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The Miss Universe 2007 pageant, held on May 28, 2007, at the National Auditorium in Mexico City, is remembered as one of the most dramatic and competitive editions in the pageant's history. The Winner: Riyo Mori (Japan)
, a 20-year-old professionally trained dancer, became the second woman from Japan to win the title (following Akiko Kojima in 1959). Mori stood out with her high swimsuit score and her unconventional "farewell" look—a sleek silk tuxedo-inspired outfit that broke traditional pageant norms. Major Highlights and Controversies
The Fall of Miss USA: During the evening gown competition, Rachel Smith (Miss USA) famously slipped and fell on stage. She quickly recovered and maintained her composure, ultimately finishing as the 4th runner-up.
Hostile Crowd: The Mexico City audience frequently booed Miss USA, largely attributed to political tensions between Mexico and the U.S. at the time. Despite the jeers, she finished her final speech by thanking the crowd in Spanish, which finally earned her cheers.
A "Bizarre" Result: The final results sparked intense debate. While Mori won, many fans felt Natália Guimarães (Miss Brazil), the 1st runner-up, or Honey Lee (Miss Korea), the 3rd runner-up who had a standout evening gown performance, should have taken the crown.
Special Awards: The Philippines (Anna Theresa Licaros) won Most Photogenic, and China (Zhang Ningning) was named Miss Congeniality. The Show at a Glance
Miss Universe 2007- Swimsuit Competition.#missuniverse # ... - TikTok
The Miss Universe 2007 pageant in Mexico City, won by Japan's Riyo Mori, is remembered as a "Golden Era" competition featuring a dramatic on-stage fall by Miss USA and a highly competitive top five. Riyo Mori secured Japan's first victory in 48 years with a standout performance in a kimono-inspired gown, while Brazil’s Natália Guimarães took 1st Runner-Up. The full show and its iconic segments are frequently available for viewing through archival fan content on YouTube.
To watch the Miss Universe 2007 full show is to witness pageantry at its most raw—the slip, the boos, the teleprompter glitch, and the quiet Japanese woman who spoke of love and won it all. It was not the most polished pageant, nor the highest-rated (it drew roughly 12 million viewers, below average for the era). But it was, in the truest sense, unforgettable.
Whether you are a longtime fan rebuilding your collection or a curious newcomer wanting to see the infamous fall and the comeback, the 2007 Miss Universe pageant is worth the search. And as Riyo Mori proved when she took that final walk: sometimes, the winner is the one who didn’t fall, but the one who rose.
Have you watched the Miss Universe 2007 full show recently? Do you think Miss Brazil should have won? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Miss Universe 2007 pageant, held on May 28, 2007, at the National Auditorium in Mexico City, remains one of the most culturally significant and debated editions in the pageant's history. The live two-hour telecast, hosted by Mario Lopez and Vanessa Minnillo, reached an estimated audience of over 600 million people across 180 countries. Show Highlights & Results
The event concluded with Riyo Mori of Japan being crowned as Miss Universe 2007 by outgoing titleholder Zuleyka Rivera. Mori’s victory was historic, marking Japan’s first win in 48 years and only the second in the country's history. Contestant Miss Universe 2007 (Japan) 1st Runner-up Natalia Guimarães 2nd Runner-up Ly Jonaitis (Venezuela) 3rd Runner-up (South Korea) 4th Runner-up Rachel Smith Key segments of the full show included:
The Parade of Nations: Contestants from 77 countries showcased their national costumes.
Swimsuit Competition: The top 15 finalists performed to music by the Mexican pop group RBD.
Evening Gown Competition: Reduced to the top 10 finalists, this segment featured Mori in her iconic black, red, and purple Japanese-inspired gown. Final Question:
The top 5 finalists answered questions directly from the celebrity judges, which included , Michelle Kwan , and Nina Garcia . Cultural Impact and Controversies
The 2007 show is frequently cited in pageant studies for several notable incidents and socio-political undertones:
Reliving the Magic: Miss Universe 2007 Full Show Recap Miss Universe 2007 pageant, held on May 28, 2007
, remains one of the most vibrant editions in the competition's history. Set against the energetic backdrop of the National Auditorium Mexico City
, Mexico, the event featured 77 of the world's most charismatic women competing for the ultimate title. The Night's Big Winner In a historic moment,
was crowned Miss Universe 2007. A 20-year-old jazz dance instructor, Mori's victory marked Japan's second-ever win and their first in 48 years since Akiko Kojima took the crown in 1959. One of the most talked-about moments of her crowning was when the $250,000 Mikimoto crown nearly slipped from her head during the ceremony, but she caught it with grace. Википедия Full Show Highlights The broadcast, hosted by Mario Lopez Vanessa Minnillo
, was a high-energy production that reached an estimated audience of one billion viewers.
The Miss Universe 2007 pageant, the 56th edition of the competition, was held on May 28, 2007, at the National Auditorium in Mexico City, Mexico.
of Japan was crowned the winner, becoming only the second woman from her country to hold the title after a 48-year gap. Show Summary & Winners
Hosts: The event was hosted by Mario Lopez and Vanessa Minnillo.
Entertainment: The popular Mexican Latin pop group RBD performed during the telecast. Top 5 Results: Miss Universe 2007: Japan – 1st Runner-Up: Brazil – Natália Guimarães 2nd Runner-Up: Venezuela – Ly Jonaitis 3rd Runner-Up: South Korea – 4th Runner-Up: United States – Rachel Smith Competition Highlights
Swimsuit & Gown Rounds: The competition began with 77 delegates, narrowed down to a Top 15 who competed in swimsuits, followed by a Top 10 for the evening gown portion. Judging Panel: The celebrity jury included Dallas Cowboys quarterback , Project Runway judge Nina Garcia , and rock star Dave Navarro . Special Awards: Anna Theresa Licaros of the Philippines won Miss Photogenic, and Zhang Ningning of China was named Miss Congeniality. Notable Moments & Controversies On-Stage Incident: Miss USA Rachel Smith
became a major talking point after she slipped and fell during the evening gown competition but quickly recovered and still finished in the Top 5.
National Costume Protest: Miss Mexico's original costume featured scenes of hangings from the Cristero War; following public outcry, it was redesigned to feature the Virgin of Guadalupe Miss Sweden Withdrawal: Isabel Lestapier Winqvist
unexpectedly withdrew from the pageant, citing concerns from her country that the event was "misogynistic".
Historic Diversity: The show featured the first-ever Rastafarian participant, Miss Jamaica Zahra Redwood, who wore her hair in traditional dreadlocks. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Miss Universe 2007 Full Show Review
The 56th Miss Universe pageant was held on May 28, 2007, at the Centro de Convenciones Gimnasio Manuel Bernardo Aguirre in Acapulco, Mexico. The event was broadcast live on NBC and Telemundo.
The Show
The full show was a spectacular display of glamour, beauty, and cultural diversity. The competition featured 80 contestants from around the world, all vying for the coveted title of Miss Universe. The show was hosted by Carlos Bernardo Baguio and was directed by Alan Gilbert.
The evening gown segment was particularly stunning, with contestants showcasing their elegance and poise in a variety of dazzling gowns. The swimsuit segment, which followed, was equally impressive, with contestants strutting their stuff on the catwalk in their stylish swimsuits.
The Winner
The winner of the competition was R'Bonney Gabriel, representing the United States. Gabriel, a 19-year-old model and beauty queen from California, was crowned Miss Universe 2007 by her predecessor, Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico.
Highlights
Some notable highlights from the show included:
Overall
The Miss Universe 2007 full show was an entertaining and engaging event that celebrated the beauty, diversity, and talent of women from around the world. The competition was fierce, but in the end, R'Bonney Gabriel emerged victorious, taking home the coveted title of Miss Universe.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: If you're a fan of beauty pageants or just looking for a fun and entertaining event to watch, I highly recommend checking out the Miss Universe 2007 full show.
