Courtesy: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Hollywood website
For the first time since 2015, the world-renowned Miss Universe pageant will be making its return to Florida as the stage gets set for this weekend’s crowning.
The eyes of the world will all be on the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, as 74 participants from around the globe will hit center stage, hoping to become Miss Universe 2020.
“There is no bigger event than Miss Universe that puts the eyes of the entire world on South Florida and on the Guitar Hotel property,” said Keith Sheldon, president of entertainment for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.
The pageant will be making its return to South Florida for the 17th time since the show’s inception back in 1952. This year’s edition will be the first Miss Universe held in Broward County.
“Anytime we can showcase our city to an international group of delegates, like the Miss Universe contestants, we are so excited and proud to showcase our city here in South Florida,” said Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy. “We are honored.”
The city is more than thrilled to be hosting the event and hopes the energy that comes with it will inspire similar events to call their number for future events.
“Having them enjoy our restaurants, our pools, taking photographs and being great ambassadors, not only for themselves and their own countries and cultures but also the Hard Rock brand has been a wonderful thing,” Sheldon added.
Contestants have already begun to arrive in South Florida for the event and like most people—they love the weather.
“I love the weather here because it reminds me of home in Thailand,” said Amanda Obdam, Miss Thailand.
Event Details
There will be a live audience for the event, and social distancing and masks will be required for all attendees. Anyone attending the limited capacity show will have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before entering.
GRAMMY award-winning superstar and Florida native Armando Christian Pérez, better known by his stage name Pitbull, will headline the show’s performance. The hosts of the show will be Mario Lopez and the 2012 Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
While the event is being held in 2021, the crowning will actually be for the 2020 Miss Universe title. The Miss Universe pageant is this Sunday, May 16, at 8 p.m. EST.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
