Oricon reveals just how much money acts made in the first half of 2011!

With the end of June rapidly approaching, the first half of 2011 has shockingly come to an end, and Oricon recently disclosed the top selling singles, albums, and DVDs since January 1st. Now they have also disclosed just how much the top acts have made these past six months in monetary terms.

AKB48 has proved to be a giant force in the industry, and have shown no signs of slowing down, as the group made roughly 66.6 billion yen (USD $82.6 million). Arashi also proved to be fierce competition, trailing behind the massive girl group by less than a million.


Check out the competition below!


1. AKB48 – 6.66 billion yen (USD $82.6 million)
2. Arashi – 6.59 billion yen (USD $81.7 million)
3. EXILE – 4.68 billion yen (USD $58 million)
4. Amuro Namie – 2.7 billion yen (USD $33.4 million)
5. Shoujo Jidai (SNSD) – 2.6 billion yen (USD $32.2 million)
6. KARA – 2.15 billion yen (USD $26.6 million)


Shoujo Jidai (SNSD) and KARA ranked as the highest foreign selling acts, despite debuting in the tail end of 2010. Shoujo Jidai sold roughly 153,000 copies of their single, “MR. TAXI/Run Devil Run“, and 326,000 copies of their debut Japanese album, “GIRLS’ GENERATION“, just enough to snatch them the lead spot in the foreign artists category.

Tohoshinki (TVXQ) ranks as the foreign act in fourth place, selling 284,000 copies of their single “Why? (Keep Your Head Down)“, while Jang Geun Suk rounds off the top 5 with 186,000 copies of his debut Japanese single, “Let me cry“.


source : tokyohive

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SCANDAL reveals covers for upcoming album, “BABY ACTION”!

Female rock band SCANDAL have just revealed the covers for their upcoming album, “BABY ACTION“!

The covers exude a “superstar” atmosphere with its cool lighting and the girls’ short black outfits, giving fans something more to look forward to until the album finally drops on August 10th.

Check out the covers below!


CD+DVD



CD-Only


source: tokyohive

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NIKIIE’s new song chosen as ending theme for CDTV + new album & tour

Singer-songwriter NIKIIE, who made her debut last December, has had her new song, “NAME“, chosen as the ending theme for music program “CDTV” (TBS) through the month of July. The song will be included on the singer’s first album, “*(NOTES)“, on sale July 13th.

With help from Cocco and Abe Mao, and the production talents of Negishi Takamune, the song’s pop-rock sound matches perfectly with the lyrics. “There’s a part of me that’s visible, and a part of me that’s not. There are feelings that can be put into words, and those that can’t. I realized that there is a part of me on the edge of expression, a part that I had been hiding. I hope that this song gives its listeners a chance to make a new discovery”, NIKIIE commented.

The artist’s first album will encompass 12 songs, including her debut single “Shunkashuto” (December 2010), singles “HIDE&SEEK“, “Ajisai“, and others. It will be released in both a limited and regular edition. The limited edition includes the music video for “NAME”, as well as a DVD of the 8 songs performed at the “It’s ME, NIKIIE TOUR!!” concert on April 10th in Shibuya.

NIKIIE will also kick off a new tour after the album’s release, called “NIKIIE LIVE TOUR 2011 *(POSTSCRIPT)“. Beginning September 16th at KRAPS HALL in Sapporo, the tour will cover 8 concerts in 8 cities before ending October 14th at club SONIC in Mito.

Tickets for the upcoming tour will go on sale August 13th.
source :tokyohive

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Mr. Children’s song “Sosei” chosen as the theme song for upcoming documentary

The critically-acclaimed BBC documentary, “Life -Inochi wo tsunagu monogatari-“, narrated by kabuki actor Matsumoto Kojiro and his daughter, actress Matsu Takako, will open on September 1st, and the theme song for the Japanese release will be rock band Mr. Children’s “Sosei” (“Rebirth”).

