The short version
- Metro Puerto Rico and El Vocero report that more than 1,360 people have expressed interest in participating in Behind the Universe for Miss Universe 2026
- Willianette Robles Cancel of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company said 457 content creators, 310 makeup and styling professionals, and over 600 students and others have applied
- Some content creators have already joined activities including a tourist tour with several Miss Universe candidates, according to Robles Cancel
- On Saturday, Nov. 7, five former Puerto Rico Miss Universe representatives will select 60 local girls aged 7-9 at a casting in Guaynabo for the finale
Local Talent Opportunity
More than 1,360 people, including students, makeup artists, stylists, photographers and content creators, have shown interest in participating behind the scenes of Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico through the Behind the Universe initiative. Metro Puerto Rico reported that the program aims to provide learning and professional development experiences for local talent in an international event.
Willianette Robles Cancel, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, stated that among the applicants are students of production, communications, protocol and tourism. She reported that 457 content creators have registered for various events, 310 makeup and styling professionals want to work with the 121 candidates, and more than 600 students and professionals in production, communications and photography have requested to join the production processes. El Vocero reported that some content creators have already participated in activities such as a tourist tour conducted by several candidates.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Guaynabo travel guide
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Esta oportunidad ha despertado un enorme entusiasmo entre el talento local, que podrá adquirir experiencias valiosas y acercarse a la producción de un evento de alcance internacional
Our translation: This opportunity has awakened enormous enthusiasm among local talent, who will be able to acquire valuable experiences and get closer to the production of an event of international scope
The source's own statement, as quoted by Metro Puerto Rico. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Casting for Young Participants
As part of the Miss Universe 2026 activities, a casting will be held this Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Centro Cultural Yolanda Guerrero in Guaynabo to select 60 Puerto Rican girls between 7 and 9 years old who will participate in the pageant finale. Both Metro Puerto Rico and El Vocero reported that the jury will consist of five former Puerto Rico representatives to Miss Universe: Carmen Batiz Vergara (1983), Laurie Tamara Simpson Rivera (1987), Uma Blasini (2007), Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto (2022) and Karla Inelisse Guilfú Acevedo (2023).
Robles Cancel said the initiative has generated great enthusiasm among local talent seeking valuable experience in the production of an international event. The sources describe the effort as an opportunity for participants to get close to the organization of the 75th edition of the contest.
Where the sources differ
Metro Puerto Rico and El Vocero agree on the total of more than 1,360 interested people, the breakdown of 457 content creators, 310 makeup and styling professionals, and more than 600 students and others, the participation of creators in a tourist tour, the Saturday casting date, location in Guaynabo, age range of 7-9 years, and the exact five former titleholders serving as judges. The reports are nearly identical in facts and quotes from Willianette Robles Cancel; El Vocero adds that the pageant is the 75th edition and refers to it as the Diamond Edition in one related story, while Metro Puerto Rico mentions the selection is for the final night.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the exact total number beyond "more than 1,360," the precise date or venue of the Miss Universe 2026 final, how many of the applicants will ultimately be selected for roles, what specific tasks the participants will perform, or any details about the arrival of international candidates beyond one unrelated partial report on Miss Bonaire.
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.
- Official Más de 1,360 personas quieren participar tras bastidores de Miss Universe 2026
- Reporting Más de 1,360 personas quieren participar tras bastidores de Miss Universe 2026
- Reporting Más de 1,360 personas buscan participar en la producción de Miss Universe 2026
How we checked this
Metro Puerto Rico and El Vocero both reported the interest figures, quotes and casting details attributed to Willianette Robles Cancel of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. A third partial WAPA report on Miss Bonaire's arrival was off-topic and not used. All production and selection information rests on the Tourism Company's statements.
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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