After being postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 69th annual Miss Universe competition is back on.
On Friday, May 14, two days before the delayed 2020 ceremony, the 74 contestants took part in preliminary contests, showcasing Ema Savhal Couture swimsuits paired with flowing turquoise, pink, peach and blue cover-ups, as well as elegant evening gowns and elaborate costumes representing their countries and territories.
Not all of them will qualify to take part in the main ceremony, which will air live on Sunday, May 16. Only 21 contestants will advance to the main pageant, first competing in the swimsuit contest, after which 10 of them will advance to the evening gown competition. Five finalists will then be chosen to take part in the question and answer round. At the end, Miss Universe 2019 and South African beauty Zozibini Tunzi, the longest-ever reigning title-holder, will crown her successor.
Mario Lopez and Miss USA 2012 and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo are co-hosting the televised competition. This marks the first time since 2015 that Steve Harvey will not host the annual event and the second time Lopez will serve as host since 2017.
It was also announced on Friday that the Miss Universe competition will feature a performance from "Despacito" singer Luis Fonsi.
The ceremony will air live in more than 160 countries and territories from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. on Sunday, May 16, at 8 p.m. ET. In the United States, the Miss Universe competition will be broadcast on the FYI channel and Telemundo.
See photos of the Miss Universe contestants participating in the preliminary swimsuit contest before the big day below, plus also check out pics of them showcasing elegant evening gowns. You can also see their special costumes here.
Paula Mehmetukaj
Alina Luz Akselrad
Monika Grigoryan
Helen Hernandez
Maria Thattil
Shauntae Miller
Hillary-Ann Williams
Dhenia Covens
Iris Salguero
Lenka Nemer
Julia Gama
Shabree Frett
Radinela Chusheva
Sarita Reth
Angele Kossinda
Nova Stevens
Mariah Tibbetts
Daniela Nicolas
Jiaxin Sun
Laura Victoria Olascuaga
Ivonne Cerdas
Mirna Naiia Maric
Chantal Wiertz
Klára Vavrušková
Amanda Petri
Kimberly Jimenez
Leyla Espinoza Calvache
Vanessa Velásquez
Amandine Petit
Viivi Altonen