Mexico – In April 2007, controversy erupted over the proposed national costume of Rosa María Ojeda, Miss Mexico. The skirt of the costume depicted scenes from the
Cristero War, a
Roman Catholic rebellion in the 1920s in which thousands of people were killed, including
hangings.[6] The outfit included a bullet-studded belt and
crucifix necklace.[7] The design was chosen from over thirty others and had been intended to show Mexico's culture and history, but it elicited controversy amid claims it was in poor taste and inappropriate.[6] Pageant owners said that the costume would be redesigned to include image of the
Virgin of Guadalupe.[6]
Judges
Final telecast
The following celebrities judged the final competition.
Christiane Martel was added as a judge the day prior to the final competition.[8]
Mauritius – Melody Selvon was only 16 years old.[citation needed] Rules state that all Miss Universe contestants must be over the age of 18 and Selvon was replaced by first runner-up, Sandra Faro.[citation needed]
Prior to the final telecast, all contestants competed in swimsuit and evening gown during the preliminary competition. They also participated in interviews with the judges.[citation needed]
During the final competition, the top fifteen contestants (based on their preliminary scores) competed in the swimsuit competition, and the top ten competed in evening gown. The final five contestants participated in a final round of on-stage interviews, before the runners-up were announced and the new Miss Universe named.[citation needed]
This was the first year since 2002 that the judges' average scores were shown on television.[citation needed]
It was the first time since 2001 that the final question posed on the ladies came from the judges. The previous pageants had final questions coming from the current Miss Universe and the delegates participating in the final five themselves.[citation needed]