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Tag: Miss USA

  • Ali Landry: Actress’s Brother-in-Law, Father-in-Law Murdered in Mexico

    Ali Landry is mourning the deaths of her brother-in-law and father-in-law. The actress’s family members were found murdered in Mexico back on September 19th. Juan Manuel Gómez Fernández and Juan Manuel Gómez Monteverde were reported kidnapped on September 4th,

    A former Miss USA and best-known for a 1998 Super Bowl ad for Doritos, Ali Landry married film director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde in 2006. She was previously married to Extra! host Mario Lopez.

    David Henrie starred in Alejandro Gomez Monteverde’s 2015 film Little Boy. He shared his condolences on the death of his director’s father and brother via social media.

    “My heart and prayers go out for the Monteverde family… Prayers are needed please all of u… Please pray for Alejandro Monteverde and his family in these devastating times after their tragic losses… And pray for mexico these injustices MUST END the kidnappings MUST STOP. #prayforMexico,” he captioned his Instagram post.

    A photo posted by David Henrie (@davidhenrie) on

    Neither Ali Landry nor Alejandro Gomez Monteverde has issued a statement about their devastating losses.

    A vehicle that was allegedly used by the kidnappers of Ali Landry and her husband’s family members has been found. The case is being investigated by the attorney general’s office.

    Condolences for Ali Landry and Alejandro Gomez Monteverde are no doubt coming in from people in both Mexico and the U.S. Although they won’t bring their loved ones back, perhaps they will sustain them until their killer or killers are found.

  • Olivia Jordan, New Miss USA, Comments On Donald Trump

    Olivia Jordan, Miss Oklahoma, was crowned Miss USA on Sunday evening and is making headlines with her eloquent responses to questions regarding race relations. She’s also garnered spotlight for her take on the Donald Trump controversy after being asked to comment on it following the pageant.

    Trump, of course, owns the pageant and saw it dropped from NBC after he made comments during his presidential candidacy speech about the Mexican people and why they shouldn’t be allowed to cross the border into the U.S., saying, among other things, that they are “rapists and drug dealers”. At a recent rally in Phoenix, Trump didn’t back down from his previous statements, telling the crowd, “Don’t worry, we’ll take our country back.”

    Olivia Jordan says that the Miss USA pageant is not just about Trump and his personal beliefs, and addressed how she plans to move forward.

    “We have freedom of speech in this country, and immigration is certainly an important issue. This organization is not one person. It’s definitely not just me. It’s a family. This organization celebrates diversity, and I think that was clear on the stage tonight, and I look forward to spreading a message of love and diversity and acceptance,” Jordan said.

    Jordan is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and is an actress, having appeared in several commercials and in the feature film Hot Tub Time Machine 2. One of her standout moments during the pageant was during the question and answer portion, where she was given two questions and 30 seconds to answer each. When asked what the U.S. needs to focus on, Jordan responded smoothly and quickly, saying race relations should be a top priority.

    “We have not solved this issue. We really need to work on being an accepting society,” Olivia Jordan said.

  • Miss USA Loses A Host For The Fifth Time, Jeannie Mai Doesn’t Want The Job Anymore

    The Real co-host Jeannie Mai has declined to host the Miss USA pageant after declaring in an interview in Entertainment Tonight last week that she would proceed with her hosting duties.

    In the interview, Mai said that she initially thought of taking the posts which Cheryl Burke and Thomas Roberts vacated, as she believed in the essence of the prestigious beauty pageant.

    With her whole family behind her, Mai declared that nobody should be hindered in standing up for their family and beliefs, so she decided to remain on board.

    Moreover, The Real co-emcee originally believed that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump would cease to participate in the production of Miss USA.

    Upon realizing that Trump would not be stepping away from the beauty pageant, Mai reversed her decision and stepped down from the hosting stint, becoming the fifth person to turn down the job.

    In a Facebook post, the TV personality hinted on Trump’s tweet against reigning Miss Universe Pauline Vega and realized that the presidential hopeful would likely continue to divert attention from the women participating in the pageant.

    The crowned Miss Universe from Colombia spoke out against Trump’s racially insensitive comments against Mexicans but declared she would keep the crown.

    Trump called her a “hypocrite.”

    In the meantime, Reelz network has declared that new hosts for the upcoming beauty contest were found. Todd Newton and Alex Wehrley now have the hosting job while Julie Alexandria will cover the show from backstage.

    Newton hosted the Family Game Night while Wehrley was a former beauty queen.