Miss Universe 2007 pageant, held on May 28, 2007, at the Auditorio Nacional
in Mexico City, remains one of the most culturally and dramatically significant editions in the competition's history. Beyond the crowning of a new queen, the show was defined by high-stakes televised tension, a major onstage mishap, and complex political undertones that rippled through the audience. The Competition and Crowning Mario Lopez Vanessa Minnillo
, the 56th annual pageant featured 77 delegates from around the world. The production was a grand spectacle, including a live performance by the Mexican Latin pop sensation during the swimsuit segment. The night concluded with of Japan being crowned Miss Universe 2007
. A 20-year-old dance instructor, Mori’s victory was historic: Japan’s First Win in Decades
: It was the country's first title in 48 years, since Akiko Kojima won in 1959. The Crowning Incident : In a famous moment, outgoing queen Zuleyka Rivera
nearly dropped the $250,000 diamond-and-pearl Mikimoto crown while placing it on Mori’s head; Mori caught it just in time Key Results final results
reflected a diverse Top 5, though some placements sparked controversy among the live audience: : Japan – 1st Runner-Up : Brazil – Natália Guimarães 2nd Runner-Up : Venezuela – Ly Jonaitis 3rd Runner-Up : South Korea – 4th Runner-Up Rachel Smith Notable Moments and Controversy
The Miss Universe 2007 pageant, held on May 28, 2007, at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, remains one of the most memorable editions for its high-energy production, dramatic stage mishaps, and a historic win for Asia. Hosted by Mario Lopez and Vanessa Minnillo, the show featured 77 contestants vying for the crown. A Night of High Scores and Higher Stakes
The competition was fierce from the start, with the preliminary favorites quickly solidifying their lead. The Top 15 were narrowed down after a high-octane swimsuit segment, which saw some of the highest scores in the pageant's history.
Swimsuit Round Highlights: Japan's Riyo Mori led the pack with a staggering 9.599, followed closely by Brazil’s Natália Guimarães at 9.560.
The Dramatic Fall: One of the most talked-about moments of the night occurred during the evening gown segment. Miss USA, Rachel Smith, took a hard fall on stage but earned a standing ovation for her immediate, graceful recovery, finishing her walk with a confident smile. The Final Battle: Japan vs. Brazil
As the field narrowed to the Top 5—Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, Korea, and the USA—the tension peaked during the final question round. The Question: Judge Nina Garcia asked
about a childhood lesson that still affected her life. Mori spoke about her lifelong passion for dance and the discipline it taught her. The Contender: Korea’s
was also a major standout, though many fans later speculated that a translation error during her Q&A may have cost her a higher placement. The Crowning Moment In a nail-biting finish,
of Japan was crowned Miss Universe 2007 by outgoing titleholder Zuleyka Rivera. Her victory was historic: Thoughts of Miss Universe 2007
You're looking for the full show of Miss Universe 2007! Here's some helpful information:
Miss Universe 2007
The 56th Miss Universe pageant was held on February 28, 2007, at the Nacionales de Centroamerica in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Winner
The winner of Miss Universe 2007 was Riyo Mori from Japan.
Full Show Video
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a direct link to the full show video. However, I can suggest some alternatives:
Helpful Post
If you're looking for a helpful post about the 2007 Miss Universe pageant, here are some interesting facts:
The Miss Universe 2007 full show remains one of the most talked-about editions in the pageant's history. Held on May 28, 2007, at the National Auditorium in Mexico City, the event was a masterclass in high-stakes glamour, unexpected drama, and a shifting landscape in international beauty standards. Reliving the Night in Mexico City
The 56th Miss Universe pageant brought together 77 contestants from across the globe. Hosted by Mario Lopez and Vanessa Minnillo, the telecast was a visual spectacle that reflected the vibrant culture of the host nation, Mexico. For fans looking to revisit the Miss Universe 2007 full show, the broadcast is often remembered for its energetic pacing and the high caliber of the Top 15 finalists. The Unforgettable Top 5
The climax of the night featured a diverse and exceptionally strong Top 5. Each contestant brought a unique energy to the final question round, which ultimately decided the crown:
Riyo Mori (Japan): The eventual winner, Mori captivated the judges with her "samurai" confidence and her background as a professional dancer.
Natalia Guimarães (Brazil): A massive fan favorite, the stunning brunette finished as the 1st Runner-Up, a decision that sparked debate among pageant enthusiasts for years.
Ly Jonaitis (Venezuela): Representing the powerhouse of pageantry, Ly secured the 2nd Runner-Up spot with her classic elegance.
Honey Lee (Korea): Breaking stereotypes for East Asian contestants, Honey Lee’s charismatic performance and musical talent led her to a 3rd Runner-Up finish.
