Miss World Pageant 2012

The Miss World pageant has been in existence for more than 50 years and though the pageant was not widely publicized in America, it is as widely known on the international market as the the Miss Universe pageant. The recent crowning of Miss China, Wen Xia Yu, was as Miss World 2012 has come into question of being a rigged and political move.

On August 18, 2012, the 52nd pageant was held in Ordos, China, and the 23-year-old was crowned Miss World 2012 amid 116 pageant contestants. The decision was met with questions almost immediately as the Miss World Facebook page lit up with angry comments from naysayers around the world. The comments are still being posted as of today.

While many question China’s triumph in the beauty contest, others point out issues to the contrary. Contestants in the Miss World competition are selected by modeling agencies rather than pageant judges. This year’s United States representative, Claudine Book, competed in all five categories: talent, fitness, swimwear, evening wear and the “beauty with a purpose” division, but did not win any of the categories.

Others have pointed out that Wales’, Sophie Moulds, took second place despite the fact that Moulds and the contest’s creators share a British commonwealth bond. As a matter of fact, the BBC network broadcast the contest more prominently, than any network in the United States.

Lastly, before the crowning event, Miss Philippines was slated as a winner by many because of her beat-boxing performance during the talent competition that went viral.

2012 event

Miss World 2012, the 62nd edition of the Miss World pageant was held on August 18, 2012 in Dongsheng Fitness Center Stadium, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, China. 116 contestants from all over the world competed for the crown, marking the biggest turnout in the pageant’s history. Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela crowned her successor Yu Wenxia of China at the end of the event. The contestants visited Shanghai and Changshu.

Historical significance

• China PR won its second Miss World title. Coincidentally, it won its two titles in its homeland.
• Wales reached its highest placement since 2004.
• Australia last placed in 2006, where both representatives placed second Runner-up.
• South Sudan placed for the first time.
• England, Indonesia, Philippines, Spain placed two years in a row.
• Kenya, Netherlands, United States last placed in 2010.
• Brazil, India, Mexico last placed in 2009.
• Jamaica last placed in 2007.
• China is the second country after United Kingdom to win on her own country.
• India is the first Miss World contestant to win two fast track events in an edition.

Final result

Miss world – 2012 – China PR – Yu Wenxia

1st Runner-up – Wales – Sophie Moulds

2nd Runner-up- Australia – Jessica Kahawaty

Performing Talent

Miss World Talent 2012 qualifiers were announced on July 21. On August 4, there were 16 contestants who were selected as semifinalists and then 5 finalists were announced during the Talent final held on August 8 at the Ordos Theatre. The winner is announced during the Miss World finals on August 18, 2012.

China PR – Yu Wenxia

Jamaica – Deanna Robins

Norway – Karoline Olsen

Panama – Maricely González

Philippines – Queenierich Rehman

Miss World Sports & Fitness 2012 qualifiers were announced on August 9 after tryouts which was held on August 7. There were 24 contestants who were selected as semifinalists, with 6 for each group and will go through the Sports finals held at the Ordos Stadium on August 9 and 10 2012. The 6 sports events are shuttle run, long jump, penalty shoot out, 100 meter sprint, relay race and swimming. Sweden – Sanna Jinnedal.

Miss World Top Model 2012 qualifiers were announced on July 23. There were 47 contestants who were selected as semifinalists and went through the finals on August 12. The Top Model finals featured Graham Black’s collection for ‘Erdos 1436′ and was taking place at the Erdos 1436 Fashion House, in Market Square. The Top 10 finalists were selected and the winner will be announced on August 18. South Sudan – Atong Demach
Miss World Beauty With A Purpose The Top 10 in Beauty with a Purpose has been announced. The winner announced on 18th Augus 2012. India – Vanya Mishra