    The Reelz network has bought the rights to put Miss USA on air, which will take place this Sunday in Baton Rouge, La after NBC refused to televise the said pageant.

  • Cheryl Burke Gets Replaced For Miss USA Hosting Duties

    Cheryl Burke has now officially been replaced in hosting the Miss USA pageant after stepping down due to incendiary statements made by Donald Trump.

    Burke, a Dancing With The Stars champion, was set to host the pageant with MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts but released a statement after Trump’s comments made headlines, saying she would not be able to proceed.

    “In light of the recent statements made by Donald Trump and the subsequent decision by NBC to cut ties with Mr. Trump, I cannot in good conscience move forward with participating in this year’s Miss USA Pageant,” Burke wrote on Facebook.

    Replacing Burke and Roberts will be former Miss Wisconsin Alex Wehrley and television host Todd Newton, according to Reelz TV, which will be airing the pageant after NBC dropped it in the wake of Trump’s announcement that he’s running for president.

    Trump, who is co-owner of the pageant, made several comments during his announcement about immigrants from Mexico that immediately garnered backlash, saying that they bring drugs and a criminal element to the United States when they are allowed to cross the border.

    “They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people,” Trump said.

    Cheryl Burke and Thomas Roberts aren’t the only people once affiliated with the event who are refusing to participate; Jennie Mai, who was set to cover the backstage area during the show, also released a statement saying she didn’t want to be part of it, and rapper Flo Rida and Emmit Smith–who was going to be a judge–have also backed down.

  • Jeannie Mai Is Latest To Drop From Miss USA Duties, Cites Trump’s Continued “Antics”

    Jeannie Mai stated just last week that she would stick with the pageant despite the fallout from Trump’s campaign announcement speech.

    Now, Jeannie Mai has withdrawn from her duties as co-host of the pageant.

    In Trump’s speech, he stated in part, “When Mexico (meaning the Mexican Government) sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you (pointing to the audience). They’re not sending you (pointing again).”

    He continued, “They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems to us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people! But I speak to border guards and they tell us what we’re getting.”

    After his speech, people dropped like flies from the Miss USA pageant, which is co-owned by Donald Trump, including most of the co-hosts, judges, and musical performers.

    While I absolutely do not condone Mr. Trump's statements, after careful deliberation I have decided to continue my role as co-host of the upcoming Miss USA Pageant. For the past several years, I have been co-hosting both Miss USA and Miss Universe aligned to support President Paula Shugart. I can't abandon these women when they need our support now more than ever. The mission of the Miss Universe organization has always been to unite women from all over the world and celebrate different cultures. They empower women to become role models in their communities in order to build self-esteem and advance philanthropic initiatives. It is truly unfortunate that recent events have overshadowed the amazing work these women have been doing, but the goals of their organization have not changed. Through the years I've experienced a wide variety of inspiring stories. I've met women who used the pageant to help fund their education. I got to know winners like Miss Universe Leila Lopes who used the platform to bring so much positive attention to emerging countries like Angola. There are countless stories of real women working hard to impact social change. My entire career has been driven by my inspiration to celebrate women and their potential. I hope everyone can transcend this controversy so we don’t lose sight of that. As long as there is one woman standing there on that stage, I intend to be standing there beside her.

    A photo posted by @thejeanniemai on

    However, Jeannie Mai was set to hang on and support the contestants.

    Jeannie Mai told ET, “I support every single woman that is standing on that stage that understands what it’s like to be committed to getting to where they are right now. If this one man is going to make these comments it’s going to stop you from representing your family and what you believe in? No, not for me at least.”

    Y'all ready to show #Monday sup?

    A photo posted by @thejeanniemai on

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_q61B-DyPk

    Now, Jeannie Mai’s tone, and her intentions, have changed.

    Part of the statement from Jeannie Mai via Facebook read, “Let me be clear, I condemn the recent words of Mr. Trump, and find them immensely offensive. At the time I made my decision to remain part of the Miss USA pageant, I was under the impression that Mr. Trump would no longer be involved in the production of the show in any capacity whatsoever.”

    She continued, “In addition, given Mr. Trump’s ongoing antics, including his most recent episode today with the current Miss Universe, it is clear that Mr. Trump’s actions have and will continue to distract focus away from the real stars of the show — the women involved in the pageant.”

    She then added, “Therefore, I am respectfully withdrawing from my responsibilities and commitment as co-host of Miss USA.”

    Trump has attempted to clarify his statements and insist that they have been misrepresented, but he stands by them.

    What do you think? Is Jeannie Mai making the right decision or is she wrong in abandoning the women she claimed to support over an idealogical disagreement with Trump?

