Background
Venezuelan Stefania Fernandez Krupij was born September 4, 1990 to Jose Luis Fernandez and Nadia Krupij Holojad in the small town of Merida. She is of Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, and Galician origin. Her father was born in Galicia, Spain but emigrated to Venezuela 45 years ago. Her grandfather from her mother's side has Ukrainian blood. He immigrated from the Soviet Union during the period of communist rule. Sometime in 2005, Stefania's father was kidnapped in the Venezuelan state of Barinas for five days.
Beauty Contests
Standing at the height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m), Fernandez won the Miss Venezuela 2008 title in a pageant held in Caracas last September 10, 2008. She was crowned by the outgoing titleholder, Dayana Mendoza, Miss Venezuela 2007 and Miss Universe 2008. She became the second Miss Trujillo to win that title since the Miss Venezuela pageant first began in 1952. The first was Bárbara Palacios, Miss Venezuela 1986 and Miss Universe 1986. Miss Fernandez is a commercial model by trade.
Then again just after one year, Mendoza crowned her as Miss Universe 2009 last August 23, 2009, in Nassau, Bahamas. The tanned beauty wore a red dress as she received the ultimate prize in beauty pageants. The pageant broadcast live around the world was held in the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. Receiving the tiara from Dayana, Stefania accidentally dropped the crown on stage. But with true grace and dignity, she rebounded as if nothing happened. Fernandez also won the "Miss Elegance", "Best Body" and "Best Face", titles. Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee de la Cruz was the first runner-up. The second runner-up was Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha, while Miss Australia Rachael Finch was third runner-up. Miss China Wang Jingyao was Miss Photogenic, while Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej was named Miss Congeniality. Miss USA Kristen Dalton also made it into the top 10.
Historic Milestone
This marks the first time in Miss Universe history that the same country won the crown in consecutive years. Media reports that Venezuela, famous for its beauty queens, has now won Miss Universe six times out of 58 times. As Venezuela celebrated its back-to-back success at the Miss Universe competition, the rest of the world was left to ponder why the women of the South American nation are fairest of them all. "It's our naturalness which characterizes us," explained Stefania Fernandez. Venezuela's sixth crown puts it only one win away from drawing level with the United States overall -- even though the country only has 26 million people, it has less than one tenth of United States' 300 million population.
Fernandez was selected out of five finalists chosen from the total field of 83 contestants. The top 15 finalists appeared in bathing suits before the final 10 were chosen for the evening gown segment. Pageant co-owner Donald Trump told reporters: "I think this is the most beautiful group of women I've ever seen." The official decision was made by a judging panel which included Andre Leon Talley, the editor-at-large for American Vogue, Dean Cain, the actor, and supermodel Valeria Mazza.
Performances
The main event was hosted by Celebrity Apprentice star Claudia Jordan and Access Hollywood co-anchor Billy Bush, and included musical performances by rapper Flo Rida, singers David Guetta and Kelly Rowland and reality star Heidi Montag. Montag gave her first live performance, singing “Body Language” from her debut album. Fans cheered on the blonde star of MTV’s The Hills, although NBC, which is broadcasting the event in the Bahamas live, blocked out more than half of her performance as they introduced the 15 finalists. “It’s my first performance live and it’s in front of a billion eyes. So I’m very excited to show everyone what I’m coming with,” said Montag prior to her performance.
Pageant's Popularity
The main attraction for contestants is an opportunity to break into and establish themselves in the lucrative world of show business, organizers said. "Women who seek the title of Miss Universe are driven by their desires to open for themselves new opportunities in the world of acting and entertainment," Acirema Alayeto, president of Miss Latin America Organization, told reporters. Each contestant was judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. For the past two weeks, the women have been touring the various islands and participating in preliminary legs of the competition including the swimsuit presentation in the Grand Bahama, a costume presentation, a fashion showcase featuring local designs and fabrics and a state auction dinner in New Providence.
