Aniska Tonge, Miss Universe U.S Virgin Islands and native of St. Thomas, has begun her participation in the 67th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, a release issued Saturday has made known.
Ms. Tonge arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday, November 28 to begin registration and preliminary competitions, the release said. She will participate in preliminary swimwear, evening gown and national costume competitions ahead of the December 17 telecast on FOX. Contestants from 95 countries are expected to compete in this year’s pageant.
This is Ms. Tonge’s third time representing the territory as an alumn of both the Miss America Scholarship Pageant in 2013 and Miss World in 2014, according to the release. She is supported by the Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands Franchise and the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
The Miss Universe U.S Virgin Islands pageant is independently produced by Lulu Orange Inc., under the national direction of Lulu Orange Tyson. It is under the license of IMG Universe LLC, doing business as The Miss Universe Organization. Pageants are held annually in the summer and alternate between the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Miss Universe 2018 is expected to be held at Impact, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, Thailand. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa will crown her successor at the end of the event.
The show is expected to be hosted again by comedian Steve Harvey and supermodel Ashley Graham, while television personality Carson Kressley and runway coach Lu Sierra are expected to provide commentary and analysis throughout the event. American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo will perform during the competition.
Tags: Aniska Tonge, Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands