Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton, smile while posing for photographers.

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez visits the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on September 2, 2009 in New York City.



Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela smiles while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez (L) and Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on September 2, 2009 in New York City.



Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela smiles while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez (L) and Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on September 2, 2009 in New York City.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez (L) and Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on September 2, 2009 in New York City.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.



Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (L), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez (L), of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton, smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.

credit photo : Reuters pictures.

THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION, Final Results, August 23, 2009

MISS VENEZUELA, STEFANIA FERNANDEZ CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE 2009

First Runner-Up: Miss Domincan Republic, Ada Aimee De La Cruz; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2009 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner-Up: Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Australia, Rachael Finch; Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez.

Miss Photogenic Universe™ Award: Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej.

Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award: Miss China, Wang Jingyao.

August 23, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MISS VENEZUELA, STEFANIA FERNANDEZ CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE 2009
New York, NY – August 23, 2009 – This evening, during one of the year’s most exciting live international television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, as MISS UNIVERSE® 2009 live from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, is 18-years-old and she is interested in International Relations.

The judging panel for the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant included: Dean Cain, actor and producer best known for his TV portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman; Colin Cowie, author/television personality/designer to the stars; Gerry DeVeaux, award-winning producer, songwriter and style guru; Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of CHI Hair Care; Heather Kerzner, Ambassador for Kerzner International and their resorts, including Atlantis, Paradise Island; Richard LeFrak, Chairman, President and CEO, LeFrak Organization; George Maloof Jr., professional sports mogul and hotelier; Valeria Mazza, international supermodel; Matthew Rolston, leading photographer and director; Andre Leon Talley, award-winning writer and editor; Tamara Tunie, actress, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit;" and Keisha Whitaker, fashion maven and founder of the Kissable Couture lip gloss line.

Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from over 80 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. Dayana Mendoza,
Miss Universe 2008, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately one billion viewers.

Final Results:


First Runner-Up: Miss Domincan Republic, Ada Aimee De La Cruz; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2009 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner-Up: Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Australia, Rachael Finch; Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar; Miss Czech Republic, Iveta Lutovska; Miss Switzerland, Whitney Toyloy; Miss USA, Kristen Dalton; and Miss France, Chloe Mortaud.

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Albania, Hasna Xhukici; Miss Belgium, Zeynep Sever; Miss Croatia, Sarah Cosic; Miss Iceland, Ingibjorg Egilsdottir; and Miss Sweden, Renate Cerljen.

Miss Photogenic Universe™ Award: Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from pageant sponsor Diamond Nexus Labs.

Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award: Miss China, Wang Jingyao. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate’s peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs.

The MISS UNIVERSE® 2009 prize package includes: the Miss Universe tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs; a two-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy worth more than $100,000 dollars to its acting or film-making programs; an eveningwear wardrobe from Carlos Alberto; a custom swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand; a shoe collection from Nina Footwear; an assortment of Luxe Collection video cameras from DXG USA; a six-day/five-night vacation for two at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas with air travel accommodations by JetBlue Airways; a year-long supply of Farouk Systems products, makers of CHI, the original Ceramic Technology tools; a Skype kit featuring a laptop computer, webcam, speakers and a one-year Unlimited World plan to talk to friends and family; membership to Gravity Fitness and pampering at John Barrett Salon; a fashion portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; consultations with personal stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers; a New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization to further her personal and professional goals.


ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION
The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, God’s Love We Deliver, PSI/YouthAIDS and Gay Men’s Health Crisis. For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com

Miss Universe 2009, Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez.(more.)

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez poses after being crowned Miss Universe 2009 at the end of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.

Miss USA Kristen Dalton competes in the swimsuit competition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Dalton finished in the top 15.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Fernandez won the crown.

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Matos Perez finished as fourth runner up.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez competes in the swimsuit competition during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Stefania Fernandez won the title.

Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha competes in the evening gown competition Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Dragusha finished as second runner up.

Miss Australia Rachael Finch competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Finch finished as the third runner up.

Miss USA Kristen Dalton competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Dalton finished in the top 15.

Miss Croatia Sarah Cosic competes in the swimsuit competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Cosic finished among the top 15.

Miss France Chloe Mortaud competes in the swimsuit competition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Mortaud finished in the top 15.

Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen, left, and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha compete in the swimsuit competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Both finished in the top 15.

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, center, celebrates with Miss USA Kristen Dalton after making it into the top 10 during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. At left is Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy.

Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy, left, celebrates finishing in the top 10 during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Also seen are top 15 finalists Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, center, and Miss USA Kristen Dalton.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, center, Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz, left, and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha hold hands as they wait to hear how they placed in the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. ernandez won the crown, De la Cruz finished as first runner up and Dragusha finished as second runner up.

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz, center, reacts as she is named as a top five finalist during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. De la Cruz finished as first runner up.

Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy, center, reacts due to feeling ill as Miss USA Kristen Dalton comforts her during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. At left is Miss Czech Republic Iveta Lutovska and back right Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez.

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz reacts as she chooses a question from a bowl next to host Billy Bush who looks on during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. De la Cruz finished as first runner up.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, center, reacts as she is named Miss Universe 2009 next to Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, also of Venezuela, right, at the end the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz, left, was first runner up.

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.

Miss Panama Diana Broce, front left, Miss Spain Estibaliz Pereira Rabade, second right, and Miss El Salvador Mayella Mena walk through the Atlantis resort the morning of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.

Miss Universe contestants walk through the Atlantis resort the morning of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Seen are Miss Italy Laura Valenti, bottom, Miss Montenegro Anja Jovanovic, center, Miss Slovenia Mirela Korac, center left, Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, right, and Miss Germany Martina Lee, top left.

credit photo: AP photo.

Miss China Wang Jingyao, winning Miss Congeniality at the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant.

Miss China Wang Jingyao accepts flowers after winning Miss Congeniality at the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss China Wang Jingyao waves after winning Miss Congeniality at the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

credit photo :Reuters Pictures

Miss Photogenic, Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej.

Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej accepts flowers after being named Miss Photogenic at the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej poses after winning the title "Miss Photogenic" during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.

credit photo : Ap photo, Reuters Pictures.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez is named Miss Universe 2009

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez smiles onstage after winning the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez blows a kiss on stage after winning the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee de la Cruz (L) and Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez hold hands as they wait to find out which of them is named Miss Universe 2009 during the annual pageant held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009. Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez was crowned Miss Uinverse 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (C) celebrates onstage with other contestants after being crowned Miss Universe 2009 at the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (L) is named Miss Universe 2009 while 2008 Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela prepares to place the crown on her head during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela stands with Miss Universe organization owner Donald Trump after winning the crown during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela smiles as she stands with Miss Universe organization owner Donald Trump after winning the crown during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez waves onstage after winning the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez waves on stage after winning the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha receives flowers from an unidentified man after being named second runner-up in the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez waves onstage after winning the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (L) is named Miss Universe 2009 while 2008 Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela watch as the crown falls from her head during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Co-host Billy Bush (R) poses a question to finalist Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez during the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009. Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009.

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez (L), Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (C) and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha, three of the final five contestants, smile onstage at the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009. Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009.

Finalists (L-R) Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee de la Cruz, Miss Australia Rachael Finch, Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha wait for the winner to be announced at the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009. Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (L) is named Miss Universe 2009 while standing next to 2008 Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.


Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (L) is named Miss Universe 2009 while 2008 Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela prepares to place the crown on her head during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (L) is named Miss Universe 2009 while 2008 Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela places the crown on her head during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.


Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz (L) presents a bouquet to Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, winner of the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant, at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez celebrates onstage after winning the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.




Reigning Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza (L) of Venezuela hugs Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, winner of the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant, at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.





Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (L) is named Miss Universe 2009 while 2008 Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela reaches for the crown that fell from her head during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.




Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz (L) reacts as Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (R) wins the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.



Reigning Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza (R) of Venezuela congratulates Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, winner of the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant, held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.





Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz (L) presents a bouquet to Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, winner of the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant, at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.




Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez (L) is named Miss Universe 2009 while 2008 Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela watch as the crown falls from her head during the annual pageant at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.



American rapper Flo Rida (R) performs during the swimsuit competition at the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.



Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez celebrates onstage after winning the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.



Contestants take part in the opening number of the Miss Universe 2009 annual pageant held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

Winner of Miss Universe 2009, Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, poses during the swimsuit competition at the annual pageant held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas August 23, 2009.

credit photo : Reuters Pictures