Rachel Smith (USA): Despite a high-profile slip during the evening gown competition, Smith’s grace under pressure earned her the 4th Runner-Up position. Key Highlights and Controversies
Watching the Miss Universe 2007 full show today reveals several moments that have since become pageant "lore." The Fall and the Recovery
Rachel Smith’s accidental slip during the evening gown segment is a textbook example of professionalism. While she fell to the floor, she immediately stood up with a smile, finished her walk, and still managed to place in the Top 5. However, she faced a difficult "home" crowd in Mexico, experiencing booing during the final interview—a moment that remains one of the most controversial in the show's history. The Rise of Asia miss universe 2007 full show
2007 was a landmark year for Asian beauty. With Japan winning and Korea placing in the Top 5, it signaled a shift in the traditional dominance of Latin American and European contestants. Riyo Mori’s win was Japan’s second title, coming 48 years after Akiko Kojima won in 1959. Iconic Musical Performances
The show featured a performance by the Mexican pop group RBD, who were at the height of their global fame. Their high-energy medley during the swimsuit competition added a contemporary, pop-culture edge to the traditional pageant format. Why the 2007 Edition Still Trends
Pageant fans frequently search for the Miss Universe 2007 full show because it represents the "Golden Era" of the Trump-owned Miss Universe Organization. The production values were massive, the stage design was avant-garde for its time, and the "Final Look" segment, set to live music, is still considered one of the most suspenseful in the franchise.
Whether you are a casual viewer or a die-hard pageant historian, the 2007 telecast stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Miss Universe brand—combining fashion, poise, and the intense pressure of representing one's country on the world stage.
The Miss Universe 2007 pageant was the 56th edition of the competition, held on May 28, 2007, at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, Mexico. The event concluded with
of Japan being crowned Miss Universe by outgoing titleholder Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico. Show Highlights & Results Winner: Riyo Mori
(Japan) became the second woman from her country to win the title. Runners-up: 1st Runner-up: Natália Guimarães 2nd Runner-up: Ly Jonaitis (Venezuela) 3rd Runner-up: (South Korea) 4th Runner-up: Rachel Smith
Hosts: The English-language telecast was hosted by Mario Lopez and Vanessa Minnillo.
Format: The competition featured 77 contestants who were judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown, and personal interview. Where to Watch
While the original 2007 broadcast aired on NBC and Telemundo, you can currently find archives of the full show through these platforms:
Official YouTube Channel: The Miss Universe YouTube channel frequently uploads full past broadcasts and highlight reels of historic pageants.
The Roku Channel: As a partner for recent pageants, The Roku Channel often hosts a library of previous Miss Universe content.
Peacock: For viewers in the U.S., Peacock occasionally features pageant documentaries and classic clips. Notable Moments The Fall: Miss USA Rachel Smith
famously slipped and fell during the evening gown competition but quickly regained her composure to finish the walk, eventually placing in the Top 5.
Crowd Reaction: The Mexican audience was notably vocal throughout the night, particularly during the Miss USA segment due to political tensions at the time. Japan's Second Title:
victory marked Japan's first win in 48 years, following Akiko Kojima in 1959. The Competition - Miss Universe
Title: The Crown of Fireworks
Location: National Auditorium, Mexico City, Mexico Date: May 28, 2007 (broadcast live)
The air in Mexico City was thick with anticipation. Outside the National Auditorium, a sea of banners waved—Korean flags for Honey Lee, Brazilian flags for Natália Guimarães, and a thunderous roar of "Viva México!" for local favorite Rosa María Ojeda. But inside, 77 women stood backstage, a kaleidoscope of silk gowns and nervous smiles, about to walk into the most watched pageant on Earth.
The Opening Number: A Fiesta of Rhythm
The show began not with a whisper, but with an explosion of mariachi trumpets. Host Vanessa Minnillo, resplendent in silver, welcomed the world as the contestants flooded the stage in shimmering national costumes. The theme was "Fiesta of the Americas," and the choreography was a whirlwind of salsa, samba, and traditional folk dances. Japan’s Riyo Mori, in a delicate crane-inspired silk dress, moved with a quiet precision that belied her fierce ambition. The crowd roared as Miss USA, Rachel Smith, twirled in a star-spangled gown—but it was Miss Venezuela, Ly Jonaitis, whose smoldering gaze into the camera that made television producers whisper, "She’s one to watch."
The Swimwear Round: Heat on the Runway
As the stage transformed into a Caribbean beach (complete with crashing digital waves), the Top 15 were announced. The tension was a living thing. Miss India, Puja Gupta, held her breath until her name echoed through the hall. Then came the cut to the Top 10.
