2012 Miss Universe Pageant: Best & Worst Moments

Missed the show? Here are some noteworthy highlights from the competition

By Bruna Nessif Dec 20, 2012 3:38 AMTags
Andy Cohen, Giuliana Rancic, Miss UniverseDavid Becker/Getty Images

It may be December, but things were heating up in Las Vegas.

The 2012 Miss Universe Pageant, hosted by Watch What Happens Live's Andy Cohen and E!'s own Giuliana Rancic, took place tonight, as viewers witnessed 89 beautiful women from around the world compete for the title and crown of Miss Universe.

Here are some of the highlights from the show:

Worst Santa: Sorry, Donald Trump, but that Santa Claus getup was not a good look on you. But if you're going to do it, at least do it right—where was your white beard? C'mon now.

Best Sound: Hearing female announcers say names of the contestants in the tongue of their homeland was both entertaining and impressive (even if some of the first ladies to take stage missed out on being called due to a technical mishap).

Hi...Bye: Not even 20 minutes in (mind you—introducing everyone took a solid 10 minutes, and then there was a commercial break), and the 89 ladies were cut to the top 16. Well, that was quick.

First Cut: The women that advanced to the top 16 were Miss Venezuela, Miss Hungary, Miss France, Miss Peru, Miss Russia, Miss Mexico, Miss Poland, Miss Turkey, Miss South Africa, Miss Philippines, Miss Croatia, Miss Brazil, Miss Kosovo, Miss Australia, Miss India and Miss USA.

Fun Fact: Miss Brazil kisses her shoulders when she's nervous. Interesting. 

Unfortunate Attempt: During a pre-recorded segment of the girls dancing and strutting the runway in Vegas, some of the ladies tried to dance "Gangnam Style," but failed.

Keeping Up Switch: So, Rob Kardashian may have judged Miss USA, but judging Miss Universe went to Scott Disick

Best Dressed: Forget about all the gowns and sexy bikinis. Tonight's wardrobe award went to Lisa Vanderpump's pooch, Giggy, in his little doggy tuxedo.

Stop Dancing: The already eliminated contestants tried to do a little routine to introduce the swimsuit competition. Sigh. Not good. Not good at all. 

Top 10: Miss Australia, Miss Russia, Miss Brazil, Miss France, Miss Venezuela, Miss USA, Miss Hungary, Miss South Africa, Miss Mexico and Miss Philippines.

Close Call: While Train performed a medley of their hits, once again, the already eliminated contestants did a little dance/walk to open the evening gown competition, but with all those dress trains (get it), people got a little trippy. No spills though (unfortunately).

Best Cleavage: Heyo! Miss USA's Olivia Culpo wore an evening gown with a plunging neckline that was just yelling for a wardrobe malfunction, but she was able to dodge that. What she wasn't able to avoid, however, was a slight trip. Don't worry, she didn't fall, and she recovered quick. Brava.

Touché, Jeannie Mai: The backstage host brushed up on her high school Spanish to present Miss Guatemala with the Miss Congeniality Award, and she was fantastic! Muy bueno, Jeannie.

Top Five: Miss Venezuela, Miss Philippines, Miss Australia, Miss USA and Miss Brazil. 

Worst Answer: Oh, Miss Venezuela. When asked what law she would want to implement and why, a clearly nervous Miss Venezuela, went around in circles with her answer. It had something to do about no new laws and surfing? We couldn't even tell.

Best Answer: There were some decent answers, but Miss Philippines did an exceptional job with her question about whether or not she felt Miss Universe should be required to know English. "For me, being Miss Universe is not about knowing how to speak a specific language. It's about being able to influence and inspire other people. So whatever language you have, as long as your heart is to serve and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe."

And the Winner Is...: It was between Miss USA and Miss Philippines. Congratulations, Miss USA! 

(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)

What do you think of Miss USA getting crowned?! Let us know in the comments.

Take a look at all of the 2012 Miss Universe contestants