Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe Canada 2005, became new Miss Universe 2005 at the final contest which was held at the Impact Arena 8:00 to 10:00 on May, the 31st. The two-hour event was broadcast on NBC live from Bangkok, Thailand, with the viewing audience of more than 600 hundred million in over 180 countries.
The winners have been chosen by an international judging panel consisting of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Carson Kressley; Executive Producer of NBC hit shows including "Friends" and "Joey," Kevin Bright; "Days of Our Lives" star, Bryan Dattilo; Vice President, Global Cosmetics and Marketing, Procter & Gamble, Anne Martin; Hair Stylist to the stars, Louis Licari; World-Renowned Chef and former Bangkok resident, Jean Georges Vongerichten; Danish Model Heidi Albertsen, Supermodel Cassie Lewis; Telemundo Latin Superstar, Mario Cimarro; Model and Former Miss Ukraine Universe, Alexandra Nikolayenko; Executive Vice President, Director, Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd, Chutinant "Nidnoi" Bhirombhakdi and Miss Universe 1988 from Thailand, Porntip "Bui" Nakhirunkanok Simon. Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush, hosted the worldwide event.
To win the contest, 15 semifinalists had to compete in three categories, swimsuit, evening gown and interview, after which 5 finalists had been chosen. Another awards featured at the contest were Congeniality Award, won by Tricia Homer from U.S. Virgin Islands, and Photogenic Award, won by Gionna Cabrera, Miss Philippines.
The runner-ups were Cynthia Olavarria (Puerto Rico), Renata Sone (Dominican Republic), Laura Elizondo (Mexico) and Monica Spear (Venezuela). Tonight, the contestants will visit the Coronation Ball at the Dusit Thani Hotel at 7:00 pm.
It's not the first time Canada is bathing in fame – Canadian beauty Karen Baldwin took home Miss Universe crown in 1982. Natalie accepted the crown from Jennifer Hawkins, Miss Universe 2004. Now she will be a reigning beauty queen for a year and travel all over the world fulfilling her duties.
The full list of semifinalists and additional details about Miss Universe 2005 can be found at globalbeauties.com.