9th place-Miss Universe 1996-Alicia Machado
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| Alicia Machado December 6, 1976 19 when crowned 5ft 8in Two big favorites for the crown were Miss USA, Ali Landry, perhaps one of the most stunning Miss USA ever elected and Miss Russia, IImira Shamsutdinova.   Venezuela's, Alicia Machado was never considered a threat for the crown. After an "electric" opening number the top 10 were called out and they were: India, Finland (a pleasant surprise), Peru, Sweden, Mexico, USA, Russia, El Salvador (a total surprise), Aruba (another pleasant surprise), and finally Venezuela. Two girl's who were highly favored that missed out were France and Australia (who would be voted Miss Photogenic).   After the top 10 paraded in both swimsuit and evening gown the competition was cut down to 6, them being: Venezuela, Russia, Mexico, USA, Aruba, and Finland. At that point, it was believed that USA could pull the unthinkable and win the frist back-to-back win in Miss Universe history, or go to either Venezuela or Russia. Venezuela started gaining some steam placing first in both swimsuit and evening gown.   After the top 6 answered some question's the 6 were narrowed down to 3. The 3 were Aruba, Finland and Venezuela. Favorites from Russia and USA stayed behind along with Mexico. To a surprise audience USA finished 6th having placed 2nd all night right behind Venezuela. The top 3 answered the dreaded final question. And finally Finland was announced as the 2nd runner up with Aruba and Venezuela left. It was more than obvious that Venezuela was going to be Venezuela's 4th Miss Universe. Aruba was 1st runner up and Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 1996.   A few months after she was crowned Alicia caused a lot of commotion when attending the 1996 Miss Teen USA pageant where she appeared to have gained some weight. (25lbs to be exact) Donald Trump threatened to dethrone her, which never happened. Alicia later went on a strict diet and extreme exercise routine. She was never able to go back to the weight she was when she won the Miss Universe crown. When she crowned her successor the next year her weight gained was still very apparent.    The reason why Alicia is one of my favorite's is not because of her beauty it's because of her spunk and personality. She was very spontaneous and had a big personality. She was not as refined as former Miss Venezuela titleholders, she was much fresher. When she competed for the crown in 1996 she was very sure of herself and oozed confidence witch won her the crown. Alicia lives on as one of the most beautiful Miss Universe ever crown. |
