NHA TRANG, Vietnam (AFP) — With high heels and higher hopes, dashing smiles and a battery of hairspray cans, 80 beautiful women faced crunchtime Monday as Vietnam hosted the Miss Universe pageant.
The 57th edition of the global beauty contest -- presented by US talkshow host Jerry Springer and British pop star Mel B -- kicked off in the southern seaside resort of Nha Trang, the first time it has been held in a communist country.
The "Final Night" show started at 8am Monday (0100 GMT) local time to coincide with prime-time Sunday evening TV slots in the United States, home of the extravaganza that is co-owned by millionaire-celebrity Donald Trump.
The 15 semi-finalists with a shot at the 120,000-dollar diamond-studded gold crown was to be announced part-way through the show, before judges further slash their numbers in the swimsuit and evening gown sections.
The final interviews with five contestants will determine who will succeed Japan's Riyo Mori as Miss Universe and win global fame, cash and a year of promotional world travel from a rent-free New York City luxury apartment.
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