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Miss Universe Organization
2012 Miss Czech Republic Tereza Chlebovska, 2012 Miss Albania Adrola Dushi, 2012 Miss Haiti Christela Jacques and 2012 Miss Lithuania Greta Mikalauskyte surprise hotel guests as part of a filming segment at Planet Hollywood on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012.
Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 | 1:27 p.m.
Miss Universe Organization executives officially announced Thursday that the judges for the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant will include CeeLo Green, “The Voice” judge and mentor and singer who will kick off his new musical “Loberace” in a run of shows at Planet Hollywood early next year.
The other judges are Pablo Sandoval, two-time World Series champion and MVP with the San Francisco Giants; Nigel Barker (“America's Next Top Model,” host of Oxygen’s “The Face”); actor singer Diego Boneta (“Rock of Ages”); reality TV star Scott Disick (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”); Bravo’s Brad Goreski of “Brad Brad World Series”; Iron Chef Morimoto (adding to rumors of a new Las Vegas restaurant); 2012 Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete; three-time Olympic volleyball champion Kerri Walsh Jennings; and reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump (“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” “Vanderpump Rules”).
The pressure is now really on. Early judging began Tuesday for the 89 contestants in the pageant set for worldwide broadcast by NBC and Telemundo next Wednesday, Dec. 19. A panel of preliminary judges conducted interviews and monitored the swimsuit competition at Planet Hollywood, this year’s pageant headquarters.
The supermodel beauties also filmed a holiday segment at Pure in Caesars Palace that will be used as part of the telecast. Our thanks to the Miss Universe Organization photographers for their coverage and photo galleries.
Thursday’s first and only preliminary competition at Planet Hollywood was streamed lived at MissUniverse.com. All 89 glamour girls displayed poise and confidence in the swimsuit and evening gown segments. Our thanks to contributing photographer Tom Donoghue for his fabulous photo gallery.
The 16 semifinalists will then be announced at the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant on Dec. 19. Fans can go to MissUniverse.com and Telemundo.com to help their favorite secure a spot in the semifinals.
Today for the first time, the National Costume Show will be web cast live at 8 p.m. PT. This annual tradition allows contestants to hit the runway in a costume that best represents their country.
Vegas DeLuxe will have continuing coverage, so check back often. On the night of the coronation, we will live blog and post first photographs of the new Miss Universe who succeeds 2011 Miss Universe Pageant Leila Lopes of Angola.
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.
Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.
Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.
Catering to the young and modern crowd, Planet Hollywood is a one-stop shop for entertainment with its massive shopping mall, slew of restaurants, spacious casino and clubs.
The ambiance of the casino is retro-chic meets high-tech with black granite floors throughout and colorful LED lights throughout the space. The theme carries into the 100,000 square-foot casino with 250 flat screens topping off slot machines. The casino is also home to 87 tables, a sports book and a poker room.
There's also the Miracle Mile Shops, one Vegas' largest malls, with 140 stores including BCBG Max Azaria, bebe, Urban Outfitters and The Discovery Channel Store.
Following an afternoon of shopping, guests can satisfy their appetites at one of the gourmet restaurants in Planet Hollywood, like the non-traditional approach to steakhouses at Strip House or check out the exotic Far East motif at KOI restaurant and lounge. And if guests are still looking for more, they can spend the after hours at Privé, Triq or Krave nightclubs.
Perhaps one of the resorts biggest attractions came in March with the addition of "Peepshow." The naughty twist on the story of Little Bo Peep is modern-day spin on the run-of-the-mill Vegas topless review. The "Peepshow" stage has seen visiting celebs like Scary Spice Mel B, "Dancing with the Stars" Kelly Monaco and Playboy's Holly Madison.
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