Update Dec. 19 - 10:00 p.m. EST: Miss Universe 2012 Crowned, click here for the winner.
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The 2012 Miss Universe Competition is just hours away, but spectators have already begun predicting the eventual outcome of the "test to find the one woman who personifies the beauty and intelligence of Miss Universe," as NBC's official site reads. The Miss Universe competition took place in the United States until 1972, when satellite broadcasting allowed the event move to Dorado, Puerto Rico. Since that time, Miss Universe has been hosted in several countries. Favorites picks for the 2012 crown vary across the net, but let's take a look at who the front runners are.
International Business Times places Tamar Shedania (Georgia) on the top of the list, followed by Olivia Culpo (USA) and Janine Tugonon (Philippines). The remaining contestants are expected to place in the following order: Renae Ayris (Australia), Farida Waller (Thailand), Adrola Drushi (Albania), Macelina Vahenkeni (Angola), Liza Helder (Aruba), Ana Yancy Clavel (El Salvador), and Sara Yasmina Chafak (Finland).
Missology predicts that the list will read: Janine Tugonon (Philippines), Irene Quintero (Venezuela), Melinda Bam (South Africa), Bodine Koehler (Puerto Rico), Carolina Aguirre (Ecuador), Karina Gonzalez (Mexico), Ana Yancy Clavel (El Salvador), Olivia Culpo (USA), Daniella Alvarez (Colombia), and Elizebeta Burg (Croatia).
Rappler's front runners include: Melinda Bam (South Africa), Irene Quintero (Venezuela), Bondine Koeler (Puerto Rico), Janine Tugonon (Philippines), Egny Eckert (Paraguay), Karina Gonzalez (Mexico), Kimberly Legget (Malaysia), Teresa Chlebovska (Czech Republic), Ana Clavel (El Salvador), and Elizabeta Burg (Croatia).
Miss Universe 2012 airs at 8/7 c on NBC tonight.