The short version
- Osmel Sousa listed Venezuela, Philippines, France, New Zealand and Puerto Rico as his five favorites according to Primera Hora
- Sousa told a podcast he is certain one of those five will win Miss Universe reported Primera Hora
- Miss Universe Organization unveiled a new crown for its 75th anniversary made of 18-karat white gold and 3,150 diamonds Metro Puerto Rico reported
- The final will be held on Nov. 24 at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in Hato Rey according to Metro Puerto Rico
Favorites for the crown
Osmel Sousa revealed his five favorites to win Miss Universe 2026, which is being held in Puerto Rico. The former director of Miss Venezuela named Venezuela, Philippines, France, New Zealand and Puerto Rico in a podcast hosted by Venezuelan presenter Rodner Figueroa, Primera Hora reported.
Sousa added that if he were on the island observing the contestants he would have a clearer view. "Pero si estuviera allí viéndolas actuar, caminar, mirar, hablar, moverse, tú sabes que todo eso influye... ya yo te podría decir cuáles son las fuertes," he said. He also stated "Una de esas, yo te aseguro que será Miss Universo," according to the same report.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Esta corona es un tributo a nuestra historia, pero aun más importante, celebra a las mujeres que han llevado nuestro título
Our translation: This crown is a tribute to our history, but even more important, it celebrates the women who have carried our title
The source's own statement, as quoted by Metro Puerto Rico. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
75th anniversary crown unveiled
The Miss Universe Organization presented the crown that will be used for the 75th anniversary edition taking place in Puerto Rico. The piece was created by designer George Wittels in collaboration with Maison d’OR and is made of 18-karat white gold with 3,150 brilliant-cut diamonds, Metro Puerto Rico reported.
The three main diamonds represent the past, present and future of the pageant. The organization’s CEO Ronald Day said the crown honors the history and the women who have held the title. The reigning champion, Mexico's Fátima Bosch, winner of Miss Universe 2025, currently wears the previous crown “La Luz del Infinito.” The 75th anniversary final is scheduled for Nov. 24 at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in Hato Rey, Metro Puerto Rico added.
Where the sources differ
Both sources focus on the Miss Universe event in Puerto Rico but cover separate aspects. Primera Hora reports Osmel Sousa’s comments on his five favorites and his prediction that one will win. Metro Puerto Rico reports on the new 75th anniversary crown, its designer, materials, symbolism and the date and venue of the final. There are no conflicting facts between the two reports.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not say which contestant is currently leading, how the Puerto Rico delegate is performing, the exact judging criteria that will be used, or whether Sousa will attend the event in person. They also do not provide details on ticket sales, broadcast plans or the full list of activities in the anniversary calendar.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Osmel Sousa revela sus cinco favoritas para ganar la corona de Miss Universe
- Reporting Miss Universe revela corona para su 75 aniversario en Puerto Rico
How we checked this
Primera Hora reported Sousa’s five favorites and his statements on the podcast. Metro Puerto Rico reported the unveiling of the new crown, its features and the final date and venue. The prediction that one of the five will win rests solely on Sousa’s comments to the podcast.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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