Planet Hollywood Rolls Out Red Carpet for 2012 Miss Universe Contestants

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino rolled out the red carpet for 89 of the world’s most beautiful women when the resort hosted the official Las Vegas welcome event for the 2012 MISS Universe Competition (Photo: © Scott Harrison/ RETNA/ www.harrisonphotos.com).

Miss Albania, reigning Miss Universe Leila Lopes and Miss Angola

Photo: © Scott Harrison/ RETNA/ www.harrisonphotos.com.

The ceremony, co-hosted by Comedian/Writer Nick Teplitz and reigning Miss Universe Leila Lopes, kicked-off nearly three weeks of action-packed events and festivities for the contestants who will reside in Las Vegas until the pageant is telecast live from PH Live at Planet Hollywood on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Photo: © Scott Harrison/ RETNA/ www.harrisonphotos.com.

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Regional President, David Hoenemeyer and Miss Universe Organization President, Paula Shugart welcomed the contestants and officially launched the start of the MISS UNIVERSE competition with a fashion show featuring this year’s stunning contestants. The event marks the first time the contestants were formally introduced to media; somewhere within the 89 contestants will be the next Miss Universe.