Telemundo presents ‘Miss Universe’ for 4th consecutive year.

For its fourth consecutive year, Telemundo will broadcast the most important and renowned beauty pageant in the world, exclusively for Hispanic viewers in the U.S. “Miss Universe 2006” will air live on Telemundo on Sunday July 23rd, 2006 at 9pm/8pm Central, from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Renowned television personality Candela Ferro (Decisiones) and Alfonso “Poncho” de Anda (Cada Dia) are the official hosts of “Miss Universe 2006.” The event will also feature popular actor Miguel Varoni and TV host Penelope Menchaca (12 Corazones) as co-hosts, offering their insight and colorful commentary on this spectacular evening. One by one, the most beautiful women in the world will walk on stage in evening gowns, national costumes and swimsuits. Eighty-six countries will be represented by these gorgeous contestants, and for two hours viewers will enjoy a display of international beauty, musical performances and share in the excitement of the final Q&A session, and the elimination process, until the moment when Canadian Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, will hand over the crown to Miss Universe 2006.

Prior to the main show, Telemundo will offer various special programs as a preface to this dazzling evening:

Sunday, July 16th

On Sunday, July 16th, Telemundo presents “Camino a la Corona de Miss Universo,” which will air at 8pm/7 central. “Camino a la Corona de Miss Universo” will be hosted by Miguel Varoni, who will take viewers on an unforgettable journey to meet the most beautiful faces in Central and South America, and the Caribbean. This one-hour special will reveal the power, charm and beauty of this year’s Hispanic candidates, as they each present the most exotic and amazing places in their home countries.

Sunday, July 23rd

The day of the event, Telemundo will begin its special broadcast at 7pm/6 central, with dynamic show “Fiebre de Corona.” The Miss Universe fever has hit Los Angeles by storm, and this special hosted by Natalia Villaveces (Nitido) will feature interesting reports on those who have joined to celebrate the beauty of Latina women, such as renowned musical artists Frankie J, Ivy Queen, Dayanara Torres, Chelo and Pitbull, as well as famous muralist Man One and renowned auto shop West COAST Customs, who have created exclusive pieces dedicated to the 18 Hispanic beauties.

At 8pm/7pm Central, the network will air LIVE “Las Delegadas de Miss Universo.” Hosted by charismatic Monica Noguera and soap opera star Erick Elias, this special will give the beauty queens an opportunity to share with the viewers all their anecdotes and experiences during the final weeks of preparation for the much anticipated Miss Universe title. The show will feature exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes and rehearsal video, and many more surprises.

Viewers will also enjoy a full week of special coverage, as Telemundo’s entertainment shows join in the celebration. “Cotorreando” will feature interviews with all the Latina candidates, as well as the U.S. representative; plus, Mauricio Zeilic, who worked for Miss Universe for 20 years as judge coordinator, will be in Los Angeles from July 19th to broadcast live from this city, and offer his predictions. “Al Rojo Vivo con Maria Celeste” interviews some of the Hispanic beauties in their homeland, and offers special reports on those behind-the-scenes individuals who are dedicated to making the candidates even more beautiful, such as designers, surgeons, make-up artists and hair stylists. Finally, “Cada Dia con Maria Antonieta” will delight the audience with daily entertainment reports from location, presented by Alfonso “Poncho” de Anda.