Pageant fans have reason to be concerned over the development because it lessens the chance of their country competing at the live finals.
According to the updated Miss Universe website, this year, the preliminary competition determines a Top 12, instead of a Top 15.
The coronation night will start with the Top 12 pre-determined by the judges during the preliminary round.
From the Top 12, the Top 9 are determined by averaging the scores of the judges and the fans’ votes after the swimsuit segment.
The Top 6 are then determined by averaging the judges’ and fans’ votes after the evening gown segment.
Last year, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach was part of the Top 5 and participated in the question and answer (Q&A) round then.
She then answered another question as part of the Top 3.
This year, there will only be one Q&A round. The Top 6 will participate in the Q&A round, while the Top 3 will only get a “Final Look” from the judges and fans.
The good thing here is that the new approved 12-9-6-3 format relieves the pressure of having to undergo a second round of questions in the Top 3, where so many great beauties faltered in the past.
The Top 3 Final Look eliminates the chances that a front runner messes up her answer or that a dark horse overtakes the competition with an impressive answer. The new owner believes that this format will help produce the type of winner who would best represent the brand.
