2009 Miss Universe Pictures

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Philippines Bianca Manalo walks the runway in the evening gown segment of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Great Britain Clair Cooper poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Serbia Dragana Atlija poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Singapore Rachel Kum poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss USA Kristen Dalton poses after being named a top 15 finalist during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

AP PHOTO/MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Eli Landa, Miss Norway 2009, posing for a photographer poolside in the Bahamas. She will compete along side 84 contestants vying for the coveted crown Aug. 23, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Australia Rachael Finch poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

PETER KRAMER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Newly Crowned Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, left, of Venezuela, and Miss USA 2009, Kristen Dalton, pose for pictures at Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center, in New York.

AP PHOTO//MISS UNIVERSE

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Chutima Durongdej, Miss Thailand 2009 on Paradise Island, Bahamas. She will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2009 during the 55th annual Miss Universe competition on Aug. 23, 2009.

PETER KRAMER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Newly crowned Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela, poses for pictures at Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center, in New York.

PATRICK PRATHER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Diana Donnelly, Miss Ireland 2009; Jewel Selver, Miss Turks & Caicos 2009; Eli Landa, Miss Norway 2009; Bianca Elena Constantin, Miss Romania 2009; and Renate Cerljen, Miss Sweden 2009, pose in front of the waterfalls at ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas on Aug. 4, 2009.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Russia Sofia Rudyeva walks during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Russia Sofia Rudyeva poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Ireland Diana Donnelly walks the runway during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

RICHARD D. SALYER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kristen Dalton, Miss USA 2009, pre-tapes her opening number Tuesday Aug. 18, 2009 for the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas.

AP PHOTO//MISS UNIVERSE/DARREN DECKER

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Diana Donnelly, Miss Ireland 2009 on Paradise Island, Bahamas. She will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2009 during the 55th annual Miss Universe competition on Aug. 23, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

PATRICK PRATHER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Anja Jovanovic, Miss Montenegro 2009; Dragana Atlija, Miss Serbia 2009; Sarah Cosic, Miss Croatia 2009; Nelsa Alves, Miss Angola 2009; Dominique Peltier, Miss Bolivia 2009; and Jingyao Wang, Miss China 2009, visit Compass Point restaurant in Nassau, Bahamas to pre-tape a segment for the Miss Universe 2009 competition on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej, contestant of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant, tours Fort Charlotte, the largest colonial fortress in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. Contestants from 85 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Cayman Islands Nicosia Lawson poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss China Jingyao Wang poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Left to right, Miss Indonesia Zivanna Letisha Siregar, Miss Ireland Diana Donnelly, Miss Israel Julia Dyment, and Miss Italy Laura Valenti stand together during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

RICHARD D. SALYER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kristina Kots-Gotlib, Miss Ukraine 2009, pre-tapes her opening number Tuesday Aug. 18, 2009 for the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Italy Laura Valenti walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Costa Rica Jessica Umana walks the runway during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Iceland Ingibjorg Egilsdottir smiles as she lines up with the top 15 contestants during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas,

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Peru Karen Schwarz walks during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

AP PHOTO/MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Julia Dyment, Miss Israel 2009, posing for a photographer poolside in the Bahamas. She will compete along side 84 contestants vying for the coveted crown Aug. 23, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Georgia Lika Orjonikidze poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Panama Diana Broce poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss France Chloe Mortaud walks during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen blows a kiss to the crowd during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Russia Sofia Rudyeva poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Brazil Larissa Costa poses during a fashion show as part of Miss Universe 2009 events in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Australia Rachael Finch walks to the front of the stage after being named a top 15 finalist during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss USA Kristen Dalton walks during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez speaks with a television reporter during Miss Universe events in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. Miss Universe 2009 will be picked from among participants from 84 countries on Aug. 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Bahamas Kiara Sherman poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Czech Republic Iveta Lutovska walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

PETER KRAMER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Newly crowned Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela, poses for pictures at Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center, in New York.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Spain Estibaliz Pereira Rabade does a little dance on the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

AP PHOTO/DARREN DECKER//MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

In a photo provided by the MIss Universe Organization, Michelle Rouillard, Miss Colombia 2009, poses at poolside at ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas on Tuesday Aug. 4, 2009. She will compete along side 84 contestants for Miss Universe 2009 crown.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss USA Kristen Dalton walks the runway during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez walks to the front of the stage after being named as a top 15 contestant as she competes in the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

FRANK L. SZELWACH, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sandra Vinces, Miss Ecuador 2009 prepares backstage to perform in a National Costume show in the Rainforest Theater at the Wyndham Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas on Monday, August 10, 2009 as part of the events leading up to the Miss Universe 2009 competition.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Montenegro Anja Jovanovic walks on the runway during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Ecuador Sandra Vinces poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Germany Martina Lee poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23. (

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Egypt Elham Wagdi poses during the national costume event in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Norway Eli Landa poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Jamaica Carolyn Yapp, contestant in the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant, reacts while watching pink flamingos during a visit to Ardastra Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.

