La Toya goes after Miss Universe crown

Woods, a Psychology student and fashion model, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous titleholders Janelle Penny Commissiong and Wendy Fitzwilliam, who won in 1977 and1998 respectively. Trinidad and Tobago did not participate in last year’s Miss Universe competition in Bahamas due to lack of financial support.

The TT representative is among 83 delegates from around the world who will face a celebrity judging panel led by Mindfreak magician Criss Angel. The other VIP judges are actor, producer and writer William Baldwin; percussionist and drummer Sheila E; MSNBC anchor Tamron Hall; 2010 Olympic figure skating champion and Dancing With the Stars finalist Evan Lysacek; Oscar-nominated actor Chazz Palminteri, who recently starred in A Bronx Tale; singer and actress Chynna Phillips; Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Jane Seymour; and supermodel Nikki Taylor.

“When you combine the world’s most beautiful women, bikinis, a rock star and a panel of top celebrity judges, you have a recipe for success,” said billionaire business mogul Donald J Trump when he announced the line-up of judges earlier this week.

“The Miss Universe Pageant is a worldwide phenomenon, and you won’t want to miss this show!”

The hosts of the show are multi-platinum Poison singer and Celebrity Apprentice Season 3 winner Bret Michaels and Today co-host and correspondent Natalie Morales. Additionally, John Legend and The Roots will perform during the evening gown competition, and during the swimsuit competition, Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis will perform a medley of songs from the hit spectacular.

The 2009 Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez will crown her successor at the conclusion of the live broadcast. During her reign, Fernandez has traveled around the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education and awareness. The new Miss Universe will continue this work throughout her reign.

Woods, who had eight months of intensive preparations before she flew out to Las Vegas earlier this month, said in an interview before her departure that she is confident and prepared. “People think I’m just putting on a brave face when I tell them that I’m not nervous but almost every day since being crowned there have been training sessions on hair, wardrobe, make-up, speech (interview sessions, voice tones, etc), walking, poise, personality development and not to mention the gruelling hours at the gym.

“It feels as if its been years that I’ve been Miss Universe TT and now I have the overwhelming anticipation to get it over with,” she laughed. “I’ve been modelling for the past four years and I have met many of the past TT Miss Universe representatives and they all say that it’s hard work. Now I’m living it and I understand.”

Woods took time off from her job as an Illustration/Sketch Model at UTT’s Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD) to take part in the pageant. She also deferred a semester at College of Science Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) where she is studying for her degree in Psychology.

Woods’ participation in the pageant has not been without controversy. She ran into a rough patch when she featured prominently among Miss Universe contestants who opted to go topless for an official photo shoot, wearing only bikini bottoms and body paint. Some delegates opted out of the controversial photo session, while others chose to keep their breasts covered by their swimsuits. However, Woods posed topless with eyes closed and with body paint across her chest and right arm. Later she said she thought it was a great decision to have the shoot and said she expected it to be attention-grabbing.

“This is my body and I feel liberated doing this,” said Woods after the shoot, adding that she felt “very comfortable” doing the topless photo shoot and “had no regrets” about her part in it.

The team that has been working with Woods to prepare her for the global competition includes the National Director of Miss Universe TT, Ian Lee, who has overseen all of her travel arrangements and has served as the main administrator of the local pageant. Photographer Calvin French taught Woods about fashion, style, fine dining, art and music and taught her to always be camera ready. He also provides all the promotional photography.

Toronto-based fashion designer Bobby Ackbarali gave Woods a clear understanding of what her life could be like after she wins and supplemented her wardrobe with several gowns.Stevenson Dillon and the Long Circular Fitness Club supervised her body sculpting, toning, diet and exercise programs.

Adrian Raymond oversaw her Media and Interview Training. Yvonne Popplewell worked with Woods on her make-up application techniques which included face preparation, contouring, blending colours, choosing colours, day and night looks, dramatic looks and make up for photography and stage.

Alyson “Tan Tan” Brown taught Woods about stage performance — walking, posing, facial expressions, exuding confidence and personality, connecting with the audience and judges, connecting with the camera, poise, elegance and grace. Ashvin Bally focussed on hair care and styling techniques.

Peter Elias, who is in Las Vegas for the pageant, is Woods’ chief stylist. His focus is on wardrobe selection, accessory choices, roll out of wardrobe, interview outfit selection and final night gown selection. He also guides all the facilitators and determines where they need to focus with regard to their individual preparation, therefore overseeing the overall final presentation of the candidate.