  • Miss USA Pageant Will Be Aired On Reelz Channel

    The Miss USA pageant has been rescued and will air, after all.

    Since NBC and Univision both dropped the pageant and the backlash continues from Donald Trump’s comments on illegal immigrants, the fate of the Miss USA pageant has been hanging in the balance.

    The Miss USA pageant will still air on the original date, but they will have to find lots of new talent.

    All of the original listed performers have dropped out of the Miss USA pageant, including rapper Flo Rida, country singer Craig Wayne Boyd, and pop singer Natalie La Rose. In addition to that, all but one of the original judges and hosts have abandoned ship, including HGTV star Jonathan Scott, E! News anchor Terrence Jenkins.

    Addressing record crowd yesterday at Madison County Iowa GOP Dinner. We can bring common sense to D.C. & #MakeAmericaGreatAgain!

    A photo posted by Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump) on

    Also among those to say goodbye to the Miss USA pageant this year were TV host and former Miss Universe winner Zuleyka Rivera and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith.

    In a statement from Reelz CEO Stan E. Hubbard, he said that the pageant and the women who compete in it “are an integral part of American tradition.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_q61B-DyPk

    He added, “As one of only a few independent networks, we decided to exercise our own voice and committed ourselves to bringing this pageant to American viewers everywhere.”

    The statement made no mention of Donald Trump.

    In an interview, Hubbard made it clear that Trump will not make any money from the Miss USA pageant.

    “I completely understand why millions of people were offended by what Donald Trump said. I think his comments were incredibly insensitive and wrong. I disagree with them completely and totally. I also believe this pageant is as nonpolitical” as an event can be.

    He added, “The point is that people who were offended want to make sure he’s (Trump) not going to profit from our decision,” and he insisted that won’t happen.

    What do you think about all the backlash that the Miss USA pageant has had to endure because of Donald Trump’s comments?

  • Miss USA Rescued By Reelz After Being Dropped By Univision And NBC

    Donald Trump’s Miss USA pageant was dropped from Univision and NBC’s channels a week ago — the pageant is supposed to air on July 12.

    This came after Trump’s comment about Mexican immigrants being “rapists” and “drug-dealers” caused an uproar and offended people.

    Following the uproar, a number of hosts and judges of the pageant followed suit and also dropped out.

    Rapper Flo Rida along with country singer Craig Wayne Boyd and The Voice winner Natalie La Rose, who were invited to perform at the Miss USA pageant have also backed out. No replacements have been announced as of yet.

    Trump has accused NBC and Univision of “abandoning” the contestants but the two networks have stayed steadfast in their decision.

    When asked about the networks’ decision, Paula Shugart, the pageant president said, “We are a little company that happened to have been caught between two behemoths”

    Remaining hopeful, the organizers of Miss USA vowed to move forward with the event date on July 12 and went immediately on the hunt for new distributors.

    This is where Reelz, an independent family-owned network stepped in. They have “saved the sash” for Trump and the Miss USA pageant.

    “This is television; this is entertainment,” Stan Hubbard, Reelz CEO told CNN on Thursday. “The Miss USA pageant is about as non-political as anything could possibly be – it’s an iconic television event.”

    “An independent network like Reelz is able to look at this pageant, look at the contestants, look at the community, look at this American tradition… and bring it to television,” Hubbard added.

    “I agree with everything that NBC and Univision are saying,” Hubbard said. “I think Trump’s comments are ridiculous”

    “The point is that people who were offended want to make sure he’s (Trump) not going to profit from our decision and that won’t happen,” Hubbard said.

    Trump has yet to comment on Reelz’ acquisition of Miss USA.

  • Miss USA Picked Back Up for TV; Trump Sues for $500 Million

    The Miss USA enterprise, run by tycoon and equal opportunity offender Donald Trump, has finally found a channel to land on. After the NBC network unceremoniously severed ties with Donal Trump following his statements that Mexicans were “rapists,” the Miss USA ogle-fest has now landed on Reelz. Yep, Reelz.

    What’s worse, network insiders claim that they got the event for a song because no one else wanted to touch it.

    Reelz Channel paid “no more than $100,000” to license Donald Trump’s Miss USA pageant, according to the insider. And the CEO of the network is already distancing himself from Trump.

    Reelz CEO Stan E. Hubbard said his network “does not endorse Trump’s comments regarding Mexicans. I am not a supporter of Donald Trump for president.”

    The Miss USA catastrophe is just one of many that The Donald has gotten himself into by virtue of the announcement of his running for President. Not, his actual running, mind you, but simply the announcement.

