Will Jamaica Ever Win a Miss Universe Title?

In the history of the Miss Universe, Jamaica has never won the title. In 2010 the Island came close to winning when veteran Yendi Phillips was first runners up to Miss Mexico Ximena Navarrete.


So the question is why hasn't Jamaica won a Miss Universe title, having winning three Miss World titles. Let us take a look.


According to the Miss Universe organization, the Miss Universe contest is more than a beauty pageant, the Miss Universe must be intelligent, well-mannered, and cultured.

Contestants in the finals are judged in three categories:

• INTERVIEW (1/3) – Each delegate by a panel to learn about her successes, talents, goals and ambitions. Attention is focused on her poise, charm, self – confidence and her ability to communicate, as well as the substance of her answers.

• SWIMSUIT COMPETITION (1/3) – Attention is focused on beauty of face, figure, physical fitness and the confidence with which each contestant carries herself. A delegate physical measurements are not considered in the judging.

• EVENING GOWN COMPETITION (1/3) – Each delegate wears a gown she has chosen for herself. Attention is focused on each contestant’s overall appearance, self-confidence, sense of style and the beauty she brings to the gown of her choice. 

In an interview, Miss Universe Organization President Paul Shugart said when asked. “When interviewing a participant, what are your questions designed to find out?

Well, for preliminary it is really a chance to get a feel for personality and those things a contestant is passionate about. On stage it is also an opportunity to see how someone does under pressure.

Miss Universe over the years have put a greater stress on smarts when getting to the top 10,  top 5 or top 3,   However, being smart alone will not get there  one needs to have a beautiful face, a great body, a charming personality and some modeling skills to get you through the two cuts needed to even get a chance to reach the interview section.


After Miss Angola,Leila Lopes won the competition,last year , an interview was done with of one the preliminary judges, Scott Lazerson by Forbes Magazine. Here are some excerpt from the interview....

What were you looking for and judging on?
Beauty, intelligence, and poise.

Now give me the real answer.
Beauty, beauty, beauty. It’s all about beauty. But read their bios. Every single one of them is smart too.

C’mon. They are not.
Well, maybe not every single one. But some really are. Miss Guam is a biochemist who wants to be a doctor. Miss Malaysia did a documentary on the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

Did either make it to the final round?
No. [laughs]

Who were your favorites?

I was a big fan of Miss USA, but a lot of people were concerned that she was too skinny. I believe it is just her DNA, just the way she is, but a lot of people weren’t buying it. I think it hurt her chances

Before the show ended, you were posting on Facebook about how much you liked the eventual winner, Miss Angola.

She really flourished during the telecast. When I initially saw her, I didn’t pick her. She was shy. But during the telecast, she was very real. She and Miss Philippines were the most real. You can get a sense when you look in someone’s eyes—you can tell what’s up

.

Why Yendi Phillips nearly won?

Yendi Phillips is stunningly beautiful, tall with a great body, a bubbling personality, and great stage presence that makes one want to look at her. Yendi made a strong case during the preliminaries, making it difficult for the judges to miss her.

Other contestants to make the top 10:

Christine Straw -Top 10 (2004)

Nicole Haughton - Top 10 (1999)

Kimberley Mais -Top 6 (1991)

Sandra Foster -Top 10 (1988)

In order for Jamaica to win or even make it to the top 10, the next Miss Universe Jamaica, has to be smart, stunning, well-toned,  great legs with a charming personality

Take a look at any Miss Venezuela, or Miss Puerto Rico, winning 6 and 5  times respectively.

Does Jamaica have a chance at the Miss Universe title this year?