Nora Xu Crowned Miss Universe China 2014

Nora Xu was crowned Miss Universe China 2014 in Shanghai, on September 13th. Nora is 19 years old, 1.78 m-tall, and comes from Luoyang, Henan province. Her hobbies include practicing sports, especially running.

China has reached Miss Universe’s final (Top 5) on two occasions, in 2002 (3rd place) and 2011 (5th place). Nora will try to become her country’s first Miss Universe.

Miss Universe 2014 will be held in Doral, USA, on January 25th.

Dalreena Poonam Gill wins Miss World Singapore 2014

20-year-old soccer referee Dalreena Poonam Gill was crowned Miss World Singapore 2014 at the One Farrer Hotel and Spa on September 13th.

Gill beat 19 other local contestants to clinch the coveted crown and the opportunity to represent Singapore at the Miss World 2014 pageant in London.

She will also receive about $8,000 in cash and prizes.

Gill, who stands at 1.71 m tall and boasts vital statistics of 32B-26-36, is the youngest of only three female soccer referees in Singapore and aspires to become a referee for global soccer body FIFA in the next two years.

“The reason why I’m here today is to represent the minority in Singapore. Pageantry is a doorway for those who want to be on stage, give back and of course learn more about themselves,” said Gill in a personal bio-sheet explaining her decision to join Miss World Singapore 2014.

The first runner-up was Kimberley Lam (details to come), followed by second runner-up Louissa Lavnea Thomas, 25.

Singapore started participating in Miss World in 1972 and its best historical result is a semi-final placement in 1976, with Pauline Poh Neo Cheong.

Miss World 2014 will be crowned on December 14th.

Lourdes de Guzman is Miss World Spain 2014

The city of Benicássim welcomed this year’s Miss Spain World candidates and the final event took place on September 13th. Miss Spain World 2014 is Lourdes Rodriguez de Guzman, 20 years old, 1.75 m-tall.

The winner hails from Daimiel, a small town of 17 thousand inhabitants, located in the province of Ciudad Real.

The 1st runner-up was Lorena Gonzales and the 2nd runner-up was Estafania Martinez.

Last year Spain placed in Miss World’s Top 6, finishing in 4th place. Spain has never won the title and Lourdes will try to change this scenario on December 14th, in London, England.

DR's Geisha Montes de Oca is Miss United Continents 2014

The city of Guayaquil served as host for the second edition of Miss United Continents. Thirty-one candidates competed and the winner was Miss Dominican Republic, Geisha Montes de Oca, 27 years old, from Santo Domingo. Geisha won USD 10,000 in cash, a crown worth USD 20,000, among other gifts, such as a trip to the Galapago Islands in company of the 1st and 2nd runner-ups.

First runner-up, or “virreina”, was Wi Mai Nava, Miss Venezuela, while the 2nd runner-up (1st princess) was Miss India, Gail Da’Silva.

In 4th place (2nd princess) was the crowd favorite Miss Colombia, Paola Ruiz; the 5th position (3rd princess) went to Miss Ukraine, Anna Sardyga; rounding out the Top 6, in 6th place (4th princess) was Miss Paraguay, Julia Frison.

Semi-finalists were the representatives of Brazil, Camila Nantes, Haiti, Marie Darline, Kazakhstan, Aygerim Kozhakanova, and Sweden, Felicia Aden.

Gama TV was in charge of the live telecast, which was seen in 9 different countries.

Julija Bizjak wins Miss Slovenije 2014

Julija Bizjak (20, 1.75m, Lesce) was crowned Miss Slovenije 2014 at the Atlantis Water Park in Ljubljana on September 11. She will represent Slovenia in Miss World 2014 in London, England on December 14.

Anja Mihelič and Anja Kragelj finished in second and third place, respectively.

Miss Universe 2014 to be held in Doral, Miami, Florida on January 25

The 63rd Edition of Miss Universe will happen in January 25. It is the first time since 1952 that the competition skips a year.

Luigi Boria, Mayor of the City of Doral, confirmed on Friday September 12th that the 64th Miss Universe Pageant will take place in Doral (Miami). The announcement had the presence of Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart, and the reigning titleholder Gabriela Isler, Miss Universe 2013 from Venezuela.

Boria confirmed via Twitter that the live telecast of Miss Universe 2014 will take place on Sunday, January 25th.

Members of the City’s Council voted three against one to approve the hosting of the Miss Universe Pageant.

The City will pay USD 2.5 million dollars, expecting a return on their investment via sponsorships and publicity.