    Trump said at his campaign announcement that Mexicans crossing U.S. borders are “bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some, I assume, are good people.”

    Univision and Televisa dropped Trump and Miss USA like a hot combover. NBC responded to Trump’s statements by issuing one of their own.

    “Donald Trump’s opinions do not represent those of NBC, and we do not agree with his positions on a number of issues, including his recent comments on immigration. At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values. Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump.”

    And that’s how Donald Trump ran for President and lost his biggest ally in his Miss USA endeavors. Trump claims he is not taking this setback lying down. Speaking on The O’Reilly Factor, Trump said of his former Miss USA partners:

    “I just sued Univision for 500 million dollars. It was just filed. The papers were just filed so that will be interesting. Because Univision, I have a signed contract for five years on the pageants they have no right to terminate. They didn’t even send me a letter, they terminated with a PR statement. They called me also – one of the top people at Univision so apologetic, ‘Donald. we shouldn’t be doing this, I know that. We’ll pay you whatever money you need or whatever money you want.’ They have a five-year contract without termination and they terminated with a PR statement so we just sued them for $500 million.”

  • Cheryl Burke Drops Out Of Co-Hosting Miss USA Pageant After Trump’s Remarks On Illegal Immigrants

    Cheryl Burke is stepping down from her co-hosting duties for the Miss USA pageant and she was the last to ditch.

    Cheryl Burke followed in the footsteps of others involved, like Thomas Roberts and co-hosts of the Univision telecast, Roselyn Sanchez and Cristian de la Fuente.

    On Monday, NBC, which co-owns the pageant with Trump, said it would cancel its Miss USA coverage and part ways with Trump in retaliation for remarks he made in his campaign kick-off speech.

    Shortly before that, Univision canceled its Spanish simulcast in protest of the same remarks.

    During Donald Trumps campaign speech, he stated, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re sending people that have lots of problems. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

    It's a wrap! Thank you @bootsybellows for showing me, the cast and the crew a great time. #exhausted #icandothat

    A photo posted by Cheryl Burke (@cherylburke) on

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_q61B-DyPk

    These remarks set off the above-mentioned firestorm, but Donald Trump is not one to back down.

    In a response to all of those protesting his statements in one way or another, like Cheryl Burke, Trump said, “People are pouring across our borders unabated. Public reports routinely state great amounts of crime are being committed by illegal immigrants. This must be stopped, and it must be stopped now.”

    Loved catching up with my bestie, @kymjohnson1! #familyforever #newbeginnings

    A photo posted by Cheryl Burke (@cherylburke) on

    He continued, “If NBC is so weak and so foolish to not understand the serious illegal-immigration problem in the United States, coupled with the horrendous and unfair trade deals we are making with Mexico, then their contract-violating closure of Miss Universe/Miss USA will be determined in court.”

    #MakeAmericaGreatAgain

    A photo posted by Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump) on

    He then took one last jab at the network, saying, “[NBC] will stand lying Brian Williams but won’t stand behind people that tell it like it is, as unpleasant as that may be.”

    What do you think about Cheryl Burke backing out of the Miss USA pageant?

  • Olivia Culpo, Nick Jonas Call It Quits After Almost Two Years Together

    Olivia Culpo, former Miss Universe, and Nick Jonas have reportedly called it quits. The two have been a couple since August of 2103.

    CBS reports that although the two are still in New York City, they are living in separate hotels.

    A source tells the network that Olivia Culpo was ‘heartbroken’ when Nick Jonas initiated the split.

    So what happened?

    Nick Jonas and Olivia Culpo met at the 2013 Miss USA competition. Rumors of a break-up have run rampant, since the two haven’t been spotted together in public since the Billboard Music Awards, nearly a month ago.

    Last week, however, during an interview with ABC News, Nick Jonas said things between him and Olivia Culpo were ‘good.’

    He did admit, however, that there were some challenges that accompanied a long-distance relationship.

    “Dealing with that is always an interesting thing, but it’s all good,” he said. “We’re both busy, and young, and enjoying life, so, it’s going well.”

    Nick Jonas’s hit song ‘Jealous’ is about Olivia Culpo.

    “We went out one night and this guy was looking at her for a little too long,” he said back in the fall, during an interview with Wendy Williams. “It was uncomfortable. I’m not a jealous person and this was an experience that I was one or two drinks in. I really got into it and then I decided to let me just process this a different way and go into the studio and write this song.”

    Apparently that jealousy wasn’t enough to keep Nick Jonas from falling out of love with Olivia Culpo.