The song was released in May 2002 as part of the album “IT’S A WONDERFUL WORLD“, and is a favorite at Mr. Children concerts. Nine years after its release, the song that means so much to Mr. Children has finally been picked up as a movie’s theme.

The song was chosen for its message of life, hope, and courage, which dovetail with the documentary’s theme. Mr. Children’s vocalist and guitarist Sakurai Kazutoshi said, “Animals have their own will, and know how to communicate it. I didn’t know that until I watched the movie”. He says he can relate to the movie’s theme, and agreed to participate because he wants to inspire others to watch the movie as well.



This movie is the largest production in history with more than 3,000 days of filming and a production cost of 3.5 billion yen (~$43.6 million). More than traditional nature photography, this documentary is the first to capture scenes from the animal’s point of view.

With more than 20 episodes surrounding the animals of land, sea, and sky, the movie aims to illustrate the animal kingdom in breathtaking detail.

source : tokyohive

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Goto Maki announces she will be going on hiatus in 2012!

Former Morning Musume member Goto Maki left a message for her fans on her website recently.

In the message, she talks about her plans to go on hiatus in 2012.

See the original message here.

The translation of the message is as follows:

“To my fans and those who will be affected,

Today, I have important news.

I, Goto Maki, will stop all entertainment activities starting January of next year.

13 years ago, during the summer, not knowing the world, as a daughter of a working-class family, I brazenly took the opportunity to audition for Morning Musume. And I became Gomaki; while I experienced many brilliant stages, I ran about in a daze.

I am truly thankful for all my fans who came to support and root for me in both clear weather and rain, for the staff and others who always assisted me, and for my family as well as fellow entertainers I have met.

In winter of last year, I lost my mother, who was a strong source of support; this led me to think about many things.

Looking back on the path that I had walked, I thought about how I wanted to live in the future and found it different from the path that I had chosen up until now.

I feel extremely thankful for everyone’s existence.

However, as it is, I cannot fill up a giant void within myself.

Up until now, I have always been living not for myself, but for someone else.

I have come to the conclusion that this time, that “me” should not be living for someone else, no matter who they are, but for myself.

That “me” is not Gomaki; instead, it is connected to my desire to change into a normal Goto Maki.

While I think about what I can do, I want to challenge myself to do whatever it is I think up.

I have agonized about this for a long time, but I have decided to stop my feet here.

For those who have supported me as singer Goto Maki, I will use all of my energy to run through the remaining half of the year.

In July, a new track will be released for distribution; in the summer, I will go to various places to sing for a-nation; in the fall, Avex, to which I have transferred to, will release my first album.

And in December, just like nearly four years ago, I will hold a solo concert.

While I wish that you will understand my selfish determination, in the period until my hiatus, even though I am just one person, I want my gratitude to reach everyone and I will do my best to open up all of my power.

Doozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

2011 June

Goto Maki”

source : tokyohive

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Mizuki Nana’s new song chosen as theme song for “Hitachi Sekai Fushigi Hakken!”

Mizuki Nana’s upcoming song “7COLORS” has been chosen as the new ending theme for the TBS quiz show “Hitachi Sekai Fushigi Hakken!“.

“7COLORS” will be included on Mizuki Nana’s 25th single, “Junketsu Paradox“, on sale August 3rd, and it promises to gain a lot of attention as the ending theme of a popular prime-time show.

The singer is currently on her nationwide tour, “NANA MIZUKI LIVE JOURNEY 2011“. The tour covers 14 concerts and will finish at Sendai’s Sun Plaza Hall on August 13th and 14th.

source: tokyohive

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AKB48 appears in new Asahi CM for “Wonda Coffee”!

AKB48 has been chosen as the image characters for Asahi’s “Wonda” coffee drinks!

The group – which features top members Itano Tomomi, Shinoda Mariko, Watanabe Mayu, Oshima Yuko, Kasai Tomomi, Yokoyama Yui, and Maeda Atsuko – will be promoting the drink, “Wonda I’m FREE“.

