The Miss Universe beauty pageant will take place on Saturday and one woman will be crowned as the successor to current queen Olivia Culpo.
Of the 87 contestants a few have been singled out as early favorites. Leading the pack is Miss Philippines Ariella Arida. Inquirer and Latin Times have dedicated lengthy articles detailing why she might be the favorite to take home the prize. The Inquirer notes that her large fan base from the Philippines could help her win the online poll; the victor automatically qualifies for the semifinals.
Latin Times references the typhoon that hit the country on Friday as a major turning point in her favor.
"With a typhoon hitting her home country this weekend and expected to cause a devastation her heart and spirit are with them through this difficult time," wrote the Latin Times. "A win for her country will be the bright light at the end of the tunnel for the country to recuperate after the hard hitting storm."
The International Business Times indicates that Arida is one of the favorites from Asia but also includes Miss Israel Yityish Aynaw, Miss Indonesia Whulandary Herman and Miss Thailand Chalita Yaemwannang as the top contenders from the continent.
From Europe, IBT picks Miss Great Britain Amy Willerton, Miss Poland Paulina Krupińska, Miss Russia Elmira Abdrazakova, Miss Netherlands Stephanie Tency, Miss France Hinarani de Longeaux, Miss Czech Republic Gabriela Kratochvilová and Miss Croatia Melita Fabeči. Other favorites picked include Miss Colombia Lucia Aldana, Miss USA Erin Brady, Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez and Miss South Africa Marilyn Ramos.
The live event will start at 9 p.m. EST from Crocus City Hall in Moscow; the show will air on the NBC live webpage as well as the YouTube account and the official Miss Universe page.
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