Most of the activities will take place at the Trump National Hotel in Doral. Miami-Dade county and Miami Beach will also be involved in the organization of the event.

Isler said that she is extremely happy that the event will take place in Doral. “It is the home to many Venezuelans and it makes me feel like home” she added.

An official statement is yet to be issued by the Miss Universe Organization.

See also: Miss Universe 2014 Complete Coverage

Panama's Nicole Pinto wins Miss Latin America in the World 2014

Panama bagged its first ever Miss Latin America in the World crown in the Dominican Republic. The representative of Panama and new queen is Nicole Pinto.

Spain placed second with Yanire Ortiz, Brazil’s Patricia Guerra was 3rd, Michelle Cohn of Guatemala was 4th and Peru’s Miluska Huaroto Maradiegue placed 5th.

Completing the Top 12 were the representatives of Argentina, Portugal, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, USA Latina, Canada Latina and Chile.

Charlotte Molina wins Miss Supranational Chile 2014

19 year old Charlotte Molina from Santiago was the winner of Miss Supranational Chile 2014. It was the pageant’s first edition. Chile will participate in Miss Supranational for the first time ever.

Miss Supranational 2014 will be held on December 5 at the Miejski Ośrodek Sportu i Rekreacji in Krynica-Zdrój, Poland.

Dhio Moreno wins Miss Mundo Dominicana 2014

24 year old Dhio Angelica Moreno Santos was crowned Miss Mundo Dominicana 2014 at the Plaza Sambil in Santo Domingo on September 10.

Standing 1.83m tall, Dhio Angelica will represent Dominican Republic in Miss World 2014 in London, England on December 14.

Barbara Santana finished in second place and will compete in Miss International 2014 on December 15 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Maite Brito finished in third place.

Aykol Alykzhanova wins Miss Kyrgyzstan 2014

24 year old Aykol Alykzhanova (24) was the overall winner of the Miss Kyrgyzstan 2014 pageant and was crowned Miss World Kyrgyzstan 2014 at the Malachite Hall of Opera and Ballet in Bishkek on September 7. She is expected to represent Kyrgyzstan in Miss World 2014 in London, England on December 14.

Tattuububu Ergeshbaeva finished in second place and will compete in Miss International 2014 on December 15 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Nguyen Thi Loan to represent Vietnam in Miss World 2014

Nguyen Thịi Loan was appointed as the new Miss World Vietnam 2014 and will represent Vietnam in Miss World 2014 in London, England on December 14.

Her designation is due to the ongoing Miss World Vietnam pageant that will select Vietnam's representative to Miss World 2015.

Zita Oliveira is Miss Republica Portuguesa 2014

24 year old Zita Oliveira was crowned Miss Republica Portuguesa 2014 at the Tivoli Theater in Lisbon on September 6.

Adriana Conduto was the first runner-up and Isabela Spínola was the second runner-up.

Zita will now prepare to represent Portugal in Miss World 2015 pageant next year.

Carolyn Desert wins Miss Haiti 2014

25 year old Carolyn Desert was crowned Miss Haiti 2014 at the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince on September 6.

Rose Cathelyne Paul and Chistie Désir finished in second and third place, respectively.

Carolyn will now represent Haiti in Miss World 2014 competition in London, England on December 14.

Du Yang crowned Miss World China 2014

22 year old Du Yang from Beijing was crowned Miss World China 2014 at the Xiaomeisha Sea World in Shenzhen on September 6.

Xu Cong Rui was the first runner-up and Yan Ting was the second runner-up.

Standing 1.83m tall, Du Yang will compete representing China in Miss World 2014 pageant in London, England on December 14.

Chanel Cruz Jarrett wins Miss World Guam 2014

A new Miss World Guam was recently crowned at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort in Tamuning. 20 year old Chanel Victoria Cruz Jarrett of Agana Heights, who not only took home the crown but also took home the Top Model Award. This is the second straight year Miss World Guam hails from Agana Heights, with 2013’s queen, Camryn Mendiola, also from the central village.

1st runner up was Province Chargualaf Poppe who also won the Beauty with A Purpose Award for raising $3,800 for her charity, the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Foundation. She also won Best Evening Gown, Best Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Congeniality. Anjoelais Rose Mendiola was second runner-up.

Krystal Paco took home the People’s Choice Award.

Chanel will represent Guam and will try to conquer its 2nd Miss World title on December 14th, in London, England.

Josefin Donat wins Miss Germany Universe 2014

20 year old Josefin Donat from Leipzig was crowned Miss Germany Universe 2014 on August 31. She will represent Germany in Miss Universe 2014.

