Miss Universe 1968


Miss Universe 1968 was the 17th Miss Universe pageant, held at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach, Florida, the United States, on 13 July 1968.
At the conclusion of the event, Sylvia Hitchcock of the United States crowned Martha Vasconcellos of Brazil as Miss Universe 1968. It is the second victory of Brazil in the history of the pageant.
Contestants from sixty-five countries and territories competed in this edition. The pageant was hosted by Bob Barker, while June Lockhart provided commentary throughout the competition.

Background

Selection of participants

Contestants from sixty-five countries and territories were selected to compete in the pageant. Two candidates were appointed to represent their country to replace the original dethroned winner.

Replacements

Miss Australia 1968, Helen Newton, withdrew after her sponsor decided not to participate in the competition. As a result, the rights to choose the Australian candidate for Miss Universe went to the Queen of Quests competition, which was won by Lauren Jones.
Elizabeth Cadren, second runner-up of Miss France 1968, was appointed as the French candidate for Miss Universe after Miss France 1968, Christiane Lillio, decided that she will not compete in any international competition.
Debuts, returns, and withdrawals
This edition saw the debuts of Congo-Kinshasa, Malta, and Yugoslavia, and the returns of Haiti which last competed in 1962; Australia and Tunisia in 1965; and Ceylon, Ecuador, Jamaica, Lebanon, Nicaragua, and Thailand last competed in 1966. Cuba, Panama, and Paraguay withdrew after their respective organizations failed to hold a national competition or appoint a delegate.
Miss Morocco, Zakia Chamouch, was set to compete but withdrew for being underage.

Pageant

Format

Same with 1966, fifteen semi-finalists were chosen at the preliminary competition that consists of the swimsuit and evening gown competition. Each of the fifteen semi-finalists were individually interviewed by Bob Barker. Following the interviews, the fifteen semi-finalists participated in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. From fifteen, five contestants were shortlisted to advance to the final interview.

Selection committee

Contestants

Sixty-five contestants competed for the title.
Country/TerritoryContestantAgeHometown
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