2015
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Miss Universe 2015 - Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
THE AGONY OF DEFEAT. Miss Colombia openly grieves for her dethronement (wait, she never really was the winner!) as Miss Philippines and eventual 64th Miss Universe winner, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach tries to console her by offering to return back the crown, to no avail. Photo credited to the owner
TAKE 2. 2014 Miss Universe Paulina Vega of Colombia finally crowns the rightful winner of this year's pageant, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines (making her our country's 3rd Miss Universe!) during last Sunday's most controversial episode when Host Steve Harvey got confused and announced the wrong winner - Ariadna Gutierrez of Colombia. Photo by MUO
“I DID NOT TAKE THE CROWN FROM HER,”
by 64TH MISS UNIVERSE WINNER PIA WURTZBACH
by Bradford Adkins, MSCIS
(LAS VEGAS) – The winner takes it all! Miss Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach bested 80 other girls last Sunday night, December 20, 2015 at The Axis Theater inside Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas marred by several controversies – Host Steve Harvey erroneously announcing Miss Colombia as the winner (well, she’s actually the runner up), Miss Germany badmouthing the Filipina win, and equally headline-grabbing killing (and accident injuring 37) outside the venue just right after the event. ‘Scenes In The City’ was there inside the venue in Vegas when loud boos follow the Miss Colombia proclamation – mostly from disappointed Filipino pageant fans.
"To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and a responsibility I will use my voice to influence the youth and I will raise awareness to certain issues and causes like HIV awareness that's timely and relevant to my country which is the PH. I want to show the world or the universe rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart," quipped a very nervous Wurtzbach to the final singular Top 3 question, ‘Why should you win as Miss Universe?”
I did NOT take the crown from her (Miss Colombia). Like the other candidates, I also want to win, “Wurtzbach answered Reporter Elton Lugay of Inquirer.net during the post-vent media press conference, on how she felt during the tense moments when she was erroneously declared runner up and immediately after that as the 64th Miss Universe.
It was revealed in a podcast interview later by Judge Perez Hilton, that Wurtzbach was ranked Number 1 in all of the judges’ score cards! Meaning, she won unanimously. Meaning, Miss Colombia never had a chance to wear the crown last Sunday.
As this year’s Miss Universe TRUE winner, Wurtzbach will get an array of glamourous prizes only a pageant girl (and Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez) could dream of - a year-long salary as Miss Universe; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a one-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy College of Visual Performing Arts; a one-year supply of haircare products and tools from CHI Haircare; a new custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by D.I.C; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry Shoes; swimwear by Yamamay; a year's worth of skincare products from Image Skincare; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness at Le Parker Meridien Hotel and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; professional representation by The Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events including casting opportunities, movie premieres, screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; and personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official Miss Universe Organization fashion stylist. Eat your heart out, Miss Colombia!
Thank you, Pia for the best Christmas gift ever to the Filipino nation – for bringing back home the Miss Universe crown (after Gloria Diaz and Margarita Moran wins in 1969 and 1972). After 42 very long years!
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015
STEVE HARVEY TO HOST “2015 MISS UNIVERSE®”
LIVE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, ON FOX
Emmy Award winner Steve Harvey will host “2015 MISS UNIVERSE®,” it was announced today by The Miss Universe Organization and FOX. The three-hour annual event will air live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas Sunday, Dec. 20 (7:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.
“I am thrilled to be hosting this iconic event for the first time ever,” said Harvey. “It’s exciting to be working with FOX, IMG and The Miss Universe Organization to make this year’s MISS UNIVERSE® telecast a huge success.”
“Steve Harvey is one of the funniest, most likeable personalities on TV today, and he’s the perfect host for this very special evening,” said David Madden, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “The combination of Steve and the talented, impressive women vying for the Miss Universe title is sure to make this a night to remember.”
Steve Harvey is a TV personality, talk show host, actor and comedian who currently hosts two popular TV shows: “The Steve Harvey Show,” which premiered in 2011; and game show “Family Feud,” which he began hosting in 2010; as well as a nationally syndicated radio show, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” since its inception in 2000. Harvey began his career doing stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s. His success as a comedian eventually led to a long stint as host of “It's Showtime at the Apollo,” as well as various acting, hosting, writing and producing roles. Harvey’s television and film career includes roles in “Me and The Boys,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “Steve Harvey's Big Time Challenge,” “Love Don't Cost a Thing,” “You Got Served,” “Johnson Family Vacation” and “Madea Goes to Jail.” In addition, Harvey is a best-selling author.
The MISS UNIVERSE® telecast is one of the most-watched events in the world, with distribution in approximately 190 countries and territories. Contestants from more than 80 countries will vie to become the next Miss Universe in this special programming event, which will conclude with current Miss Universe Paulina Vega of Colombia crowning her successor.
As previously announced, WME | IMG wholly acquired The Miss Universe Organization in September 2015. Prior to the acquisition, IMG had produced a number of shows for The Miss Universe Organization and will continue to do so with this year’s MISS UNIVERSE® telecast.
