Final Top 16 and not Top 15 in Miss Universe 2009?

Rumours are circulating that the judges of Miss Universe 2009 will not only pick a Top 15 from the preliminary round but the pageant allows the picking of an extra contestant into the semi-finals, who will be voted by the people of Bahamas through newspaper and SMS voting.

It has also been said that the names of those who made the semi-final will not be disclosed until the day of the pageant, on August 23rd.

On Monday night, August 10, the 84 delegates will be parading with their national costumes before the first round of judging takes place.

It is not sure yet whether they will continue to award the Best in National Costume just like year when Miss Thailand Gavintra Photijak won the award with her Muay-Thai-inspired outfit.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez is not mingling with Latin American candidates?

Is it true that Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez is not mingling with the Latin American girls? They say Stefania prefers to mix with the European candidates. Allegedly, she is avoiding the Latinas.

If this is true, probably Stefania would like to identify herself with her other heritage. She is a mix of Polish, Russian, Ukrainian and Venezuelan.

I have a feeling that Venezuela might not make it to the Top 15 this year just like in 2004 when Ana Karina Anez Delgado broke the 20-year winning streak of her country and in 2006 when Jictzad Nacarid Viña Carreño failed to advance. But the sash factor might work well on her also.

I've said that Stefania might not advance because I am not yet impressed with her photos and interview.

Her interview at the Miss Universe official website is so disappointing. She moves her hands too much which can distract the judges. There are also photos of her in which she looks not beautiful although most of them are stunning especially in her swimsuit picture. Her gown is also too busy. The design is too much to appreciate.

But if she choose to change her gown at the preliminary, I might be proven wrong.