How I Save the World

We have just over two hours to go before our live coverage of Miss Universe 2007 begins on this show. As a run-up, here are some things to note about this year’s competition.

The hosts of the show are Vanessa Minillo and Mario Lopes. Vanessa was teen Miss USA 1998 and host an MTV show Total Request Live. She is an entertainment reporter with Entertainment Tonight. Mario was in a sitcom Saved by the Bell, and was the celebrity dancer in season 3 of dancing with the stars. Neither has done this before, so be kind!

The judges are

• Miss Universe 1953 Christiane Magnani Aleman
• Mexican actor Mauricio Islas
• NBC’s “Heroes” James Kyson Lee
• NBC’s “Deal or No Deal” briefcase model Lindsay Clubine
• Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo
• Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Dave Navarro
• Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan
• Fashion designer Marc Bouwer
• “Project Runway” judge and Elle magazine fashion director Nina Garcia
• Former Miss Universe (1993) Dayanara Torres.

There might be 16, not 15 semi-finalists are reported earlier. Rumors surface of a tie. And you do know that those rumors are always a good thing!

Here’s a picture of the stage and some of the girls in their Tadashi outfits.

So think Victoria Secrets show circa November 2006, and you’ll have a good idea of the level of energy this show might have.

Don’t be too harsh on the musical acts. They do their best.

My favorites are Italy and Korea. I’d also be happy with USA, Japan, or Thailand winning the title and I think they can!