle Villanueva, Karen Mauri, Esther Dumlao, Leony Gegremosa, Donabel Deinla, Wilma Acedera, Vanessa Serbese, Kristine Kintana, Maritess Dinopol, Eleonor Mayo, Mary Maureen Albarracin, Russel Roxas, Analou Avecilla, Rebekah Cantillero, Alejandra Gutirrez, Caryl Ann Robianes, Ma. Francisca Angara, Regina Aspiras, Shella Marie Rodriguez, Remalin Adriano, Shelly Grace Yumul, Camille Galvez, Catherine Joy Ke, Ma. Vivial Nolasco, Ivy Glenda Malaluan, Jahzel Gonzales and Ma. Rafaela Yunon Velasco

Mrs. Philippines 2009 Winners:
* Mrs. Philippines Universe - Camilla Kim Galvez, she will compete at Mrs. Universe 2009 to be held in Bulgaria.

* Mrs. Philippines Globe - Ma. Rafaela Yunon Velasco, she will travel to the USA to compete for the Mrs. Globe Pageant.

* Mrs. Philippines Earth - Ivy Glenda Malaluan, representing her country for the Mrs. Earth Contest to be held in the USA.

* Mrs. Philippines World - Donabel Deinla, she will be competing in Vietnam for the Mrs. World Competition

* Mrs. Philippines Tourism - Mary Maureen Albarracin
* Mrs. Philippines Asia - Rebekah Cantillero
* Mrs. Philippines International - Leizelle Villanueve
* Mrs. Philippines Galaxy - Analou Avecilla

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2008 Beauty Contest

Last December 7, 2008 the annual Mutya ng Pilipinas was held at Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The pageant was organized by Roberto de Venecia, Renee Salud and Alberto Abesamis.

The 24 Official Candidates are:
Katrina Rigets, 23 (Quezon City)
Loren Andre Fermin Burgos, 21, (California)
Riza Selva, 19, (Quezon City)
Karen O'Hara, 22, (Antipolo City)
Cresta Medez, 19, (Palawan)
Jessica Paciente, 17, (Quezon City)
Pia Burgos, 19, (Norway)
Arline Nicolas 22, (Laguna)
Lizl Rosoles, 18, (Naga City)
Angelica Damian, 22, (Bulacan)
Rhea Niones, 23, (South Cotabato)
Ellaine Esteban, 21, (Marikina City)
Queency Benaldez, 18, (Southern Leyte)
Sarah Syed, 19, (Albay)
Venice Acuna, 18, (Bulacan)
Jonavi Quiray, 21, (Palawan)
Kathleen Jebulan, 23, (Sorsogon City)
Frances Urrutia, 19, (Quezon City)
Jamie Jean dela Rosa, 23, (Tarlac)
Laica Jimenez, 19, (Bulacan)
Nadia Holloway, 20 (Australia)
Jam Libatong, 21, (Cebu)
Maria Rochelle Rebeta, 18, (Albay)
Neris Dimaculangan, 20, (Batangas)

Special awards are also given such as:
Best in Swimsuit - Loren Andre Fermin Burgos
Miss Photogenic - Loren Andre Fermin Burgos
Miss OPMB People's Chioce - Jonavi Quiray

Winners of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2008 Contest:

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2008 - Jonavi Quiray
Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism Puerto Princesa - Jam Charice LibatocShe will be representing the Philippines at Miss Tourism International 2008 to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 31.Mutya ng Pilipinas Overseas Communities - Loren Andre Burgos1st runner up - Katrina Grace Rigets2nd runner up - Queency Bernaldez

Miss Brazil is the new Reina Hispanoamericana 2008

Promociones Gloria, the organizer of Reina Hispanoamericana Pageant (Hispanic-American Queen) released an official press note last December 26, 2008 stating that the 1st run-up Miss Brazil, Vivian Noronha Cia is the new Reina Hispanoamericana 2008 replacing the original winner Miss Mexico, Laura Zuniga because of her getting in jail. (Click here to read more)

Vivian is currently working as a Dentist and also a professional model from Umuarama, Parana. She was also the 1st runner-up in Miss World Brazil 2008 and will represent her country at Miss Tourism Queen International 2009, on May 28 to be held in Zhengzhou, China.

