Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, was crowned Miss Universe 2007 on Monday in Mexico City in a contest marked by protests, a banned dress and the withdrawal of one beauty queen on the ground the pageant degrades women.

Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006 crowns Miss Japan, Riyo Mori as Miss Universe 2007

Miss Japan, Riyo Mori (right) with first runner-up, Miss Brazil, Natalia Guimaraes (left) (left photo);  Zuleyka Rivera, almost dropped the crown! (right photo)

Miss England Finals Announcement – photocall. Eleanor Glynn crowned as Miss England. Do you think she’s pretty?  Funny how every time when there is a beauty peagant anywhere in the world, the contestants are always doing their photo shoot in their bikini. Hmmm. Let’s hope the weather isn’t so chilly in April!

(From left to right) Miss England – Eleanor Glynn, Miss Photographic – Georgia Horsley, Miss African Pride – Rachael Williams, Miss Maya – Mandeep Sidhu and Miss Photographic -Mary Hawkins.

Miss Tennessee Rachel Renee Smith crowned new Miss USA. The 21-year old beauty queen reacted emotionally after the announcement.

Controversial Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006 crowning her successor, Miss Tennessee, Rachel Smith, Miss USA 2007

Nancy O’Dell and Tim Vincent, hosts & Rachel Smith

Danielle Lacourse, Miss Rhode Island, the second runner up

more Tara Conner: Tara Conner Archive