During the commercial, Yokoyama cutely exclaims, “I’m FREE!”, in reference to the 97% caffeine-free drink.

Unlike previous commercials, AKB48 wears casual clothing to bring out their sincere expressions of happiness.

Check out the CM below!




source: tokyohive

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Morning Musume’s Michishige Sayumi scolds new members for feigning innocence

On June 20th, idol group Morning Musume appeared at a public recording event for a STAR digio music broadcast that occurred in Tokyo.

The group has just completed their first concert as a nine-person group with the four new Ninth Generation members, and in front of nearly 1000 fans who gathered at the event, Morning Musume Sixth Generation member Michishige Sayumi remarked with a smile that, “The ninth generation members are still feigning innocence.” Afterwards, she praised herself, while her fellow members smiled bitterly.

Before their first public recording, new member Suzuki Kanon said, “As usual, I want to sing and dance with a smile,” while Ikuta Erina said spiritedly, “I think that many people are listening and I also think about the people who could not come to the event while I sing and dance.”

Mitsui Aika, who fractured her left ankle at the group’s May 8th public performance in Nagano Sunplaza, and was told she needed 8 weeks of recovery time, smiled and said, “I am okay. I stood for one month. I am healthy,” and she later participated in the event on crutches.

An edited recording of the event will be broadcast as a special program on the 26th at 11 PM on STAR digio as “Morning Musume. ‘Shoka no Kaishingeki’ Special ~ Watashitachi no deban ga yatte kitaa!! 9 nin, chikara o awasete tsukisusumu kara nee!!~.”


source: tokyohive

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AAA teach their YouTube viewers to dance “CRAZY GONNA CRAZY”

Yesterday, AAA’s Nishijima Takahiro and Uno Misako posted a YouTube video on their YouTube channel on how to dance “CRAZY GONNA CRAZY,” a song that will be featured on their Buzz Communication Tour 2011.

In this short video, Nishijima starts out the video by stating, “Hi, everyone! How are you? The two of us will now show you how to dance ‘CRAZY GONNA CRAZY’. I’ll be really happy if you learned it and remembered it for our live concert for Buzz Communication Tour 2011!”

Many of the comments from the viewers state on how cute this video is.

So check out for yourself on how cute the video is below!



source: tokyohive

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Masuwaka Tsubasa (Milky Bunny) reveals covers for “Bunny Days”

Model/talento Masuwaka Tsubasa (Milky Bunny) has revealed the jacket covers for her upcoming debut single, “Bunny Days“, to be released on July 20th.

The cover see Masuwaka posing with adorable bunny ears in a pastel-colored room.

Check out the regular version of the cover below, in addition to the close-up version shown above!




source : tokyohive

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Check out a video interview with the cast of “Ouran Host Club” + translation!

The cast of “Ouran Host Club” was recently interviewed on TBS’s morning show,”Ousama no Brunch“!

Check out the video and translation below!




Based on a very popular teenage girl’s manga, the main character is a girl who joins a club and ends up posing as a boy.


Kawaguchi Haruna acts as the main character, performing in her first drama.

Yamamoto Yusuke acts as the host club leader/director.

Daito Shunsuke acts as club’s vice leader/director.

-

Question to Kawaguchi: This is your first drama, how do you feel?

Kawaguchi: I’m so nervous, I feel like throwing up (laugher). But I have the will to perform well, and I’ll do my best.

-

Question: How did everybody prepare for their roles?

Yamamoto: There is the manga and anime to study and learn the role from.

Nakamura: And we also learned the mannerisms of the characters directly from the character instructor.

-

Question: Within those character’s mannerisms that you learned, were there any surprise parts to the character?

Response: The manner in which one has to “bow” (ojigi).

This is how you normally bow, but we learned to bow from the waist, keeping the angle of one’s neck straight.

