Changes in the Miss Universe Competition continued as the organization reportedly plans a reality show format in a mashup of Project Runway and American idol.
This was revealed by TIME in an exclusive interview with billionaire Anne Jakapong, CEO of Thai media company JKN Global, and new owner of Miss Universe.
“We would love to have the iconic woman each year for everyone around the world—particularly women and LGBTQ—to look up to,” says Jakapong, who is famous in Thailand as a TV personality and trans-rights activist.
TIME reported that the 13 episodes will follow the contestants in the lead up to the competition, through the actual pageant, and then track the triumphs of the winner and the pressures she faces as she serves her term.
The series is currently in development and has yet to sign a distribution deal. 'The series is currently in development and has yet to sign a distribution deal, TIME also said.
"If this year is anything like the last 12 months, however, the show may end up looking less like American Idol and more like Real Housewives."
TIME also reported that Jakapong has already nixed the separate awards that used to be given for swimsuit and evening wear for the event in New Orleans.
Delegates, as contestants are known, are also decorating the capes they wear with their swimsuits as a form of expression, the same report said.
“I don’t want to have the Miss Universe competition objectify women. This year is a new year of Miss Universe, or I’d rather call it a new paradigm of the global female empowerment platform," Jakapong also said.
Eighty-four lovely women will vie for the title of Miss Universe.
The 71st Miss Universe Competition will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila).