Miss Universe 2003 Predictions

Among the most important changes at this years Miss Universe Pageant is upping the number of finalists from 10 to 15. This also changes the whole aspect of predicting the semifinalists.

Putting together a list such as this is time consuming yet exciting. In the past two years I have fortunately been able to predict the Miss Universe, Puerto Rico in 2001 and Panama in 2002 (though Panama was elected 1st runner up on finals night).

This list is based on several factors but mainly how they appeal to me on various photos on the official website. Also taken into consideration are reviews of the pre-pageant competition and other related activities. Finally some personal thoughts on who has that certain "x-factor" to succeed as Miss Universe.

Here are my predictions:

1.) BRAZIL: This girl has it all. Gislaine Ferreira is not only the most beautiful delegate in the pageant but also one of the most fashionable and articulate. Her pre pageant photos did not leave me feeling 100% confident about putting her on top of my list (bad hair among other reasons), nevertheless I believe she has what what it takes to be Miss Universe. In the unlikely event that she chokes during interview she will at least make it to the top three.  If everything's right on June 3, she'll be it.

2.) SOUTH AFRICA: Cindy Nell will surely continue the South African streak set over the last few years. I think this girl is just a striking beauty. Most important is her familiarity with the AIDS issue, she being an advocate herself. Given that this is one of the main programs of the Miss Universe and also the premium placed on issue awareness, Cindy will definitely do well as Miss Universe. She is a close second on my list and may well take home the title.

3.) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: There is some speculation that Amelia Vega has an attitude problem. Personally this could be a BIG problem but the hey judges would not really know. Whatever the case this is one hot babe, following Brazil closely on my list of most beautiful delegates. Amelia did not shine during the prelims but get her to change her evening gown and she will do just fine at the finals. Count her into your top 5.


4.) JAPAN: A pleasant surprise from the preliminary competition. Miyako Miyazake is one of the most beautiful delegates from Japan in modern Miss Universe history. This was girl really on fire during prelims especially during the evening gown presentation. Putting her up this high on my list is quite a risk but with her runway skills I think she'll do fine. Its time an oriental got back into the semifinals, she's got to be it.

5.) SPAIN: Ever since 1999 I've kept my eyes on Spanish beauties. Undoubtedly Eva Gonzalez is one of the most charming delegates this year. She is sexy and oozes with charisma. If she can add a little spark to her catwalk and exude a little more confidence she's a shoo in for the Top 5. 




6.) VENEZUELA: I just felt so weak when the news broke out that Venezuela would not make to Panama. Thank God she made it after all. Mariangel Ruiz will continue tradition and will make it to the top 10. Though she did not sustain the media attention I think her bubbly personality will get her into the semifinals and beyond. She is just like any other Miss Venezuela a perfect package. Well prepared.


7.) ARGENTINA: Having only seen her official photo I wasn't sure. But when I saw the photos from the preliminary presentation I knew Laura Romero was a contender for the title. She has a great figure and great poise. I do hope she is not over looked.




8.) CZECH REPUBLIC: Her beauty isn't striking but she is tall and breathtaking. A wonderful model with great flair Katerina Smrzova made two great presentations during the prelims both at swimsuit and evening gown. She wasn't on my list till recently but many reviews convinced me to take a second look. That look was worth it.



9.) USA: A couple of days back I had a strong feeling this girl would be the next Miss Universe. The odds against it were there but there seems to be an inkling that this would be one of those years just like in 1995 and 1997.Besides, the crown hasn't been won by a Latin American Miss USA yet. Consider that still a possibility. You can also be sure to see her place in the Top 15.


10.) GREECE: Marietta Crousala was a bit higher on my list till I saw her pre-pageant photos. I did not appreciate her choice of gown. She also does not photograph well and is always caught at bad angles so I really don't know. Nevertheless she made a big impression on me at the beginning plus has been rated well in reviews.
 

11.) SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO: Sanja Papic has been highly rated all over the Internet but is not the top ten portion of my list because of her overall look during the prelims. I also do not understand what was going on with her gown. Nevertheless she is a master of the runway. I'm counting her figure and catwalk skills will get her this far.



12.) PANAMA: Her entry into the semis will make the home crowd happy. Stephanie de Roux is cute and delivers a bubbly presence on stage. I think there will be no problem if she's a home town entry.





13.) ITALY: Wonderful in evening gown Silvia Ceccon is elegant and stylish. Depending how well she fared with the judges and the one on one interview this girl will be a lovely addition to the list.





14.) NAMIBIA: Ndapewa Alfons resembles Super Model Naomi Campbell. She also did well during the prelims, and will do well as a ramp model. Still I am not fully convinced is she belongs on this list. Since it would not be politically correct not to have a woman of color in the top 15, she's is a good possibility for the semis.



15.) PERU: To be honest I did not fancy this girl from the start nevertheless her performance during the prelims cannot be overlooked as well as the reception of fans on the Internet. For these reasons I am including Claudia Ortiz into my list. Perhaps she will convince me on finals night.




view picks 16-19.