-

Question to Ryusa: It seems Ryusa is the black sheep of the group, as you’re the only one with a different uniform. How do you feel?

Response: Yeah, it just seems like an error, but…the character is well played at certain point.

-

Question to Kawaguchi: Among the seven actors here, please pick the one who portrayed the character best.

Response: (After playing around with the seven guys…complimenting, bribing, etc.)

Tamaki (Yamamoto)!

Fundamentally, these parts always had lots of tension, but when we’re together, we always kept smiles on our faces.

Yamamoto: There is a lot of similarity in my character and my real self. I think even if this is for real, and not just acting, she’s probably picking me.

-

Question: What about in real life?

Kawaguchi: For real, I think it’s Nakamura.

(Yamamoto seems down…he thought she would pick him.)

-

Now a question to everybody…how do you plan to fight the heat this summer?

Ito: I don’t like to keep air conditioning on…like when I go sleep, I just leave the window little open and feel the night breeze.

Takaki: I don’t think of it as hot. It’s all a matter of mind control.

Yamamoto: Guarantee you guys are lying!

-

At the end of the interview, Kawaguchi states:

With interesting members, I’m hoping that this drama will provide good laughter and a good story for everyone.

The drama starts in July!


source :tokyohive

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Buono! releases covers for their upcoming single, “Natsu Dakara!”

Hello! Project group Buono! has released some details about their upcoming single, titled “Natsu Dakara!”

The single will be released on July 20th in three different packages: Limited Edition Type A, Limited Edition Type B, and Regular Edition. The limited editions will come with a serial number for their fan event and a DVD.

Check out the single covers below!




source: tokyohive

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Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton, smile while posing for photographers.

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez visits the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on September 2, 2009 in New York City.



Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela smiles while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez (L) and Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on September 2, 2009 in New York City.



Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela smiles while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez (L) and Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on September 2, 2009 in New York City.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez (L) and Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center on September 2, 2009 in New York City.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.



Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (R), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton (L), smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.


Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez (L), of Venezuela and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton, smile while posing for photographers on the "Top of the Rock" observation deck at the Rockefeller Center in New York September 2, 2009.

credit photo : Reuters pictures.

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THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION, Final Results, August 23, 2009

MISS VENEZUELA, STEFANIA FERNANDEZ CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE 2009

First Runner-Up: Miss Domincan Republic, Ada Aimee De La Cruz; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2009 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner-Up: Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Australia, Rachael Finch; Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez.

Miss Photogenic Universe™ Award: Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej.

Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award: Miss China, Wang Jingyao.

August 23, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MISS VENEZUELA, STEFANIA FERNANDEZ CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE 2009
New York, NY – August 23, 2009 – This evening, during one of the year’s most exciting live international television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, as MISS UNIVERSE® 2009 live from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, is 18-years-old and she is interested in International Relations.

The judging panel for the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant included: Dean Cain, actor and producer best known for his TV portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman; Colin Cowie, author/television personality/designer to the stars; Gerry DeVeaux, award-winning producer, songwriter and style guru; Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of CHI Hair Care; Heather Kerzner, Ambassador for Kerzner International and their resorts, including Atlantis, Paradise Island; Richard LeFrak, Chairman, President and CEO, LeFrak Organization; George Maloof Jr., professional sports mogul and hotelier; Valeria Mazza, international supermodel; Matthew Rolston, leading photographer and director; Andre Leon Talley, award-winning writer and editor; Tamara Tunie, actress, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit;" and Keisha Whitaker, fashion maven and founder of the Kissable Couture lip gloss line.

Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from over 80 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. Dayana Mendoza,
Miss Universe 2008, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately one billion viewers.

Final Results:


First Runner-Up: Miss Domincan Republic, Ada Aimee De La Cruz; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2009 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner-Up: Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Australia, Rachael Finch; Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar; Miss Czech Republic, Iveta Lutovska; Miss Switzerland, Whitney Toyloy; Miss USA, Kristen Dalton; and Miss France, Chloe Mortaud.

