Miss Universe

My Choices for the best Miss Universe swimsuit competition would have to be, first, 1993, in Mexico City. Even though the unruly crowd destracted the event, I feel that it was still the best production ever...from stage, to background music, to the semi-finalists and to the swimsuit itself. The black swim wear, accentuated with lace on both side curves where just elegant...which made each contestant just stood out!

My second choice is 1988, in Taipei, Taiwan. The background stage was quite unique. Chinese folk dancers with giant feathered fans created the illusion of wave. The cherry red swimsuit was also a good choice.

My third and final choice will have to be 1996, Las Vegas, Nevada. Another perfect package...the set, depicting the old Las Vegas in the 50's, the background music, the special effects, the semi finalists and most importantly, the swimsuit.

Other Runners-up includes 1995 in Windhoek, Namibia, 1987 in Singapore, 1973 in Athens, Greece and 1986 in Panama City, Panama.

Miss USA

For Miss USA, I would have to say that my choices all came from the 90's. My first one will have to be 1995, in South Padre Island, Texas. The special camera effect as each contestant was introduced, was magnificent! I also think that this year will remain in my records as the year with the most beautiful bodies in Miss USA swimsuit competition ever! I would have hated to be a judge that year. I still can't figure out what or where they got the music for the background that year....it's so soothing and perfect...I would like to get a tape or CD of it if anyone knows the title.

My second choice is 1990, in Wichita, Kansas. The set was simple, but very appropriate. The color of the swimsuit, pink, gave a very suttle, soft and feminine touch to the competition. The opening scene, where the 12 semi-finalists paraded across the stage with pink umbrellas was a great addition. The background music, "Blame It On The Rain", by Milli Vanelli, was also a good choice.

I was torn between 1993 and 1991 as my third choice. Considering the uniqueness and overall presentation, I chose 1991, in Wichita, Kansas. The stage, once again, very simple, but unique. They decided to incorporate snow in this competition, which I thought was quite odd at first, but as I watch it again and again, I began to like it! The mink coat, reminiscent of the 1987 pageant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, gave glamour to the segment.

Runners-up includes 1996 in South Padre Island, Texas, 1997 in Shreveport, Louisiana and 1987 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Miss Teen USA

There's not much to choose from since the pageant only started 16 years ago, compare to Miss USA and Miss Universe, both 47 years old. My only choice is 1991, in Biloxi, Mississippi. The set was simple, a giant seashell, where the contestants came down a flight of stairs coming out of the shell's opening. The swimsuit was quite elegant, but appropriately teen in design.

Miss Universe

This is a tough one but I love stairs, so all my choices has this as a big factor. I would have to say that my choice for the top spot would have to be 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The endless stairs, the candilabras, the soft, very elegant piano music was just heaven! It will be hard to top this one!

My second choice is 1988, in Taipei, Taiwan. The adorable little sisters that year just captured my heart as well. Even though the evening gowns that year were not the best, I still liked the overall presentation.

My third choice is tie between 1980 in Seoul, Korea and 1995 in Windhoek, Namibia. In the 1980 presentation, 8 Korean folk dancers with feathered fans served as an opening door as each contestant got introduced.....very clever idea! The 1995 presentation captured my attention because of the stage and the song...just a perfect combination!

Miss USA

Once again, my choices were influenced by long, unending stairs...so my first choice is 1995 in South Padre Island, Texas. It was quite scarry at first because I was picturing someone come tumbling down like what happened to a contestant from North Dakota, in the evening gown competition of a Miss Teen USA Pageant. But, everyone made it okay. This year also had some of the most elegant evening gowns I've seen in a long time.

My second choice is 1982, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Not much stairs on this one but the military choir serenading the ladies as they emerged from the door of an old Victorian home was just wonderful! It actually gave me goose bumps at the end. It was just very patriotic but at the same time, elegant.

My third choice will be 1990 in Wichita, Kansas. The airplane set was quite unique. I also like the variety of gowns this year...a relaxing change from pervious years where most gowns are almost excatly alike!

Runners-up includes 1993 in Wichita, Kansas and 1989 in Mobile, Alabama.