Finally, the moment had come to choose who will be the 58th Miss Universe! Beautiful women from 84 countries competed for the title that Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela held. Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas was hot with anticipation at the opening of the program. People had their own favourites which they cheered for as the night went on. However, out of 84, only one will be chosen to wear the Miss Universe crown so, bit by bit, some of the contestants did not make it to the Top 15 finalists.

Photos of Stefania Fernandez

The Top 15 finalists from United States, Puerto Rico, Iceland, Albania, Czech Republic, Belgium, Dominican Republic, Sweden, Kosovo, Australia, France, Switzerland, South Africa, Croatia, and Venezuela. Loud applauses and screams resounded throughout the hall as their bets were chosen in the Top 15.

This number was again narrowed down into the Top 10. Unlucky were the contestants from Sweden, Belgium, Croatia, Albania, and Iceland because they were cut during the Top 10.

After a few intermission numbers the Top 5 finalists were announced. Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Kosovo, Australia, and Venezuela were the chosen ones. After the nerve-wracking question and answer portion, the winners were finally announced! In the moment of truth, the 2009 Miss Universe is Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez! This is the first time that the same country won the title in two consecutive years! It’s so amazing...

4thRunner Up is Miss Puerto Rico Maya Matos, 3rd Runner Up is Miss Australia Rachael Finch, 2nd Runner-Up is Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha, and 1st Runner-Up is Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De La Cruz.

Congratulations to all the winners!