    It will be interesting to learn what transpires in the coming weeks.

    Do you think Nick Jonas and Olivia Culpo are simply taking a break–or have the two split up for good?

  • Miss USA Nia Sanchez Loses Miss Universe: Was It About Terrorists?

    When Miss USA Nia Sanchez stood before an audience and fought for the Miss Universe crown, she had to answer a question from a real fighter — boxer Manny Pacquio.

    Sanchez stepped to the microphone and heard Pacquiao ask her:

    “If you were given 30 seconds to deliver a message to global terrorists, what would you say?”

    Now, beauty pageant contestants are not known for giving the most profound answers. But they are also asked som epretty ridiculous questions. Miss USA Nia Sanchez responded with this:

    “I know as Miss USA I can always spread a message of hope and love and peace, and I would do my very best to spread that message to them and everyone else in the world.”

    It did not take long for the Twitterverse to respond to Miss USA Nia Sanchez’s message of “hope and love and peace” to terrorists.

    While Miss USA Nia Sanchez’s response did not sit well with some, others used it as an opportunity for plain humor.

    It sounded like she was just using the question as an opportunity to remind everyone that she was Miss freakin’ USA.

    John Oliver famously lampooned the questions that beauty pageant contestants are asked when he pointed out these humdinger questions actually posed to contestants:

    “Government tracking of phone records has been in the news lately. Is this an invasion of privacy or necessary to keep our country safe? Why or why not?”

    “Should people who leak classified documents in the name of public information be charged with treason?”

    “In recent weeks, the U.S. has released five detainees from Guantanamo in exchange for one U.S. soldier held captive in Afghanistan. U.S. policy is to leave no soldier behind. Do you think it’s fair to sacrifice or swap lives in order to uphold this policy?”

  • Nia Sanchez: Friends And Family Cheer On Miss USA

    Nia Sanchez is eagerly awaiting the Miss Universe 2015 pageant, in which she is one of 88 contestants.

    Better known as Miss USA, Nia Sanchez is representing our country proudly in Sunday night’s events.

    Nia Sanchez killed it in the much talked about National Costume contest on Wednesday.

    The stunning Nevada beauty made her home state proud.

    She wore a showgirl-inspired costume complete with a striped bodysuit with huge plumes and headdress.

    My #LasVegasShowGirl themed #NationalCostume! #USA #MissUSA #MissUniverse #RedWhiteAndBlue photo by @pageantsmart

    A photo posted by Nia Sanchez | MissUSA (@realniasanchez) on

    Nia Sanchez made America proud in that and the many other events leading up to Sunday night’s live event.

    However, no one is prouder of Miss USA that Nia Sanchez’s friends and family.

    Those that know her best know how hard Sanchez has worked to get to where she is.

    “It’s a goal she’s had for a while now,” her father David Sanchez, Sr. said. “She thought out her goal and she’s going for it. I’m really proud of her that’s she’s going for her dream.”

    Rehearsals last week #MissUSA in my @materialgirl #dress

    A photo posted by Nia Sanchez | MissUSA (@realniasanchez) on

    Anne Bowman, director of the Southwest California Pageant and Miss City of Menifee Scholarship Pageant, has known Nia Sanchez for a very long time and has grown quite close to her.

    “I couldn’t be any happier that she is representing the USA in the Miss Universe Pageant. She’s a young woman of great character and a kind heart,” Bowman said.

    She added, “Now I know those aren’t necessarily prerequisites for being in a pageant, but it addition to those, she’s got ambition and is a world traveler, beautiful with an amazing smile, and a fit, athletic body. I’d say that is a winning combination.”

    She thinks Nia Sanchez definitely has a shot tonight.

    “I feel completely confident that you will see her among the top five and this just might be her year to bring the title home to the USA,” she said.

    What do you think? Will you be cheering on Nia Sanchez, our Miss USA, on Sunday night?

  • Nia Sanchez: Does Miss USA Have A Shot?

    Nia Sanchez: Does Miss USA Have A Shot?

    Nia Sanchez, Miss USA, has less than 24 hours to prepare for Sunday’s Miss Universe 2015 pageant.

    So far, she has made a splash during the pre-pageant events.

    Nia Sanchez has been preparing for this event for a very long time.

    “My life has completely changed,” Sanchez told the Las Vegas Sun in a recent telephone interview as she prepared.

    She added, “It’s been an unforgettable year, and I can’t believe I am now competing in Miss Universe.”

