Miss Universe |
| This beauty competition first began in 1952 and the pageant was first televised three years later. |
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Since then the contest has been widely viewed by audiences all over the world, particularly Asia and Latin America. The main pageant is held between May and July and since 1996 it has been taken over by Donald Trump. The competition includes several categories in which contestants are judged on the basis of their performance. These are the Best Swimsuit, Best Evening Gown, Best National Costume, Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality.
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The Miss Universe Organization is a producer of the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions.
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Lara Dutta, winner of Miss Universe 2000, was the sole contestant to receive the highest individual score in any category in the history of the Miss Universe contest.
The winner of the Miss Universe title is assigned a one-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization and will be given the opportunity to travel overseas to spread messages about the control of diseases, peace, and public awareness of AIDS.
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The winner will be allowed to use the Trump Tower apartment in New York City during her reign. Some title winners also serve as goodwill ambassadors for the United Nations.
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The Miss Universe crown is made of diamonds and pearls and its design depicts a phoenix rising, which signifies status, power and beauty.
To know more about the contest, click here: www.missuniverse.com
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