The swimwear competition was pure athletics. Walking in six-inch heels on a glossy, wet-looking runway is a feat of engineering. But Miss Angola, Micaela Reis, glided like water itself. The judges—including James Kyson from Heroes and supermodel Dayanara Torres—scribbled furiously. Yet a disaster struck during this round: Miss USA, Rachel Smith, hit a patch of moisture and slipped, crashing onto her back with a thud that silenced the auditorium. For a split second, horror flashed across her face. But then, she did something remarkable. She laughed—genuinely, vulnerably—sprang to her feet, blew a kiss to the audience, and finished her walk as if nothing had happened. The Mexican crowd, known for fierce loyalty, turned from jeers to a standing ovation. She hadn't won the round, but she had won their hearts.
The Evening Gown: Elegance Under Pressure
The Top 5 emerged from the crucible: Brazil, Korea, Japan, USA, and Venezuela. The stakes had never been higher. The gown competition was a silent battle of whispers and silk. Miss Brazil wore a blood-red gown that pooled like liquid fire. Miss Korea stood regal in a diamond-white dress, her face a mask of porcelain poise. But it was Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, in a deep sapphire gown with a subtle train, who looked like a samurai’s daughter attending a royal ball—disciplined, radiant, untouchable.
Then came the final question. The moment that separates models from monarchs.
The Question Heard Around the World
Each of the Top 5 drew a question from former Miss Universe 2006, Zuleyka Rivera. Miss USA was asked: "What is the one thing you would change about your past?" Rachel Smith, still limping slightly from her fall, answered with raw honesty about learning from failure.
But the spotlight landed on Miss Japan.
Her question was a political powder keg: "You are currently an ambassador for peace. How would you solve the conflict between Israel and Palestine?"
The auditorium held its breath. Riyo Mori, just 20 years old, didn't flinch. She didn’t offer a military solution or a treaty. She looked into the camera and said softly, "First, I would invite the mothers from both sides to sit in a room. Not to talk about land. To talk about their children. Peace begins when you see the person across from you as a human being, not an enemy." The silence that followed was not awkward—it was reverent. Tears welled in the eyes of a Palestinian journalist in the press row.
The Final Walk: A Crown in the Balance
The 77 women flooded the stage for the final march. The runner-up was announced: Miss Brazil, Natália Guimarães. She smiled bravely, clutching her bouquet of roses. Then, host Mario Lopez (yes, A.C. Slater from Saved by the Bell) opened the golden envelope.
"And the new Miss Universe 2007 is… Miss Japan… Riyo Mori!"
The stage erupted. Confetti—gold, white, and pink—fell like a spring blizzard. Riyo dropped to her knees, tears streaming, as last year’s winner placed the diamond-and-pearl Mikimoto crown onto her head. Backstage, Miss Korea and Miss Venezuela hugged her fiercely. And in a moment of pure, unscripted class, Rachel Smith—the girl who had fallen—rushed over to help Riyo adjust her train. The photo of that gesture (Smith kneeling, Mori crying) became the enduring image of the night.
The Epilogue
Riyo Mori stood on the balcony of the auditorium, the crown tilted just slightly (as it always does on a first-time winner). Fireworks exploded over Mexico City—green, red, and gold. Below, a little girl held her mother’s hand and pointed up.
"Mommy, she looks like a princess."
"No, mija," the mother whispered, wiping a tear. "She looks like a woman who knows how to get back up."
And somewhere in the crowd, Rachel Smith smiled, her knee still bruised, her heart full. She hadn't won the crown. But she had won something rarer: the world's respect.
The End.
Introduction
The Miss Universe pageant is one of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the world, where contestants from over 80 countries compete for the crown. The 2007 edition, held on May 28, 2007, at the Centro de Convenciones in Acapulco, Mexico, was a highly anticipated event. This paper will provide an overview of the Miss Universe 2007 full show, including the contestants, host, judges, and the winner.
The Contestants
The 2007 Miss Universe pageant featured 80 contestants from around the world. Some notable contestants included:
The Hosts
The hosts of the Miss Universe 2007 pageant were:
The Judges
The judges for the Miss Universe 2007 pageant included:
The Show
The Miss Universe 2007 pageant was divided into several rounds, including:
The Winner
The winner of the Miss Universe 2007 pageant was:
Conclusion
The Miss Universe 2007 pageant was a highly anticipated event that showcased the beauty and talent of 80 contestants from around the world. The show was hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Elle Macpherson, and judged by a panel of distinguished judges. Akiko Kojima of Japan was crowned Miss Universe 2007, marking a significant moment in the history of the pageant.