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Albania, Hasna Xhukici; Miss Belgium, Zeynep Sever; Miss Croatia, Sarah Cosic; Miss Iceland, Ingibjorg Egilsdottir; and Miss Sweden, Renate Cerljen.

Miss Photogenic Universe™ Award: Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from pageant sponsor Diamond Nexus Labs.

Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award: Miss China, Wang Jingyao. 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 was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs.

The MISS UNIVERSE® 2009 prize package includes: the Miss Universe tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs; a two-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy worth more than $100,000 dollars to its acting or film-making programs; an eveningwear wardrobe from Carlos Alberto; a custom swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand; a shoe collection from Nina Footwear; an assortment of Luxe Collection video cameras from DXG USA; a six-day/five-night vacation for two at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas with air travel accommodations by JetBlue Airways; a year-long supply of Farouk Systems products, makers of CHI, the original Ceramic Technology tools; a Skype kit featuring a laptop computer, webcam, speakers and a one-year Unlimited World plan to talk to friends and family; membership to Gravity Fitness and pampering at John Barrett Salon; a fashion portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; consultations with personal stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers; a New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization to further her personal and professional goals.


ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION
The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide 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, God’s Love We Deliver, PSI/YouthAIDS and Gay Men’s Health Crisis. For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com

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Miss Universe 2009, Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez.(more.)

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez poses after being crowned Miss Universe 2009 at the end of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.

Miss USA Kristen Dalton competes in the swimsuit competition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Dalton finished in the top 15.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Fernandez won the crown.

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Matos Perez finished as fourth runner up.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez competes in the swimsuit competition during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Stefania Fernandez won the title.

Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha competes in the evening gown competition Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Dragusha finished as second runner up.

Miss Australia Rachael Finch competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Finch finished as the third runner up.

Miss USA Kristen Dalton competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Dalton finished in the top 15.

Miss Croatia Sarah Cosic competes in the swimsuit competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Cosic finished among the top 15.

Miss France Chloe Mortaud competes in the swimsuit competition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Mortaud finished in the top 15.

Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen, left, and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha compete in the swimsuit competition at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Both finished in the top 15.

Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, center, celebrates with Miss USA Kristen Dalton after making it into the top 10 during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. At left is Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy.

Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy, left, celebrates finishing in the top 10 during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Also seen are top 15 finalists Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, center, and Miss USA Kristen Dalton.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, center, Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz, left, and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha hold hands as they wait to hear how they placed in the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. ernandez won the crown, De la Cruz finished as first runner up and Dragusha finished as second runner up.

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz, center, reacts as she is named as a top five finalist during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. De la Cruz finished as first runner up.

Miss Switzerland Whitney Toyloy, center, reacts due to feeling ill as Miss USA Kristen Dalton comforts her during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. At left is Miss Czech Republic Iveta Lutovska and back right Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez.

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz reacts as she chooses a question from a bowl next to host Billy Bush who looks on during the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. De la Cruz finished as first runner up.

Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, center, reacts as she is named Miss Universe 2009 next to Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, also of Venezuela, right, at the end the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz, left, was first runner up.

Miss Norway Eli Landa, center, looking at the camera, waits with other Miss Universe contestants as they are escorted through the Atlantis resort the morning of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Behind from left to right are Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, Miss Finland Essi Poysti, and Miss Guyana Jenel Cox.

Miss Panama Diana Broce, front left, Miss Spain Estibaliz Pereira Rabade, second right, and Miss El Salvador Mayella Mena walk through the Atlantis resort the morning of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009.

Miss Universe contestants walk through the Atlantis resort the morning of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Nassau, Bahamas, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Seen are Miss Italy Laura Valenti, bottom, Miss Montenegro Anja Jovanovic, center, Miss Slovenia Mirela Korac, center left, Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez, right, and Miss Germany Martina Lee, top left.

credit photo: AP photo.

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