Brennan Linsley, Associated Press

Miss Australia Rachael Finch laughs as she talks with a television reporter during Miss Universe events in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. Miss Universe 2009 will be picked from among participants from 84 countries on Aug. 23.

PATRICK PRATHER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sarah Cosic, Miss Croatia 2009; Avalon-Chanel Weyzig, Miss Netherlands 2009; Martina Lee, Miss Germany 2009, and Diana Broce, Miss Panama 2009, visit Sandals Resort and Cay in Nassau, Bahamas to pre-tape a segment for the Miss Universe 2009 competition on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. The Miss Universe 2009 competition will air live from ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.

PATRICK PRATHER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Angelika Jakubowska, Miss Poland 2009, Dominique Peltier, Miss Bolivia 2009; and Essi Poysti, Miss Finland 2009, visit Compass Point restaurant in Nassau, Bahamas to pre-tape a segment for the Miss Universe 2009 competition on Wednesday, Aug.5, 2009.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Norway Eli Landa, center, looking at the camera, waits with other Miss Universe contestants as they are escorted through the Atlantis resort the morning of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Behind from left to right are Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, Miss Finland Essi Poysti, and Miss Guyana Jenel Cox.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Hungary Suzan Budai walks the runway during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz walks to the front of the stage after being named one of the top 15 contestants as she competes in the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Peru Karen Schwarz walks the runway in the evening gown segment of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss South AfricaTatum Keshwar walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

AP PHOTO//MISS UNIVERSE

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Essi Poysti, Miss Finland 2009 on Paradise Island, Bahamas. She will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2009 during the 55th annual Miss Universe competition on Aug. 23, 2009.

AP PHOTO//MISS UNIVERSE/DARREN DECKER

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Emiri Miyasaka, Miss Japan 2009 on Paradise Island, Bahamas. She will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2009 during the 55th annual Miss Universe competition on Aug. 23, 2009.

AP PHOTO//MISS UNIVERSE/DARREN DECKER

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Kristen Dalton, Miss USA 2009 on Paradise Island, Bahamas. She will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2009 during the 55th annual Miss Universe competition on Aug. 23, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Contestants of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant, from left to right, Miss Russia Sofia Rudyeva, Miss Singapore Rachel Kum, Miss Netherlands Avalon-Chanel Weyzig and Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej visit Fort Charlotte, the largest colonial fortress in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Russia Sofia Rudyeva speaks with a television reporter during Miss Universe events in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. Miss Universe 2009 will be picked from among participants from 84 countries on Aug. 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, front, poses along contestants of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant for the official swimsuit photo at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. Mendoza will crown her successor between contestants from 84 countries on Aug. 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss India Ekta Chowdhry poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

AP PHOTO//MISS UNIVERSE/DARREN DECKER

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Estibaliz Pereira Rabade, Miss Spain 2009, on Paradise Island, Bahamas. She will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2009 during the 55th annual Miss Universe competition on Aug. 23, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss India Ekta Chowdhry walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Vietnam Hoang Yen Vo poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Great Britain Clair Cooper poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Singapore Rachel Kum poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Peru Karen Schwarz poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Czech Republic Iveta Lutovska lines up with the top 15 contestants during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Australia Rachael Finch poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen walks to the front of the stage after being named a top 15 finalist during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Bahamas Kiara Sherman poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Italy Laura Valenti poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss China Jingyao Wang introduces herself at the opening event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

AP PHOTO//MISS UNIVERSE/DARREN DECKER

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Jingyao Wang, Miss China 2009 on Paradise Island, Bahamas. She will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2009 during the 55th annual Miss Universe competition on Aug. 23, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Canada Mariana Valente poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka stands during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

PATRICK PRATHER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Karen Schwarz, Miss Peru 2009, and Lourdes Figueroa, Miss Guatemala 2009, visit Fort Charlotte in Nassau, Bahamas Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

AP PHOT0/DARREN DECKER/MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

Kristina Kots-Gotlib, Miss Ukraine 2009, poses at poolside at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas on Tuesday August 4, 2009. She will compete along side 84 contestants vying for the Miss Universe title on August 23, 2009.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz, left, talks with Miss Russia Sofia Rudyeva, during Miss Universe events in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. Miss Universe 2009 will be picked from among participants from 84 countries on Aug. 23.

