Latin Miss Universe Contestants Prep For World's Biggest Beauty Pageant

By Michael Lopez

It's hard to believe that in just two weeks Ximena Navarette will be handing over her crown to a new Miss Universe. Over 88 ladies are set to compete and, as you can imagine, there will be plenty of gorgeous Latinas making their way down the runway. But before they head to Brazil for the final showdown, several of the bellezas are opening up about the experience.

"El participar en Miss Uruguay y así poder ser la embajadora de la belleza de mi país es un sueño que tengo desde pequeña,” Miss Uruguay, Fernanda Semino said. “Por lo que cuando cumplí mis 18 años de edad, me decidí a participar del certamen ¡y gané!”

With her piercing blue eyes and petite frame, Fernanda's got quite a decent shot at the title. She also has big dreams beyond the crown, including a possible career in economics.

Miss Costa Rica, Johanna Solano, may give her a run for her money. Tall, tan, and brimming with confidence, she's heavily favored in the competition. Solano's also done plenty of homework to prep for the big day, including brushing up on her Portuguese.

"Desde que inicié con todo este proyecto a la edad de 17 años ha sido una constante preparación para cosas más grandes; de ahí que se maquillarme y peinarme completamente sola," she said. "Desde mi gane, he recibido asesoría de expertos para mejorar mas técnicas con asertivos tips. Además inicie clases de portugués, etiqueta, protocolo, proyección, cultura del vino y gastronomía Europea/Brasileña."

But if you're looking for a true pro, look no further than Miss Peru, Natalie Vertiz. This 19-year-old beauty's already ingratiated herself to TV audiences with appearances on shows like Model Latina and Nuestra Belleza Latina. And being in "the business" for as long as she has, Natalie knows the importance of keeping your eye on the prize.

"Día a día tenemos muchas sesiones de fotos, tengo entrevistas, voy a los programas, también voy al gimnasio, a mis tratamientos," she said. "Muy dedicada de verdad y muy concentrada y teniendo mi meta en la mente y sabiendo a lo que quiero llegar, bien enfocada."

Of course, these three ladies are just the tip of belleza iceberg. Other heavily favored Latina Universe contestants include Karin Ontiveros (Miss Mexico), Catalina Robayo (Miss Venezuela), and Priscilla Machado (Miss Brazil). And don't get us started on the rest of the contestants.

You can find out who the most beautiful lady in the Universe is when Natalie Morales and Andy Cohen kick off the pageant on September 12!

Are you planning on watching the Miss Universe pageant? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Andy Cohen, Beauty Pageants, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Fernanda Semino, Hot Stuff, Johanna Solano, Miss Universe, Natalie Morales, Natalie Vertiz, Style, Ximena Navarette