The contestants have also toured other Bahamian islands, including Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco, visiting landmarks and posing for photographs. However as Hurricane Bill threaten the contest, several contestants expressed worries about their safety and the prospects for the competition, but the storm's path passed far away from the islands. The pageant was watched by an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately one billion people.
A smiling Fernandez has graced the pages of media across Venezuela, bringing a welcome change from politics in the polarized nation, where President Hugo Chavez tends to steal the headlines for berating the United States. "Finally we're waking up with some good news," said Telmo Gomez, a retired professor in Caracas. "Venezuela is only in the foreign press when it's about Chavez," said Julian Marquez, drinking in the same cafe. "But today they're talking about us because our women are the most beautiful in the world."
The beauty cult is part of life in the oil-rich nation which is a melting pot for mixed races including roots from Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, African and indigenous peoples. Venezuela's first Miss Universe, Maritza Sayalero, helped boost the beauty business with the country's first victory in 1979. "We Venezuelans don't get tired of it," said Mendoza, who has been touring the world since her 2008 triumph advocating better HIV/AIDS education, research and legislation.
However, after the competition, many contestants have suffered from dehydration in the following weeks, and Jewel Selver, Miss Turks and Caicos, went home early to recuperate, said Esther Swan, Miss Universe spokeswoman.
Controversy
Problems and doubts about the coronation did not stop for the newly elected Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez. In addition to criticism from her own colleagues, who have questioned the election process, now more people signed a letter demanding that Stefania Fernandez should be dethroned, considering that the contest was rigged.
True or false, legitimate doubts about the triumph of Stefania Fernandez as Miss Universe has not ceased, thus sowing uncertainty among supporters of the competition. The choreographer of the Miss Universe pageant has claimed in an interview that Donald Trump handpicked six of the 15 finalists in the pageant.
Trump, the choreographer said, does this because, “some of the most beautiful women, in (Trump’s) opinion, were not in the top 15, and he was kind of upset about that.” In an interview with Guanabee.com, Michael Schwandt, who had been contacted to mainly discuss the Heidi Montag dance number, said, “At all the shows, he pops in the day before the telecast and we line up all the girls in alphabetical order behind microphones. And they say their name, age and country. “Then we line them up in one single file line across the stage. And he basically walks by and has an assistant that takes notes on all the girls. And it’s just kind of common knowledge that he picks six of the top 15 single-handedly.”
Ever since the interview has been picked up by larger news organizations, Schwandt seems to be trying to change his tune. In an e-mail, he said he was joking and tried to disassociate himself from the article. But CNN reports that Daniel Mauser, publisher of Guanabee, said his site stands by the story, "Whatever you see quoted in the article is verbatim to what he said," Mauser said. "So I can understand why he would want to retract those words, but unfortunately that was what was said."
Miss Universe Organization President Paula M. Shugart released a statement that refuted the notion that the pageant is “rigged.” But what the statement also revealed implied that the organization, including Donald Trump, do select the remaining six finalists while the panel of judges select the other nine. "This system has been in place since 2005 and has always been fully disclosed to the contestants, their directors, the judges and the viewing audience," the statement said. "The procedure is overseen by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young and NBC Program Standards and Compliance.”
Rumors that the newly crowned winner of the Miss Universe competition Stefania Fernandez did not rightfully win refuse to die. Word on the street -- from Washington Heights to San Juan, from Paterson, New Jersey to Santo Domingo -- was that Hugo Chavez paid US$5 million for Venezuela to snag it. And proof in the pudding people say is that the crown fell not once but twice: "That crown does not belong to that girl!" said one of the many people who've called the office to complain. "It fell to the floor, it would not stay on her head."
