Donald Trump, the man behind The Apprentice, is also co-owner of the Miss Universe organization. On May 28, 2007 in Mexico City, a new Miss Universe was crowned. Riyo Miro, a 20 year old professional dancer, who’d like to hoof it up on Broadway someday, was given the distinct honor. During the interview portion of the competition, she said, via an interpreter, “I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation.”

Ms. Miro, the daughter of a dance school owner, hails from a tiny town at the base of Mt. Fuji called Shizuoka.

Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil was the first runner-up. Miss Venezuela, Ly Jonaitis, was the second runner-up. The third runner-up was Honey Lee of Korea. Rounding out the top five was Miss USA Rachel Smith. She had a nasty fall during the evening gown competition but managed to recover quite nicely.

Miro takes over for Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico. Celebrity judges included 1993 Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, Project Runway’s Nina Garcia, Heroes’ James Kyson Lee (Ando), Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan, rock star Dave Navarro, celeb hair stylist Ken Paves—he does Jessica Simpson’s hair, among others, Cowboys quarterback and Carrie Underwood’s rumored beau, Tony Romo, and fashion designer Mark Bouwer.

Mario Lopez, the runner-up of Dancing with the Stars’ third season, and the 1999 Miss Teen USA, Vanessa Minillo, who’s currently dating Simpson’s ex-hubby Nick Lachey, were the pageant’s co-hosts, proving what a small world the “universe” really is.

Here are some snippets from the 2006 Miss Universe Pageant, featuring the Zuleyka Rivera: