MissUniverse2007

Mexico City, Mexico May 28, 2007 - This evening, during one of the year's most exciting live international television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, as MISS UNIVERSE® 2007.

Ms. Mori is 20 years-old and has been dancing since she was 4. She loves traveling the world and enjoys visiting museums and watching musicals.

The judging panel for the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant included NBC's "Heroes" James Kyson Lee, NBC's "Deal or No Deal" briefcase model Lindsay Clubine, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, rocker Dave Navarro, World and Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, fashion designer Marc Bouwer, Novela Star Mauricio Islas, "Project Runway" judge and Elle magazine fashion director Nina Garcia, and former Miss Universes Dayanara Torres (1993) and Christiane Martel (1953).

Final Results:

First Runner Up: Miss Brazil, Natalia Guimaraes will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2007 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Miss Venezuela, Ly Jonaitis

Rest of Top Five: Miss Korea, Honey Lee; and Miss USA, Rachel Smith.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss India, Puja Gupta; Miss Angola, Micaela Reis; Miss Tanzania, Flaviana Matata; Miss Nicaragua, Xiomara Blandino; and Miss Mexico, Rosa Maria Ojeda Cuen.

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Thailand, Farung Yuthithum; Miss Denmark, Zak lina; Sojic; Miss Slovenia, Tjasa Kokalj; Miss Ukraine, Lyudmyla Bikmullina; and Miss Czech Republic, Lucie Hadasova.

Miss Photogenic Award: Miss Philippines, Anna Theresa Licaros. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal.

Congeniality Award: Miss China, Ningning Zhang. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She also received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal.

The MISS UNIVERSE ® 2007 prize package includes: Official Miss UNIVERSE Mikimoto pearl tiara; 2 Year Scholarship from The NY Film Academy in NYC; custom designed wardrobe by Tadashi; National and International multi-media advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear; Swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand; Shoe wardrobe from Nina; A Ritmo Mundo Jumbo Jet Mystery Dial time piece; Year-long supply of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems; Membership to Gravity Fitness and papering at John Barrett Salon; Fashion Portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko; New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses; professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization and Trump Model Management; and a personal appearance wardrobe.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, Global Health Council and God's Love We Deliver, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today.

RIYO MORI
MISS UNIVERSE® 2007

What started as her grandmother's premonition became a reality for Riyo Mori on May 28th, 2007. At the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, the Japanese beauty was crowned Miss Universe 2007 at the age of 20.

A self-described "modern-day female samurai," Riyo prides herself on having a great sense of independence and self, "the traditional samurai spirit prizes composure, patience and a sense of justice. It is someone who fearlessly faces challenges with a strong will." Riyo definitely embodies an independent woman. By the age of 16, she left her home in Shizuoka, Japan to study abroad in Canada, eventually reaching New York at 19 years old. Through her travels and studies, Riyo has been able to master adapting to different environments, the importance of learning foreign languages and the need for intercultural understanding. When her host guardian in Canada was suffering from hearing loss, Riyo learned American Sign Language to communicate. This experience eventually led her to volunteer with Deaf children, working on art activities.

A dancer and performer since the age of four, Riyo has spent most of her life focused on her craft. Her mother runs a dance school in their hometown, where Riyo first discovered her passion. She was literally surrounded by dance, where classes were held on the bottom level of their house. It wasn't long before she was traveling the world in pursuit of her career. Riyo studied at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, the Radio City Rockettes' Summer Intensive and was also accepted to the Broadway Dance Center in New York, but ultimately turned down the offer when she realized she made it to the finals of Miss Japan. "Everything was prepared; I even had an apartment in New York. But having the chance to become Miss Universe was beyond any dream. I had to do it."

With the title of Miss Universe now under her belt, Riyo is as determined as ever. She aspires to become the first Japanese Radio City Rockette and will eventually open an international dance school in Tokyo, Japan. "My mother taught me that women can have it all. You donít have to choose between having a family or career, you can do both." Riyo intends on spreading this message of empowerment and independence to women all over the world, just as her mother has for her.

Riyo is also excited to start championing the official causes of MISS UNIVERSE®, which include increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on womenís health and reproductive issues and forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, including the Latino Commission on AIDS, Global Health Council and Godís Love We Deliver.

Miss Universe 2007