Univision crowns ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina 2009’.

The Univision Television Network celebrated the grand finale of the third hit season of “Nuestra Belleza Latina” (Our Latin Beauty), the show that combines the glamour of a beauty competition with the excitement of reality television. Hosted by popular Univision personality Giselle Blondet, last night’s finale was a nail-biting elimination for the six finalists who awaited their fate in front of a live studio audience. Captivated viewers across the nation broke all records as they voted for their favorite contestant and crowned Greydis Gil of Miami, FL “Nuestra Belleza Latina 2009”.
 
“We congratulate all six finalists on a great competition and in particular Greydis Gil on becoming the next ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina,’” said Alina Falcón, executive vice president and operating manager for the Univsion Network. “Thanks to our viewers and sponsors, this has been one of our most exciting seasons and we’re extremely proud of the show’s continued success.”
 
Born and raised in Cuba, 28 year old Greydis Gil arrived in Miami almost four years ago to join her father in the United States, leaving her mother behind. Although educated as an industrial engineer, Greydis was not able to validate her degree in the U.S. and instead found work at the make-up counter of a department store. She always dreamed of one day making it in the entertainment world, which motivated her to audition for “Nuestra Belleza Latina” in 2008, but was not selected as a finalist. Undeterred, she took what she learned from that experience, and auditioned once again in 2009 and finally made it into this year’s show. The tenacity, beauty, humility and intelligence demonstrated by Greydis throughout the intense competition, led her to win over the hearts of the judges and public alike.
 
“I feel very honored and proud that the viewers chose me to represent Hispanic women everywhere,” said Greydis Gil, Nuestra Belleza Latina 2009. “Perseverance is the path to success and this is the opportunity I have been waiting for. I am ready to put my best foot forward.”  
 
Of the many women who auditioned throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, only 12 finalists representing the most charismatic, intelligent and captivating Hispanic women were selected to compete. Each week, they faced-off in a fierce competition that tested their character and determination. After a series of eliminations six finalists made it to the grand finale: Greydis Gil (Cuban from Miami FL) – the winner; Marycarmen López (Mexican of San Antonio, TX) – first-runner up; Catalina López (Ecuadorian from Los Angeles, CA) – second runner-up; Mónica de León (Mexican from Dallas, TX) – third place; Janice Bencosme (Dominican from Lawrence, MA) – fourth place; and Berenice Guzmán (Mexican from Chicago, IL) in fifth place.  
 
This year’s panel of celebrity judges included telenovela heartthrob Jorge Aravena as well as the beautiful former Miss Universe, Lupita Jones, and Latin America’s most renowned beauty coach Osmel Sousa.
 
Fans interacted with “Nuestra Belleza Latina” online and on their mobile phones like never before.  AT&T subscribers voted for their favorite contestants via text message and toll free voting, casting millions of votes throughout the season.  In total, 12% came in from text votes; a 210% increase in mobile votes over last season. Univision Móvil will continue to extend its exclusive coverage with post-show highlights and behind the scenes video clips, as well as downloads of the finalist and fellow contestants.  Univision.com (keyword: Nuestra Belleza Latina) also had unprecedented interaction with exclusive video interviews, behind the scenes footage and winner highlights that keeps fans coming back for more.