About MISS UNIVERSE
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) uses its global grassroots reach to empower women to be self-confident and strive to be their personal best. MUO believes that every woman should be “Confidently Beautiful.” The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® beauty pageants provide an international platform through dedicated partnerships with charities, sponsors and brands around the world. During their reign, the titleholders are given the tools to personally and professionally enrich others by providing humanitarian efforts to affect positive change, all while developing their personal career goals. For more information, and to learn more about Miss Universe’s official cause to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS education and prevention around the world, please visit www.missuniverse.com.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment agency.
About Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), a unit of 21st Century Fox, is home to some of the highest-rated and most acclaimed series on television, including EMPIRE, GOTHAM, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, SCREAM QUEENS, ROSEWOOD, AMERICAN IDOL, NEW GIRL, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, GRANDFATHERED, THE GRINDER, BOB’S BURGERS, THE SIMPSONS, FAMILY GUY and SLEEPY HOLLOW. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports and Sunday morning news. Through the FOX NOW app, FOX viewers can watch full episodes of their favorite FOX shows on a variety of digital platforms, while enjoying enhanced interactive and social capabilities around those shows. Download the FOX NOW app at www.fox.com/foxnow. “Like” FOX on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FOXTV and follow the network on Twitter @FOXTV. For additional information about FOX, please visit www.fox.com.
About Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is the centerpiece of the famed Las Vegas strip, with 2,500 beautifully designed guest rooms and suites showcasing some of the best views in town, and endless options of unparalleled shopping, distinguished dining, popular entertainment and a bustling nightlife. Planet Hollywood encompasses more than 100,000 square-feet of gaming, several lounges, ten restaurants including Gordon Ramsay BurGR, KOI, Strip House, the award-winning Spice Market Buffet, LA’s Pink’s Hot Dogs, Pin-Up Pizza and Ringers Wings, Pizza and Sliders, and the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara. The resort is also home to The AXIS Theater and its resident headliners Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez (opening Jan. 2016) and Lionel Richie (opening April 2016). The property is encircled by Miracle Mile Shops with more than 170 specialty stores and restaurants. For more information, visit www.planethollywoodresort.com. Find Planet Hollywood on Facebook and follow on Twitter.
Find MISS UNIVERSE® on Facebook and YouTube, and follow on Twitter and Instagram. For additional information please visit www.missuniverse.com/.
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON TO THE MOST GLAMOROUS NIGHT OF THE YEAR:
2015 MISS UNIVERSE®
Share These Behind-The-Scenes Photos of the Contestants in Las Vegas as
They Prepare for The Live Show
Plus, Watch/Share this All-New Promo:
2015 MISS UNIVERSE® Airs LIVE from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7/6c on FOX
Additional Information & Assets:
· For additional photos and information please visit: http://www.foxflash.com/fox/miss-universe and www.press.missuniverse.com.
· For B-Roll please visit: http://procellamedia.cachefly.net/120715_PressMaterial.mov
· To view contestant bios, please visit: http://www.missuniverse.com/members/contestants. We are always happy to schedule an interview with contestants in person or on the phone.
We are excited that you will be joining us for The 2015 MISS UNIVERSE® and the events leading up to December 20th. Attached, please find the updated Media Tip Sheet. We ask that media RSVP to any events you wish to attend. Instructions on who to RSVP is noted. The press tips are subject to change, we will update you accordingly. Also attached, please find the contestant list.
Please note, the next event is The Miss Universe National Gift Auction on December 10th from 5:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Each year, the contestants bring a gift from their country that will be donated to a silent auction to support charity. Media is invited to speak to the contestants about their gifts and to the representatives of Opportunity Village. Opportunity Village provides men and women with all levels of disabilities the chance to lead a life that had previously been unattainable. Media is welcome to arrive at 4:45 p.m. The Miss Universe National Gift Auction will take place at Opportunity Village at 6300 West Oakley Boulevard in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As mentioned in your approval email, the recommended hotel to stay at is Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. For media rates, valid December 19th and 20th, please reach out to Brandee Taeubel at btaeubel@caesars.com. Please note, spaces for media rates are limited and are available at a first come, first serve basis.
If you are not already a member of our press site, you may apply at www.press.missuniverse.com. Press releases, photos and b-roll packages will be available for download here. For digital press kits, Click Here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How does media schedule interviews with a contestant(s)?
ALL interview requests must go through the MUO PR Team. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Please email Kat Cook at kat@missuniverse.com.
Can media cover rehearsals?
There may be time when media can watch and cover rehearsals. We will update you on this date and time accordingly.
Can media attend and cover the Preliminary Competition?
Yes, MUO provides media access to enjoy and cover the preliminary show. These tickets are given out on a first come first serve basis and you must RSVP. Details will be noted in the Press Tips. Media will be allowed to shoot a specific amount of b-roll and photos.
Can media attend the LIVE Final Competition on December 20th?
Yes, however, MUO does NOT provide media with tickets. Media that wishes to attend must purchase tickets on their own and will be prohibited from shooting or taking photos during the show. You will not be able to bring your equipment inside.
Can media watch the Final Competition somewhere?
Yes, MUO will have a viewing room the night of the show. Media will be provided dinner and a LIVE stream of the competition with workspace, WiFi and telephone access to do their work.
Remember, the three-hour annual event will air live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday, Dec. 20 (7:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.