Prizes Won
Her prize package includes cash, a year contract promoting Miss Universe, world travel, a rent-free, prestigious New York City luxury apartment and a gift bag stuffed with designer shoes, dresses and beauty products, a US$100,000 stipend for a two-year course at the New York Film Academy and free access to famous fashion houses and beauty parlors - In detail:
- A new custom diamond tiara and jewellery designed by Diamond Nexus Labs
- A year-long salary as Miss Universe
- A shoe wardrobe from Nina Footwear
- A year's worth of hair-care products and tools from Farouk Systems
- A swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand
- An assortment of Luxe Collection video cameras from DXG USA
- An evening wear wardrobe by Carlos Alberto Haute Couture
- A 6-day/5-night vacation for two at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas with air travel accommodated by JetBlue Airways
- A Skype kit featuring a laptop computer, webcam, speakers and a one-year unlimited world plan to talk to friends and family
- A collection of ultra-lightweight, fashion-fresh Heys USA luggage
- Luxury accommodation in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses
- A two-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy valued at more than US$100,000
- Personal services, including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon
- Modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha
- Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization
- Extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners
- Access to various New York City events, including movie premieres and screenings
- Broadway shows and launch parties
- Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko and access to a personal appearance wardrobe
- Professional media/public relations representation by Rubenstein Public Relations and Planet PR in New York City
- Dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr Cheryl Thellman-Karcher
- Professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD
The 18-year-old brunette will spend her year-long reign traveling the world to lecture on humanitarian issues and to promote education regarding HIV/AIDS.
Indonesian Visit
Stefania said she admired the state and citizens of Indonesia, especially in the matter of hospitality. "I love Indonesia and its people, including those in Medan," the Venezuela`s world beauty queen said October 12, 2009 at a lunch at Medan`s Swiss-Belhotel. Speaking through her interpreter, Stefania admitted that Indonesia was a spectacular country, not to mention its cultural diversity. "I like Indonesia," she said in the company of Miss Indonesia 2009, Qory Sandioriva. She also was delighted after the hotel management presented her with a rubber stamp to print floral Batik designs as a souvenir. She was seen very seriously examining the framed batik rubber stamp when Bob Tutupoly, an Indonesian senior singer, explained that Batik was a traditional cloth decorating craft renowned worldwide. The lunch dubbed "Inspiring Moment" was attended by representatives of the various categories of people inhabiting the Swiss Belhotel , including buyers, condo tenants, mall tenants, hotel guests. "I wanted to attend the lunch just to see Miss Universe with my own eyes and it turns out she`s not only beautiful but also smart and very friendly," said an executive at a state-owned bank who asked to remain anonymous. Swiss-Belhotel public relations manager Lisa Ngadio said that the rubber batik stamp was presented to Miss Universe to always her about Indonesia. "The management fully supports Batik Day on October 2 which the government has declared after the Unesco award," she said.
Bob Tutupoly said Miss Universe`s coming to Indonesia was proof that Indonesia was being increasing recognized by the world in many respects. The legendary master of ceremonies added that Stefania Fernandez had also come to raise funds for poor people needing eye cataract surgery. Meanwhile, Miss Indonesia 2009, Qory Sandioriva, was given a miniature hobo guitar as a souvenir.
Last October 16, Miss Universe 2009 visited Jakarta City Hall. It is an honor for Jakarta City Administration to welcome the most beautiful girl in this universe. Stefania’s visit to Indonesia is the first time after being elected as the winner in Miss Universe 2009 contest. Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo hoped the visit would attract the world's attention to Indonesia, especially Jakarta. Stefania’s visit accompanied by Puteri Indonesia 2009 from Aceh, Qory Sandioriva, to Jakarta City Hall was greeted by city administration staffs, Abang None Jakarta, and Jakarta Koko and Cici. Abang None and Koko Cici asked several questions for Stefania who is assisted by a translator. Stefania answered the questions well.
"It is our pride that Jakarta is the first location
for Stefania’s socialization program around the world. It is the best chance
for us to promote our culture to her,” Bowo said.
Stefania admitted that she is glad to visit Jakarta and know all its cultures.
“It’s my first time visiting Jakarta. I like its people, cultures, and also
the food,” Stefania expressed. She will visit Indonesia for the second time for
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