Sandra Lopez and Valmira Krasniqi finished in second and third place, respectively.

Veronica Shiu crowned Miss Hong Kong 2014

24 year old Veronica Shiu was crowned Miss Hong Kong 2014 at the TVB City in Tseun Kwan O on August 30.

The first runner-up was Erin Wong and the second runner-up was Katherine Ho.

The representative of Hong Kong to Miss World 2014 is expected to be selected from the Top 3.

Kaci Fennell crowned Hyundai Miss Universe Jamaica 2014

Kaci Fennell won the Hyundai Miss Universe Jamaica 2014 title on Saturday at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College in St Andrew. A popular winner, the 21-year-old Mico University College student was selected over 18 other competitors.

“It has been tiring but I put my all into this. I really worked hard towards this title and now I am completely elated,” Fennellsaid shortly after being crowned. She said the achievements of former Miss Jamaica and Miss Jamaica Universe Sandra Foster inspired her to enter the pageant.

“I remember my mom was always talking about Sandra Foster and then I asked her to show me a photograph of her. Afterwards, I decided that I wanted to enter a pageant, but the time happened to be now,” said Fennell.

Nineteen-year-old Roshelle McKinley, niece of former Miss Jamaica World contestant, Bernadette McKinley, who finished third in the 1978 pageant finished second. Commercial pilot Kimar Muir was third with fourth and fifth places being taken by Saneta Kerr and Dianne Brown, respectively.

Fennell won a cash prize of $250,000, a Hyundai i10 car courtesy of title sponsors Key Motors. She will represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe 2014 pageant, scheduled for later this year.

Dewi Liana Seriestha is Miss Malaysia World 2014

25 year old Dewi Liana Seriestha from Kuching was crowned Miss Malaysia World 2014 at the Corus Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on August 30.

Standing 1.77mm tall, Dewi will represent Malaysia in Miss World 2014 in London, England on December 14.

Miss Universe Ghana 2014 is Abena Appiah

21 year old Abena Appiah from Accra was crowned Miss Universe Ghana 2014 at the La-Palm Royal Beach in Accra on August 29. She will represent Ghana in Miss Universe 2014.

Gabriela Ordonez wins Miss Universe Honduras 2014

22 year old Gabriela Ordóñez from Comayagua was crowned Miss Universe Honduras 2014 at the Utila Convention Center on August 24.

The first runner-up was Belkys Sanders and the second runner-up was Celia Monterrosa.

Standing 1.75m tall, Gabriela will represent Honduras in Miss Universe 2014 pageant later this year.

Dijana Cvijetic is Switzerland's new bet to Miss World 2014

After the original winner of Miss World Switzerland 2014, Aline Morger resigned, giving away the opportunity of representing her country in Miss World 2014, it was the 20 year old Dijana Cvijetic who accepted the challenge. Dijana placed 2nd in the contest and is now Miss World Switzerland 2014.

Digene Zimmerman crowned Miss Aruba 2014

20 year old Digene Zimmerman was crowned Miss Aruba 2014 at the Aruba Marriott Resort in Palm Beach on August 22. She will represent Aruba in Miss Universe 2014 pageant later this year.

Finishing in second place was Joitza Henriquez (21) who was crowned Miss World Aruba 2014 and will enter Miss World 2014 contest in London, England on December 14.

Rathi Menon wins Miss Universe Singapore 2014

23 year old Rathi Menon was crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2014 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on August 22. She stands 1.72m tall and will represent Singapore in Miss Universe 2014.

Arrian North and Ijechi Nwaozuzu finished in second and third place, respectively.

Yirgalem Hadish is Miss World Ethiopia 2014

23 year old Yirgalem Hadish was chosen as the new Miss World Ethiopia 2014 by a panel of judges and a public vote on Facebook. She stands 1.76m tall and will represent Ethiopia in Miss World 2014 in London, England on December 14.

Kimberly Castillo is Miss Republica Dominicana Universo 2014

25 year old Kimberly Altagracia Castillo Mota from Salvalen de Higüey was crowned Miss Republica Dominicana Universo 2014 at the Eduardo Brito National Theater in Santo Domingo on August 17.

She will represent the Dominican Republic in Miss Universe 2014.

The first runner-up was Santiago (Aletxa Mueses) and the second runner-up was Dominican Community in Mexico (Dhio Moreno).

Distrito Nacioonal (Marimar Lopez) and Punta Cana (Analiz de la Cruz) completed the five finalists.

Reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler was a special guest at the gala.