    She’s been at this pageant thing for quite a while. She started out winning Miss Menifee Valley in 2008, then Miss Citrus Valley USA 2009. From there, she won Miss Riverside County USA 2011 and Miss Hollywood USA 2012.

    Nia Sanchez then went on to beat out 50 other contestants from all the states for the title of 63rd Miss USA back in June.

    #regram from @telemundo. They caught me in my curlers #MissUSA #NiaSanchez #NiaGoesToMiami #MissUniverse

    A video posted by Nia Sanchez | MissUSA (@realniasanchez) on

    As Miss USA, Nia Sanchez is living out her dreams.

    “It’s a goal she’s had for a while now,” her father David Sanchez, Sr. said. “She thought out her goal and she’s going for it. I’m really proud of her that’s she’s going for her dream.”

    Nia Sanchez wowed at the National Costume competition on Wednesday with a striped one piece with showgirl-style plumes and headpiece.

    My #LasVegasShowGirl themed #NationalCostume! #USA #MissUSA #MissUniverse #RedWhiteAndBlue photo by @pageantsmart

    A photo posted by Nia Sanchez | MissUSA (@realniasanchez) on

    After the National Costume competition, Nia Sanchez said, “Wow! It was an absolute dream come true to step foot on the Miss Universe stage. I feel full of joy and am so honored to represent my country. I am blessed with this amazing opportunity.”

    It truly is an amazing opportunity for Nia Sanchez and her fellow Miss Universe contestants.

    Will you be cheering on Miss USA Nia Sanchez on Sunday?

  • Nia Sanchez, Miss USA, Ready For Miss Universe 2015

    Nia Sanchez is preparing for Sunday’s big broadcast of the Miss Universe 2015 pageant in Miami.

    The 88 contestants are all set to find out at the beginning of Sunday’s broadcast if they’ve made it to the final 15.

    Those final 15 will proceed with the pageant. The others will have to go home.

    Nia Sanchez, also known as Miss USA, participated in Wednesday’s National Costume competition and killed it.

    To the delight of her home state of Nevada, Nia Sanchez sported a showgirl-inspired getup, complete with a giant headpiece and expansive plumes.

    My #LasVegasShowGirl themed #NationalCostume! #USA #MissUSA #MissUniverse #RedWhiteAndBlue photo by @pageantsmart

    Uma foto publicada por Nia Sanchez | MissUSA (@realniasanchez) em

    After her appearance in the costume, Nia Sanchez said, “Wow! It was an absolute dream come true to step foot on the Miss Universe stage. I feel full of joy and am so honored to represent my country. I am blessed with this amazing opportunity.”

    The judges at Sunday’s pageant include Emilio Estefan, along with Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson, boxer Manny Pacquiao, and reality-TV stars Kristin Cavallari and Lisa Vanderpump.

    The entertainment line-up isn’t too shabby either.

    Gavin DeGraw, Nick Jonas, and Prince Royce have all been named as performers, who will hopefully also be there to cheer on Miss USA, Nia Sanchez.

    Social media has impacted this year’s Miss Universe pageant more than ever. There is even a video series starring Nia Sanchez and her room mate and new bestie, Miss Australia, Tegan Martin.

    “Our video for today is her trying to teach me how to talk in an Aussie accent. … We’ll do some self-defense moves, we’ll do some hair advice. We’ve got a lot of stuff going on,” Nia Sanchez said of one of the videos.

    “We’ve been doing everything together,” Martin said. “… I feel like I’ve known her my whole life.”

    There have been endless Instagram posts, Facebook posts, and even some of the final questions on Sunday night’s pageant will come from the Miss Universe 2015 Facebook page.

    Will you be watching and cheering on our Miss USA, Nia Sanchez?

  • Miss Universe 2015 Pageant Full Of Fun, Conflict

    Miss Universe contestants are gearing up for Sunday’s Miss Universe 2015 pageant that will take place in Miami.

    The contestants for Miss Universe 2015 arrived two weeks ago and began preparations for the big event.

    There are 88 contestants gunning for the title of Miss Universe 2015 this year, and for the most part, they have really had a great time.

    Thanks to Instagram and other social media outlets, this year more than ever, fans can watch the action unfold in a very personal manner.

    For instance, Miss USA Nia Sanchez and Miss Australia Tegan Martin were put together as room mates, but they became very close friends and even started a web series, giving fans a glimpse into their days that are filled with great shenanigans.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS8XWMAaxEE

    Miss Universe 2015 contestant Nia Sanchez said, “Our video for today is her trying to teach me how to talk in an Aussie accent. … We’ll do some self-defense moves, we’ll do some hair advice. We’ve got a lot of stuff going on.”

