Guyana’s Tamika Henry in the limelight as…
IT MAY BE hard to believe, but Las Vegas is about to get a whole lot hotter.
Some of the most breathtaking women from around the world are heading to ‘Sin City’ for the upcoming Miss Universe 2010 Pageant. From Colombia to The Philippines, over 80 nations will be represented in this racy contest.
On their way to Las Vegas for the event, these contestants first stopped off in Los Angeles for a poolside photo-shoot at the famed Roosevelt Hotel. In between posing for the camera, several of the contestants sounded off on various global and political issues.
‘Miss Haiti’, Sarodj Bertin, even weighed in on singer Wyclef Jean’s controversial bid to become president of that disaster-stricken nation. “I just want to say to him, as to other people who want to help Haiti… well, really do something for Haiti. ‘Have your project and plan it, and just develop it by yourself so we can make sure that everyone has what they need in this moment.’”
Meanwhile, ‘Miss Australia’, Jesinta Campbell, was candid about the recent scandal involving her choice of bikini, which has left her fellow Aussies fuming ‘Down Under’:
“Look, I’m very, very proud to wear my national costume; I think there’s some great elements there that really embody, you know, the Australian theme. We’ve got the beautiful Aboriginal print; we’ve got the gorgeous colours on the skirt; I think it’s magnificent; it’s something I’m very proud to wear, and I can’t wait to wear it on an international stage and let the whole world see what Australia is,” Campbell pointed out during the shoot.
Viewers will get a chance to see more of this scandalous swimsuit, along with who will be crowned Miss Universe 2010, when the 59th edition of this pageant airs Monday, August 23 live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
It will be hosted by superstar musician, Bret Michaels and NBC ‘Today’ show co-host and correspondent, Natalie Morales.
John Legend & The Roots will perform live during the competition.

Hosts Brett Michaels and Natalie Morales

Michaels is an award-winning, multi-platinum singer with over 70 million albums sold worldwide. He is also a songwriter, producer, director and actor who was recently named ‘Season Three’ winner of NBC’s ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’. Michaels first gained fame in the 1980s, and has produced chart-topping albums and singles ever since. His new album, ‘Custom Built’, which is currently the # 1 independent and hard rock album, is in stores now.
Natalie Morales joined the cast of the ‘Today’ show in February 2006 as co-host and correspondent, and she recently hosted the ‘2010 Miss USA Pageant’. Hispanic magazine named Morales one of the ‘Top Hispanics to Watch’ in 2005, and one of the ‘Top Trendsetters’ in 2003.
New musical collaboration John Legend & The Roots (‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’) will set the tone for the evening gown portion of the telecast. Legend is the recipient of six Grammy Awards and The Roots are renowned for their soulful, eclectic approach to hip-hop, which includes live instrumentals. John Legend & The Roots will release their forthcoming album, ‘WAKEUP!’ on September 21.
The two-hour television event, comprised of contestants representing over 80 countries around the world, will compete in three categories: Swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Worldwide distribution of the competition has topped over 190 countries and territories in past years.
Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the live broadcast.
During her reign, Fernandez has travelled the globe as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education and awareness.
Miss Universe 2010 will continue this work throughout her reign. (CBS News)