Miss Universe 2012 Pageant Pictures and Highlights

Australian Miss Universe candidate Renae Ayris made the top five at the Miss Universe 2012 Pageant held in Las Vegas yesterday. The WA beauty was third runner-up, placing behind Miss Venezuela Irene Sofiá Esser Quintero, Miss Philippines Janine, and Miss USA Olivia Culpo, who is the first American to win the title since 1997. During the show the girls modelled swimsuits, evening gowns and national dress, and the top five participated in a Q&A. Renae is also good friends with Olivia as they were roommates!

Renae’s fourth place ranking puts her in the same group as previous Australian representatives who also made the top 10, including Laura Dundovic in 2008, Rachael Finch in 2009, Jesinta Campbell in 2010 (she won Miss Congeniality that year) and Scherri-Lee Biggs last year. Our most famous Miss Universe rep is still Jennifer Hawkins, who won in 2004. Yesterday’s competition also featured another Aussie star, Timomatic, who performed during the telecast. He tweeted, “Miss Universe is over!! This was the biggest performance of my life and I had the time of my life!”