Miss Universe 2008, the 57th Miss Universe beauty pageant, will be held at the Crown Convention Center (Diamond Bay Resort) in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14, 2008 where outgoing titleholder Riyo Mori will crown her successor. More than 80 contestants are expected to compete in the event which will be broadcast via NBC and Telemundo to TV outlets in more than 180 countries. The final presentation show is on July 8, the dress rehearsal on July 13 and the live telecast on July 14. Most activities are being held successively in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Nha Trang.
VIETNAM TO HOST THE 2008 MISS UNIVERSE® PAGEANT LIVE ON NBC
"Vietnam has shown unprecedented growth in recent years, both in the business and tourism sectors," said Paula M. Shugart. "This worldwide telecast will mark the first event of its kind to be centered in Vietnam which of course will have special significance to the U.S. audience. I am very happy to have the Miss Universe Pageant be the catalyst for such an historic event."
"UniCorp is delighted that we have reached an agreement with the Miss Universe Organization to host the MISS UNIVERSE® 2008 Pageant in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam," says Chairman Tony Toan Nguyen. "We believe that the beauty, culture and hospitality of Vietnam will perfectly complement the pageant. We look forward to showing the contestants and the world our exciting, vibrant and picturesque country."
Japan native, Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. During her reign, she has traveled the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research, and legislation. The newly crowned Miss Universe will go on to do the same.
Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2008. In recent years, worldwide distribution of the popular competition has topped more than 170 countries.
Donald J. Trump and Phil Gurin will again serve as Executive Producers for MISS UNIVERSE® 2008.
The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, God's Love We Deliver, APICHA and Gay Men's Health Crisis, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today. For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com.
