Here's everything you need to know about the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador
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The 72nd Miss Universe beauty pageant will be held on Saturday and hosted in El Salvador, with the central American country drawing in 84 contestants from around the globe.
The competition has so far featured a culturally based costume display and introductions from each of the contestants before the big contest on Nov. 18, which will see the return of the current Miss Universe and 2023 winner, R'Bonney Gabriel, a Texan who was the ninth American to win the contest.
The event is hosted by Miss Universe 2012 winner Olivia Culpo and television personality Jeannie Mai Jenkins, with Maria Menounos, Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall serving as backstage correspondents.
Here's everything you need to know about the pageant, including where to watch it.
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Who will be competing in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant?
This year's pageant contestants will represent their home countries and their respective unique cultural heritage. For the first time, this year features representation from Pakistan, with Erica Robin competing. Countries returning for the first time after last year include Denmark, Guyana, and Zimbabwe.
This year's pageant will include its first mothers and married women to compete, with Maria Camila Avella Montanez of Colombia and Michelle Cohn of Guatemala.
Rikkie Valerie Kolle from the Netherlands and Marina Machete Portugal were the second and third transgender participants to be in the pageant.
When is the Miss Universe 2023 pageant?
The pageant is Saturday, Nov. 18, with the event officially starting at 6 p.m. Arizona time.
Where is the pageant airing?
The pageant is on local Telemundo channel 20, KTAZ. Telemundo will air pre-event coverage starting at 4 p.m.
The event is also partnered with Roku to stream the pageant for the second consecutive year on the platform's Roku Channel app.
What will the pageant consist of?
The competition side of the pageant will have contestants show off their poise and style, followed by a selection of questions from a committee. There will be a swimsuit showcase and an evening gown fashion show that will feature musical entertainment.
Who is the singer of the pageant?
The event will feature a performance from Grammy award-winning singer John Legend, whose music will go alongside the evening gown show.
Who is the favorite to win?
La Prensa Grafica, an El Salvadorian newspaper inspired by the "sash factor" of the contestants before the big competition, placed Miss Puerto Rico Karla Guilfú Acevedo in first place, followed by Miss Brazil in Maria Brechane and Miss Cambodia Sotima John in third.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's what to know about the 72nd Miss Universe pageant on Saturday
