Miss Universe 2011 Top 16 Predictions Before The Preliminary Competition

Miss Mexico - Karin Ontiveros

1. Mexico – I am very positive that Karin will place this year and could possibly even do a back to back ala Venezuela back in 2008-2009 after her fellow Mexican Ximena Navarette won the crown last year!

Miss Costa Rica - Johanna Solano

2. Costa Rica - Johanna has been wowing me since she arrived in Brazil and I think it’s time for Puerto Rico to take center stage. Her presence is so strong, I don’t think the judges could ignore her.

Miss Venezuela - Vanessa Goncalvez

3. Venezuela      - We all know how after their back to back win, Venezuela failed to place last year. In my opinion, Osmel (their pageant director) made a grave mistake of sending Marelisa whom I think was a bit of a downgrade from the likes of Dayana and Stefania. But hey, I’m here to talk about Vanessa. I think she has a very strong sex appeal although at some pictures, she look a bit aged.

Miss Philippines - Shamcey Supsup

4. Philippines – I was not that big of a fan of Shamcey since the Binibining Pilipinas days because I was rooting for another candidate to win the Miss Universe – Philippines sash. I am however very much surprised with her performance the moment she arrived in Brazil. The girl was a total stand out! And I have to admit that she’s really the right girl for this year! I would be shocked if she won’t make the semis.

Miss Colombia - Catalina Robayo

5. Colombia – the Colombian’s are consistently sending beautiful girls in the pageant every year and it’s such a shame that they have never won since 1958. I think this year, Catalina could surpass her successor’s top 15 placement last year and could even snatch the crown!

Miss Australia - Scherri-Lee Biggs

6. Australia – I initially put Scherri-Lee as my top contender for the crown since she won the rights to represent Australia. The girl’s a natural poser and her beauty is just beyond. I was a bit disappointed however with her lack of charisma when she arrived in Brazil. I think I just have some eye problems right now so I would have to keep her in my top 10 and wait for the preliminaries.

Miss USA - Alyssa Campanella

7. USA – after failing to make the cut last year just like Venezuela, the super power United States represented by red-head Alyssa is so back with a fiery vengeance! This girl has everything to be the next Miss Universe but her body got me worried a bit. This aspect will surely lessen her chance to make it to the top 5 or even crack the top 10 to be honest.

Miss Dominican Republic - Dalia Fernandez

7. Dominican Republic - they are the silent killer of every Miss Universe edition but they're always falling short when it comes to the question and answer or perhaps they're just unlucky? Remember Mariana and Ada? I'm betting Dalia to do the same.

Miss Nicaragua - Adriana Dorn

9. Nicaragua – Adriana is another favorite of mine. I see a silent killer in her and I think she could do wonders on stage and sneak onto the top 5!

Miss Brazil - Priscila Machado

10. Brazil – She’s got the most advantage amongst the girls since it’s her home turf hosting the event! She’s a model in her country but was booed during her national pageant due to appearing topless prior to the competition. I don’t know what to make of her but I really like the look of this girl.

Miss Malaysia - Deborah Henry

11. Malaysia – She’s probably the best representative of Malaysia in years and could probably end the great great Malaysian Miss Universe drought. Yes, they have never won a crown and just had a single semis appearance. Debbie will make it if she’s gonna do it right because she’s got all the goods. She already competed in Miss World 2007 so she’s got the experience and I’ve really high expectation with this girl.

Miss China - Luo Zilin

12. China – I have to admit, she was my initial pick for the crown along with Miss Australia. Actually, she was my favorite to win pre-arrival but things changed when she arrived in Brazil. She look a bit bloated in pictures and the controversy about her and the preliminary judges are very disconcerting. I still think that she’s got a big chance for the crown – business wise.

Miss Puerto Rico - Viviana Ortiz

13. Puerto Rico – Viviana is another force to be reckon with in this year’s pageant. They tend to do it slowly but surely so I won’t be surprise if she’ll end up a runner up – look at Zuleyka who won over Kurara…

Miss Russia - Natalia Gantimurova

14. Russia – the delegates from Russia are always my sentimental favorites but at times, they are failing to deliver at the most crucial part of the pageant. I’ve high hopes for Natalia and I think she’s up for the challenge.

Miss Greece - Iliana Papageorgiou

15. Greece – Wow! This girl just came out of nowhere. Her over-all personality and appearance screams Miss Universe! Greece isn’t a big favorite though so I’ll make some reservations.

Miss Albania - Xhesika Berberi

16. Albania – these Albanian girls keep on surprising me. Remember last year? Miss Albania was really on fire! She’s so hot and so as Xhesika. I could definitely see her sailing through the Top 10!

So there, here are my top 16 predictions and favorites combined. I’ll be doing another set of prediction after the preliminary competition on September 8, but more accurately though since I will be basing it on their Swimsuit and Evening Gown performance.

UPDATED: MY TOP 16 AFTER THE PRELIMINARY COMPETITION  - CLICK!

let me know your predictions / favorites!