FRANK L. SZELWACH, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Emiri Miyasaka, Miss Japan 2009, and Katie Taylor, Miss New Zealand 2009, get their hair done by stylists backstage at the Fashion Showcase at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort Aug. 13, 2009. Miss Universe will be named August 23, 2009 at ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez speaks with a television reporter during Miss Universe events in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. Miss Universe 2009 will be picked from among participants from 84 countries on Aug. 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Honduras Belgica Suarez walks the runway during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Spain Estibaliz Pereira Rabade poes during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

Tim Aylen, Associated Press

Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez walks during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen walks the runway in the evening gown segment of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

JASON KEMPIN, GETTY IMAGES

Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez (L) and Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha walks to the front of the stage after being named a top 15 finalist during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Cyprus Klelia Yiasemidou stands during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Peru Karen Schwarz, center, sits with Miss Uruguay Cinthia D'Ottone, left, and Miss Argentina Johanna Lasic, right, as Miss Great Britain Clair Cooper naps in her seat behind them, as they wait to rehearse for the 2009 Miss Universe Competition, in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. Miss Universe 2009 will be picked from among participants from 84 countries on Aug. 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Mexico Karla Carrillo poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Peru Karen Schwarz poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

AP PHOTO/MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization shows Julia Dyment, Miss Israel 2009; Happie Ntelamo, Miss Namibia 2009, and Carolyn Yapp, Miss Jamaica 2009, posing for a photographer poolside in the Bahamas. They will compete along side 84 contestants vying for the coveted crown Aug. 23, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Turkey Senem Kuyucuoglu poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss USA Kristen Dalton walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Germany Martina Lee poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Nicaragua 2009 Indiana Sanchez, left, and Miss Iceland Ingibjorg Egilsdottir shop at a street market in downtown Nassau, Bahamas, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. Contestants from 85 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Ecuador Sandra Vinces walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez walks during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss France Chloe Mortaud dances during the national costume event in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez poses on the runway in the evening gown segment of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Ireland Diana Donnelly poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss China Jingyao Wang, contestant of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant, holds hands with a Bahamian youth at the Ardastra Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. Contestants from 85 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Contestants of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant, from left to right, Miss Argentina Johanna Lasic, Miss Albania Hasma Xhukici, Miss Bolivia Dominique Peltier, Miss El Salvador Mayella Mena and Miss Guatemala Lourdes Figueroa gesture as they watch pink flamingos at the Ardastra Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Finland Essi Poysti walks during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries

FRANK L. SZELWACH, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Michelle Rouillard, Miss Colombia 2009 waits backstage to perform in a National Costume show in the Rainforest Theater at the Wyndham Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas on Monday, August 10, 2009 as part of the events leading up to the Miss Universe 2009 competition.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar, contestant of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant, arrives to Fort Charlotte, the largest colonial fortress in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. Contestants from 85 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Albania Hasna Xhukici walks to the front of the stage after being named one of the top 15 contestants during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Bahamas Kiara Sherman walks the runway during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos blows a kiss to the crowd during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Mexico Karla Carrillo poses during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Iceland Ingibjorg Egilsdottir poses during a fashion show event at the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

AP PHOTO/MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

This undated photo provided Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 by the Miss Universe Organization Yen Vo, Miss Vietnam 2009, poses for a photographer poolside in the Bahamas. She will compete along side 84 contestants vying for the coveted crown Aug. 23, 2009.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez speaks with members of the media during Miss Universe events at the Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 19. Miss Universe 2009 will be picked among participants from 84 countries on Aug. 23.

RICHARD D. SALYER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Senem Kuyucuoglu, Miss Turkey 2009, pre-tapes her opening number Tuesday Aug. 18, 2009 for the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Spain Estibaliz Pereira Rabade dances during the national costume event of the Miss Universe 2009 competition in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez poses after being named a top 15 finalist during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Russia Sofia Rudyeva walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen walks during the swimsuit event of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Mexico Karla Carrillo walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Contestants of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant pose for the official swimsuit photo at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.

BRENNAN LINSLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Singer Anthoney Wright performs with dancer Cassie Dzienny during the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Great Britain Clair Cooper, contestant of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant, dances with a tour guide at Fort Charlotte, the largest colonial fortress in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

PETER KRAMER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Newly crowned Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela, poses for pictures at Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center, in New York.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Cyprus Klelia Yiasemidou poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss USA Kristen Dalton poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

RICHARD D. SALYER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Michelle Rouillard, Miss Colombia 2009, pre-tapes her opening number in Nassau, Bahamas on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 for the Miss Universe competition scheduled to air Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Ukraine Kristina Kots-Gotlib walks the runway during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

ANDRES LEIGHTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Belgium Zeynep Sever walks to the front of the stage after being named one of the top 15 contestants during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Australia Rachael Finch walks the runway in the evening gown segment of the 2009 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. During the Aug. 23 final pageant, Miss Universe will be picked from among contestants from 84 countries.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Canada Mariana Valente poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej poses during a swimsuit event in Freeport, Grand Bahama island, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. Contestants from 84 countries will compete for the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2009 on August 23.

TIM AYLEN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss Russia Sofia Rudyeva, contestant of the Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant, tours Fort Charlotte, the largest colonial fortress in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. Contestants from 85 countries will compete for the coveted crown on August 23.