As the new Reina Hispanoamericana 2008, Miss Brazil will travel to Bolivia in the next few days to receive her crown and sash. Brazil is now the country with most titles from this contest (formerly known as South American Queen) with 5 crowns followed by Venezuela with 4 winners.

Miss Sinaloa 2008 gets arrested and jail

Miss Sinaloa, Laura Zuniga who was the 1st run-up at Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2008 and the representative of Mexico at Miss International 2009 Beauty Pageant. She was also the reigning Reina Hispanoamericana 2008. She was recently taken to jail with seven other companions after allegedly being caught in possession of weapons, drugs and over USD 100 thousand in cash.

If in case Laura is proven guilty, she could lose her continental title to Vivian Noronha Cia of Brazil, Reina Hispanoamericana 2008 1st runner-up. The same could happen in her National Title, where the 3rd runner-up could take over her Miss International Mexico title, although Nuestra Belleza Organization hasn't yet made any official statements.

Miss Brazil is the new Reina Hispanoamericana 2008

Zeynep Sever is the new Miss Belgium 2009

Miss Belgium 2009 beauty contest was held last night in brussels. And the winner is the 18 year old Zeynep Sever. She stands 1.76. tall and also participated in Miss Turkey 2008 Contest. Her dream was to become Miss Belgium to try out her luck as an actress and to represent Belgium internationally. Zeynep will be the representative of her country at the Miss Universe 2009 and Miss World 2009 beauty pageants.

Cassandra d`Ermilio and the 2nd runner-up was Michele Thissen was the 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively.

The First Ever Miss Burundi was Crowned

The very first Miss Burundi 2008 Beauty Pageant was held at the Novotel. And it was Alida Kaneza who bagged the coveted crown. She received a brand new sofa set from GTS and a make-over paint job for her parent's home by Groupe Ladak. She also got a new wardrobe and a monthly salary for the duration of her reign.

Close to the title was the 1st run-up Evelyn Nkurunziza, while Panafrica Marie Claire is the 2nd run-up. A special award for Miss Congeniality was awarded to Ornella Muhimpundu.

It is still undecided if Burundi will participate at the Miss World 2009 Contest in South Africa.

Beauties of Miss Angola 2009 was Crowned

The 21 year old Nelsa Suraia Pombal Alves won the title of Miss Angola 2009 Beauty Contest held at the Cine Atlantico. She will be the representative of her country at the Miss Universe 2009 Pageant.

Nelsa won jewelries, US$3000, and a brand new car. But aside from this fabolous prizes, as the new Miss Angola 2009 titleholder, Nelsa will dedicate her reign to the fight against AIDS, a serious matter in southern African countries.

Jesinalda Silva (20) and Vilma Leonaldo (18) were 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively. They are expected to represent Angola in Miss World 2009 and Miss Tourism Queen International 2009 Pageants.

Miss Malawi 2009 is Joyce Mphande

It came as no surprise when the judges announced that Miss Malawi 2008 is 20 year old Joyce Mphande. She will be the representative of her country at the Miss World 2009 Pageant to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The audience had been anticipating it all along as she had been the favourite through out the pageant which lasted four and a half hours at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe Sunday night.

When her name was announced, the crowd went into frenzy and rushed to the stage to give the new Miss Malawi a hug. It had to take the organisers to push back the crowd who might have ended up hurting the beauty queen with all their excitement.

Lilongwe based Joyce who holds a Diploma in Insurance went away with a cash prize of K150,000 plus other prizes.

The position of First Princess went to Chancellor College Bachelor of Arts student, Karen Chimkwita, 20 who went away with K100,000 cash.