After the cut to Top 10 (including Miss Tanzania’s historic first Top 10 finish for East Africa), the gown competition began. Miss Venezuela wore a blood-red, form-fitting mermaid gown with crystal embroidery. Miss Brazil chose a flowing gold goddess dress.
But the standout was Miss Japan. Her gown—a metallic, architectural masterpiece with a high collar and open back—looked like something from a sci-fi period drama. When asked about her style later, Riyo Mori simply said, "It is the spirit of old Japan, but the cut of the future."
The Miss Universe 2007 full show is remembered as a turning point in the pageant’s modern era – a blend of glamour, political candor, and live-TV chaos. From a rainy Mexico City stage to Riyo Mori’s historic win, it remains a fan favorite for its unpredictability and the courage of its final question. The broadcast is still available on YouTube and streaming platforms as a prime example of mid-2000s pageantry at its peak.
End of report.
Miss Universe 2007 full show was one of the most memorable, highly charged, and dramatic editions in the pageant's history. Broadcast live from the National Auditorium Mexico City, Mexico
, the show pushed the boundaries of traditional pageantry through high-fashion styling, intense audience reactions, and a fiercely competitive top tier of contestants. 📺 Show Overview & Production
: The show was hosted by Mario Lopez and Vanessa Minnillo (now Lachey), who brought a youthful, high-energy vibe to the broadcast.
: The panel featured a mix of fashion and pop-culture icons, including figure skater Michelle Kwan , rock guitarist Dave Navarro , fashion director Nina Garcia , and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Musical Vibe
: The swimsuit and evening gown competitions leaned heavily into mid-2000s R&B and pop, featuring tracks like Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole’s "Give It All To Me" , giving the show a highly contemporary feel. 🏆 The Top 5 & The Winner
The competition featured one of the strongest Top 5 lineups in pageant history, with heavy powerhouses going head-to-head: Winner: Riyo Mori (Japan)
– A professional ballet dancer, Mori commanded the stage with incredible fierce energy. Her decision to wear a black Gucci gown with bright, colored lapels during the evening gown segment broke the traditional "pageant pastel" mold and paid off immensely. 1st Runner-Up: Natalia Guimarães (Brazil)
– A massive crowd favorite with classic, undeniable bombshell beauty. 2nd Runner-Up: Ly Jonaitis (Venezuela)
– Continued the country's streak of placing exceptionally high with effortless elegance. 3rd Runner-Up: Honey Lee (Korea)
– Widely considered by fans as one of the best delegates to never win the crown. She played the gayageum (a traditional Korean instrument) and brought a modern, magnetic charisma to the stage. 4th Runner-Up: Rachel Smith (USA)
– Showed immense poise and resilience by advancing to the final 5 despite a major obstacle during the broadcast. ⚡ Standout Moments & Controversies
What truly makes reviewing the full 2007 show fascinating are the unscripted, highly dramatic moments that unfolded on live television: Miss Universe 2007 Highlights: Japan and Korea
Seventy-seven countries competed. The favorites entering the night included:
The eventual winner, Riyo Mori, was not the initial front-runner. But as the Miss Universe 2007 full show unfolds, you can see her quiet confidence grow. She possessed a unique blend of Japanese delicacy and athletic strength (she was a trained ballet and jazz dancer).
When host Mario Lopez announced the runners-up, chaos ensued. Fourth runner-up: Miss USA. Third: Miss Korea. Second runner-up: Miss Venezuela.
Then came the moment that makes Miss Universe 2007 full show a collector’s item. Mario Lopez declared, "The first runner-up—Miss Brazil." This meant the winner was Miss Japan. But as Rio Mori walked forward to accept the crown from Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera, something strange happened: the teleprompter glitched, and for a split second, the word "BRAZIL" flashed on the screen. For ten agonizing seconds, viewers in the arena believed there was a tie.
There was no tie. Riyo Mori of Japan was crowned Miss Universe 2007. She was the first Japanese woman to win the title in 48 years (since Akiko Kojima in 1959). Miss Brazil, Natália Guimarães, took first runner-up—a result that remains controversial among Brazilian fans who argue she outperformed in the Q&A.