1. South Africa (Demi Leigh Nel-Peters)
South Africa have not fared too well in the past few stagings of MU but this 2017 they are coming out as early frontrunners. If you can see all the media buzz around Demi Leigh, then you're surely gonna think she can go big in the pageant night. All of her pictures show how gorgeous and beautiful she is beaming with that wonderful smile of hers.
2. Venezuela (Keysi Sayago)
After last year's non-inclusion in the semifinals, it seems likely Venezuela won't have a back to back scenario. Keysi does not only have the beauty and elegance but also a pleasing personality that makes her likeable. Her sweet demeanor could easily win over lots of fans and for sure she is one tough competitor.
3. Australia (Olivia Rogers)
Australia is again coming in strong for this year's Miss Universe and with a candidate as lovely as Olivia they look like they can go deep into the competition. Her recent pictures are so lovely and all her interviews and TV appearances are all worth the time showing she is a woman of beauty and intellect as well.
4. Colombia (Laura Gonzalez)
This year Colombia fields in yet another strong contender. Laura is definitely one to watch out. What I like is how different she seems from old Colombia representatives. Laura seems more likeable and relatable and definitely charming in all aspects. Plus judging from her pictures I know she has drop-dead gorgeous body which would help her in the competition to come.
5. Philippines (Rachel Peters)
Pageant crazy country Philippines sends one strong delegate once more. Rachel is beautiful, sexy and very intellectual. She seems to be a darling of the crowd and the press and that exposure could help her in the entire pageant. Coupled with elegance, poise and strong walk, she can be a fierce competitor come November.
6. Thailand (Maria Poonlertlarp)
Thailand has that queenly aura in her and this is what makes her a possible finalist moreso a winner. Her strength is definitely her pretty face which is among the best in the bunch. Her style have some misses along the way but over-all she is coming strong as the days approach for the actual pageant.
7. Russia (Ksenia Alexandrova)
Another candidate with a very pretty face, Ksenia has been an early favorite pre-pageant although the arrival of newly crowned beauties have slowed down her meteoric rise. She is still one of the favorites to date and she seems to improve by the day.
8. Spain (Sofia Del Prado)
This is potentially the strongest candidate of Spain in years and Sofia is truly waiting for the right moment to really shine. Not as highly publicized as the rest of the girls in this list but once you take a closer look at her you will see a pretty lady that can fight for the crown.
9. USA (Kara McCullough)
USA has always sent great candidates and this year is no exception. While a lot of the countries focus more on beauty titlists, USA seemed like they are going on a different route. Their past few delegate may not be the prettiest in the bunch but definitely one of the brightest. Her strong communication skills will be to her advantage as we go along the pageant.
10. Peru (Prissila Howard)
The first thing I noticed with Miss Peru is her drop-dead gorgeous body. And she knows how to strut it pretty well making everyone take notice. And her recent pictures have shown a different side of her making us see a more elegant and sophisticated Prissila.
11. Indonesia (Bunga Jelitha Ibrani)
Indonesia is doing very well in pageants in 2017 and with their MU delegate, their streak might go on. Bunga is beaming with personality and it has really shown on her TV appearances and her shoots. One of the stronger Indonesian candidate in years for Miss Universe, Bunga will surely try to grab a spot in the semifinals.
12. Malaysia (Samantha James)
Another Southeast Asian beauty that captured my attention as we approach the pageant period is Miss Malaysia. Samantha is not your typical Malaysian beauty as she seems more like a mix of different nationalities and in a good way. If she can build up momentum she can be a force in the pageant weeks to come.
13. Puerto Rico (Danna Hernandez)
Danna is another one of the stunners in this year's pageant and Puerto Rico is raring to go back to higher spots on the rankings for Miss Universe. Though some people may have mix reactions on her, I still think that if she consistently perform above expectations she can land in the semifinals.
14. Great Britain (Anna Burdzy)
Great Britain is coming on war mode this year and Anna is holding the Britain's flag up high. Her pleasing personality and a great set of pictures as we go through the road to the crown has proven helpful in her bid to make it into the semifinals.
15. France (Alicia Aylies)
Alicia is hard pressed this year as the reigning queen Iris is from France. And Alicia is up to the challenge as she has shown how wonderful a lady she is. her unique look may be to her advantage as she may stand out in a pool full of Latina looking beauties.
16. Brazil (Monalysa Alcantara)
Brazil continues to surprise us with their choices of delegates and this year is no different. With her wonderful locks, she can easily become a stand-out. She however has the more difficult route to stand out as France and USA are of the same looks as her. But with a strong personality, she can make things happen and fare well in the pageant.
17. Israel (Adar Gandelsman)
Israel is making waves this year. Not only because of Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) but also with their 2017 MU delegate. Adar is one of the prettiest face in the competition and could be on a lot of critic's hot picks. Her young looks may be a breathe of fresh air for the pageant or it could also possibly cause her to fade into the backgrounds.
18. Mexico (Denisse Franco)
Mexico is another lady to watch. With features that strikingly resemble Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, she is potentially a contender in the pageant night. She seems to also be well loved by the press and that makes her more visible to the public which would help her in the long run.
19. Ghana (Ruth Quarshie)
Ghana is perhaps the only colored candidate that really caught my attention pre-pageant and pre-arrival. Ruth is stunning and her color makes her stand out among the rest. With a great presence on stage she can possibly surprise people during the pageant night.
20. Namibia (Sune January)
Another strong delegate from Naminia, Sune does not have the traditional beauty queen looks but that's what makes her interesting. With that and her over-all elegance, she can come out as one of the surprises of this year's pageant.
