Hot Content! Miss Universe 2010

If there is one annual event that I make sure to never miss it is the Miss Universe Pageant. There are many reasons to tune in this year, but none more exciting than an epic rivalry that is brewing around this year’s competition. The host country (USA) will be trying to win a victory for the first time since 1997. Despite the controversy currently surrounding a Muslim cultural center being built a few blocks away from Ground Zero, Miss USA, Rima Fakih, is the first Muslim and Lebanese-American to represent the country in the competition.

But just as big of a story this year is Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson, who looking to extend Venezuela’s already unprecedented winning streak in the Miss Universe pageant. Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez made Venezuela the first country in the history of the pageant to win the title back to back.

The USA currently leads Venzuela 7-6 in the tally for the most Miss Universe winners in the competitions history. USA won in 1956, then in 1995 and 1997 and Venezuela won in 1979 and 1981. Curiously, between the Venezuelan triumphs of 1979 and 1981 the winner was from the USA, and between the two USA wins in 1995 and 1997 the winner was from Venezuela. There is no doubt that eyes will be following these beautiful young ladies closely. Not to mention the 81 other beautiful young ladies from around the world, make sure you tune in to NBC at 9-11PM ET on August 23rd to see the crowning of the next Miss Universe!

P.S. There will be a musical performance by John Legend and the Roots, which is guaranteed to be amazing!