FAVORITES: 71st Miss Universe Top 16 post-arrival favorites
The first week of the 71st Universe pageant has been packed with pre-pageant events and activities in New Orleans, world-renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, and annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras.
Witnessing the contestants together at the venue, while at their absolute best to make an impression on the universe, it became a little less difficult to spot the real frontrunners.
The much-awaited preliminary competition on January 11, where the contestants will be scored in their evening gowns and swimsuits, will of course further showcase the best of the best from the group.
Over 80 stunning contestants to choose from is no easy task and the selection committee will definitely have the most difficult job to determine who will make it to the semifinals.
Now that the contestants have arrived and the competition has officially begun, it's about time to update our list of favorites.
Meet our Top 16 post-arrival favorites:
(in alphabetical order)
Aruba - Kiara Arends
Colombia - María Fernanda Aristizábal
Dominican Republic - Andreína Martínez
France - Floriane Bascou
Germany - Soraya Kohlmann
Italy - Virginia Stablum
Jamaica - Toshami Calvin
Mexico - Irma Miranda
Peru - Alessia Rovegno
Philippines - Celeste Cortesi
Puerto Rico - Ashley Cariño
South Africa - Ndavi Nokeri
Thailand - Anna Sueangam-iam
USA - R'Bonney Gabriel
Venezuela - Amanda Dudamel
Vietnam - Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Châu
Special mentions:
Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Croatia, Finland, Ecuador, Great Britain, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Malta, Nigeria, Panama, Portugal
Don't miss the spectacular 71st Miss Universe final on January 14 live from the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Photos: Miss Universe
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