I remember it as if it was yesterday. It was actually on my 16th birthday and Telemundo was broadcasting Miss Universe 2003 live that evening. I don't really know what made my dad turn the channel to Telemundo that day but he introduced me to Miss Universe. I always knew it existed but I was never interested in it until that day. I just fell in love with the whole production and the competition. 80 beautiful women from different country's competing for one fabulous Mikimoto crown, sign me in. I remember it well. The night started with 80 beautiful women introducing themselves to the music of Bond. I was intrigued. Then the competition when from 80 to 15. No Mexico sadly. Then those 15 girls competed in evening gown and then they were down sized to 10. They then competed in swimsuit. Then 10 when from 5. With Venezuela, South Africa, Japan, Dominican Republic and Serbia and Montenegro. I was so excited the whole night. My obsession for beauty pageants was going to be born that night. The final results were announced Japan was 4th runner up, Serbia and Montenegro was 3rd runner up, South Africa was 2nd runner and it was down to Venezuela and Dominican Republic. "And if for any reason the new Miss Universe can not fulfill her obligations the 1st runner up will become Miss Universe," stated Daisy Fuentes. And just like that Dominican Republic was being crowned the most beautiful girl that night. I loved it. Everything about it I loved. That night my life changed. I was a shy gay boy in Fort Morgan Colorado, and that night I became even gayer LOL! I had found beauty pageants. Till this day I still love beauty pageants. I've become an avid follower of beauty pageants from that night. I can say that I call myself an expert.