    “We’ve been doing everything together,” Tegan Martin said. “… I feel like I’ve known her my whole life.”

    That sounds like fun!

    However, the Miss Universe 2015 pageant hasn’t all been happy.

    In a controversy that has been brewing in the last few days, a selfie that Miss Israel took with Miss Lebanon has come close to starting a Middle East conflict.

    Miss Universe 2015 contestant Doron Matalon took a photo of herself along with Miss Japan, Miss Slovenia, and Miss Lebanon and then posted it to Instagram.

    Then all hell broke loose.

    Post by Saly Greige.

    Miss Lebanon has accused Miss Israel of “chasing her down” for the pic with the purpose of causing trouble. In Lebanon, which has been at war with Israel for a very long time, it is illegal to have any interaction with an Israeli.

    Matalon was saddened by her fellow Miss Universe 2015 contestant’s response.

    She said, “It doesn’t surprise me, but it still makes me sad. Too bad you can not put the hostility out of the game, only for three weeks of an experience of a lifetime that we can meet girls from around the world and also from the neighboring country.”

    What do you think of the Miss Universe 2015 pageant so far? Do you have a favorite that you’re cheering for?

  • Beauty Queen Ordered To Pay Trump $5 Million

    Back in 2012, beauty contestant Sheena Monnin, then Miss Pennsylvania, was competing in the Miss USA pageant, a Donald Trump event. Monnin made statements causing the Miss USA competition of being rigged. Trump vowed to sue.

    That was what we heard back then. The New York Law Journal reports that since that time several things have been alleged, denied and challenged.

    Monnin’s statements were based initially off something she says another contestant, Karina Brez – Miss Florida – told her. Monnin claims that Brez said she had seen the names of the top 5 contestants written on a paper, in the order they eventually placed, before the competition. Brez later recanted, saying she was only joking. But Monnin went public with her accusation. She wrote on her Facebook page that the pageant was “fraudulent, lacking in morals, inconsistent and in many ways trashy.”

    Trump event organizers fired back with both barrels, turning the whole thing a headline-grabbing scandal.

    The case went before arbitration. Arbitrators said that Monnin had no facts to back up her accusations, and that she was therefore guilty of defamation. They ordered her to pay Trump and the Miss Universe Organization – which also runs Miss USA – $5 million. Miss Universe said that Monnin’s statements had cost them $5 million in sponsorship money for 2013.

    Monnin vowed to fight on.

    One piece of evidence that Monnin cited is a clause in her contract with Miss Universe that she felt back up her claims. She posted to her Facebook support page:

    “When I stated my opinion that the Miss USA pageant was rigged, I was not aware of the clause in the Miss USA contract which says that the Miss Universe Organization, Donald Trump, and others have the legal right to choose the top five and the winner. By their own words, the Miss Universe Organization’s contract proves the plausibility of my statements.”

    The Miss Universe Organization, while admitting that their contract does contain the clause Monnin refers to, says that they have never invoked that clause.

    Monnin appealed the decision of the arbitrator. However, a judge has now found that she produced no clear evidence that the 2012 competition was rigged, only that there may have been the potential to rig it. The arbitrator’s judgment stands, and Monnin is now ordered to pay the $5 million.

  • Miss Utah Flubs Question About Income Inequality, Wants to ‘Create Education Better’

    Miss Connecticut Erin Brady may have won Sunday night’s Miss USA contest, but it’s her fellow pageant participant that’s on the receiving end of a lot of viral buzz this morning.

    Miss Utah, the Bulgarian-born Laura Chukanov, had a little bit of trouble last night during the Q&A portion of the annual contest. Ok, she bombed it, let’s be honest.

    “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes asked Chukanov a question about income inequality – the fact that women continue to make less than men despite being the primary breadwinners in 40% of households these days. What happened next is kind of hard to watch. Most definitely cringeworthy.

    Check it out:

    Yeah, it was a dumb answer. But it’s also quite easy to lob jokes from the peanut gallery. The following is a popular sentiment floating around Twitter right now:

    Well said. Plus, as long as we have YouTube, we’ll always have Miss Teen South Carolina. Cheer up, Miss Utah. It could be a lot worse:

    Still, at least for the time being, it looks like “create education better” has replaced “most U.S. Americans don’t have maps” and “like, such as” in the highly-contested realm of beauty pageant screwups.

  • Miss USA Winner 2013: Miss Connecticut

    The Miss Universe Organization this weekend crowned Miss Connecticut the next Miss USA.