The Second Princess was 22-year-old Yvonne Nkhata from Blantyre who holds a Diploma in Hotel Management and went away with K50,000 cash.

Karen, Rhoda Chirwa, Dilia Kamzati and Tamara Chitanda were also voted Miss Personality, Miss Confidence, Miss Catwalk and Miss Smile in that order. They each went away with K20,000 cash courtesy of Travel Options.

From the start it was clear that Joyce was the most likely candidate to carry the day, as she had the height, the looks and the right body structure.

However Joyce also faced a strong contender in Karen, who despite being short, had a flair of natural beauty, exuded confidence and answered all her questions intelligently.

Excite Events Media did their best to give a spectacular show, which was all in all well organised.

The girls paraded in five different categories that included casual wear, traditional wear, sports wear, office wear and evening wear.

In between wardrobe changes the show was spiced up with performances from various artists that included Dan Lufani, Kwame, Heart Bitz, Sniper, Thange, Annie Matumbi, Sam Simakweli and Wachipeta Mkandawire.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Billy Kaunda also graced the occasion as guest of honour. He was forced by the audience to sing a song and he performed his popular Lupanga, which attracted the audience which had all along been sitting on the dance floor.

After all the fun, Perth Msiska the outgoing queen crowned Joyce as the new Miss Malawi 2008.

Perth who looked elegant in a traditional gown said she was happy that she was finally relinquishing the title after holding it for three years.

“I know that I have done well during my reign. To the new queen please do not be intimidated, there will be a lot of criticism going around. And to the organisers please don’t live the new queen alone, walk with her all the way,” said Msiska adding that she hoped that the event will now become an annual event.

Director of Excite Events Media, Alinafe Mgwadira said his seven-member team wanted to bring a Miss Malawi of class that was representative of the cream that the country has to offer.

In keeping in line with new trends, the Excite team gave all the winners their monetary prizes in cash right on the stage.

Other prizes that went to the winners included a colour printer from Gestetner worth K115,000, accommodation at Sunbird, dinners at various restaurants, make up kits and five trips on Axa coaches.

Eleven girls participated in this year’s event.

Judges included stockbrokers Atupele Chilambe and Yolanda Kala, gym instructor Samantha Msumuko, former footballer Shadreck Chikhosi and journalist Kondwani Munthali.

Munthali representing the judges said in their judgement that they were looking for height, catwalking, personality, smile and intelligence.

Miss Algeria 2009 was Crowned

A 21 year-old graduate of Business Management from Algiers, Asma Afen won the title of Miss Algeria 2009 Beauty Pageant. She is expected to compete at the Miss Tourism Queen International 2009 on May to be held in China.

Her runners-up were Sihem Hamitouche of Skikda and Soumia Wissi of Annaba.

Mister Poland 2009 is Marcin Pasternak

A 25 year old policeman from Andrychow was declared as the new Mister Poland 2009. He is Marcin Pasternak, a 184cm tall who is also a student of the Pedagogical University in Cracow. Marcin will compete Mister World 2009 contest.

The 1st run-up is the 28 year-old Mariusz Dobosz from Lublin while Mister Olsztyn, Artur Galazka, 19 years of age was the 2nd run-up.

Tatum Keshwar was crowned Miss South Africa 2008

During a beauty pageant held at Johannesburg last December 15, Tatum Keshwar was crowned as the new Miss South Africa 2008. Close to the title was the 1st run-up Anja van Zyl, while the 2nd run-up was Buyisiwe Shongwe. Completing the Top 5 were Cara Burger and Michelle Gildenhuys.

Tatum is a professional model and also a former contestant at a reality modeling competition called Revlon Supermodel. She also won the title of Model of the year in 2005. Her hobbies and interests includes yoga, modelling, reading, going to the gym and the most outrageous thing she's ever done is parasailing and abseiling. She stands tall at 1.81m and she will represent her country at the Miss Universe 2009 and Miss World 2008 contests.