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Leila Lopes of Angola was crowned Miss Universe last year. This year's preliminary competition begins Thursday in Las Vegas. (Fadil Berisha) |
Miss Universe will showcase 89 contestants from across the globe. The preliminary competition, at 7 p.m. Thursday will provide members of the public with their first close-up look at the contestants. General admission tickets cost $50.
At 10 a.m. Dec. 19, you can attend a dress rehearsal for $20. The finals will begin that afternoon at 5. Ticket prices range from $50 for seats in the rear balcony to $175 for the orchestra. Ticket info is available online at TicketMaster or by calling (800) 745-3000.
Leila Lopes, last year’s winner, became the first person from the African nation of Angola to be crowned Miss Universe. She will return to Las Vegas this month to preside over several events.
The New Year brings the return of the Miss America pageant to Planet Hollywood.
Preliminary rounds are slated for 8 p.m. Jan. 8, 9 and 10. The winner will be crowned during the finale, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12. Seats are limited; ticket info through Ticketmaster.
Fans can help propel their favorite contestant into the finals during the “America’s Choice” competition. Votes can be cast either at the pageant’s website or on Facebook. All 53 contestants (including women from the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) have made videos about themselves that can viewed before voting.
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