    25-year-old Erin Brady was awarded the title during the 62nd Annual Miss USA Competition. The show was hosted by Giuliana Rancic and pop star Nick Jonas. Jonas and his brothers (known as The Jonas Brothers) performed during the show.

    Brady is an accountant for Prudential Retirement in Hartford, Connecticut. She has a degree in finance from Central Connecticut University.

    The Miss Universe Organization claims that this weekend’s pageant was watched by over 250 million viewers. Fans of the competition were able to influence results this year, voting contestants into the top 6. The final winner was determined by a paned of celebrity judges, including Bob Harper, Betsey Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Nikki Bella, and Mo Rocca.

    Miss Rhode Island was the winner of last year’s Miss USA pageant and went on to be crowned Miss Universe later that year. Shortly after she was crowned, at least two Miss USA contestants stepped forward with allegations of the competition being rigged. The former Miss Pennsylvania resigned over the allegations, though the Miss Universe Organization claims she resigned in protest over the organization’s refusal to allow transgender contestants.

  • Nick Jonas to Co-Host the Miss USA Pageant, Jonas Brothers to Perform

    The Miss USA pageant this week announced that Jonas Brother Nick Jonas will be co-hosting the 62nd annual Miss USA pageant. He will be joined on stage by Giuliana Rancic, the co-host of E! News. It will be her third year hosting the event. The pageant will take place on June 16 at the Planet Hollywood casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “We are excited to announce a veteran and a newcomer as hosts for this year’s MISS USA Competition,” said Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization. “The diverse backgrounds of Rancic and Jonas in the entertainment industry will bring a new and exciting energy to the stage.”

    In addition to hosting the pageant, Jonas will join his brothers Joe and Kevin on stage to perform during the competition. The Jonas Brothers are reportedly working on a new album, and have scheduled a new North American tour for this summer.

    Jonas has confirmed that he will be hosting the Miss USA pageant, and has stated through his Twitter account that he is “excited” for the gig:

  • Miss USA: Crush On Prince Harry Is “Meant To Be”

    Miss USA, Nana Meriwether, isn’t shy when it comes to talking about her crush; maybe it’s because they’re both royalty.

    Meriwether, who has a model’s physique and stands at a statuesque 6′ tall, was overjoyed to hear that Prince Harry is 6’2″ and says that must mean the two of them were meant to be together.

    “Perfect!” she said. “We are meant to be! Miss USA is like royalty in America so it’ll be a pleasure to meet him…It would make a great story — we should totally get married.”

    Sadly, it’s unlikely the prince would be down for marriage just for the story, and since he’s already got a girlfriend it doesn’t look like she’ll be earning a new title soon. But she isn’t the only one who admires Harry; she was joined at his charity fundraiser in New York by several celebrities, including Will.i.am, who had nothing but kind things to say about the young royal.

    “I am a great admirer of Prince Charles and his charity work and I think it is incredible Harry has made it part of his legacy to carry this on. He doesn’t have to do what he does, so I applaud him. He’s a party prince, a soldier and a philanthropist. He’s a regular guy. If Harry was a movie character he would be Iron Man,” he said.

  • Miss USA Rigged: Second Contestant Steps Forward

    Miss USA rigged: The plot, as they say, continues to thicken. According to Fox News, another contestant from this year’s pageant has stepped forward, claiming that the whole shebang was rigged. However, the individual refuses to reveal her identity, a decision which may have something to do with Donald Trump’s impending lawsuit against Miss Pennsylvania.

    The nameless individual has revealed that she was informed about a top-secret document containing a list of the Top 5 contestants by Miss Florida Karina Brez. The list, apparently, was pieced together before the Top 15 were even announced.

    “I saw Florida backstage and she was very, very flustered and upset. I thought it might be because she didn’t make the top 15 cut, but at that point she was able to reveal to me at least four of the five names who went on to be the top girls,” the anonymous contestant explained. “She couldn’t remember the fifth because she was so upset. Several of the girls then started hearing through the grapevine about a list; a lot of people were upset.”

    The Miss Universe Organization, meanwhile, is none too please with Miss Pennsylvania Sheena Monnin, who was the first one to step forward with the allegations. In fact, they fully intended to file a lawsuit against the woman for her statements.

    “The Miss Universe Organization intends on pursuing all of its legal rights and remedies, including monetary damages, against Ms. Monnin for her ongoing defamatory statements,” a representative said. The organization also claims that Pennsylvania dropped out of the competition due to their stance on transgender contestants.

    Trump, who owns the Miss USA Pageant, insists that Monnin is nothing more than a sore loser.