Olivia Culpo addresses ‘lack of energy’ comment as host of Miss Universe: ‘People are so ruthless’

Published January 8, 2023, 10:44 AM

by Robert Requintina

Olivia Culpo (Instagram)

Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo said that she’s excited and ready to host the 71st Miss Universe Competition in New Orleans, Louisiana on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila).

“Been practicing screaming all week and not squinting when I read !!!!!! See you next week @missuniverse I can’t wait,” said Olivia on Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 8.

Olivia and Jeannie Mai Jenkins have been tapped as replacements for Steve Harvey as the newest hosts of the Miss Universe Competition. 

But pageant fans were cold after it was announced that Olivia will host pageant, citing the lack of the energy in doing the hosting chores.

In addressing the issue, Olivia wrote in the video: “On my way to get Red Bull before hosting Miss Universe because user26263747482 said I need more energy this year.”

Red Bull is a popular energy drink.

Then she wrote on Instagram Stories: “People are so ruthless.” 

In 2021, Olivia hosted the 69th Miss Universe Competition in Hollywood, Florida.

Eighty-four contestants are vying for the title of Miss Universe 2022.

Olivia Culpo, Jeannie Mai Jenkins announced as hosts for 71st Miss Universe

Published January 5, 2023, 12:09 PM

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

(L-R)American TV host Jeannie-Mai Jenkins and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Access Hollywood correspondent Zuri Hall as backstage hosts (Facebook)

By Carissa Alcantara

It’s Girl Power once again at the 71st Miss Universe Competition.

After having Steve Harvey for five years, this year’s Miss Universe welcomes new hosts. 

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and Jeannie Mai Jenkins will join forces as the new hosts for the upcoming pageant.

While Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and “Emmy award-winning television personality, “American Ninja Warrior” co-host and “Access Hollywood” correspondent Zuri Hall will serve as the backstage commentators.

In an exclusive report from Variety, Olivia shared how honored she is to be part of the event.

“I have so much respect for the continuous evolution of the Miss Universe Organization, including the new female ownership for the first time in the company’s history,” Olivia said. 

Olivia was crowned the Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Philippines representative then was Janine Tugonon, who won first runner-up in the same competition.

The competition is the latest TV event making a move to streaming, as The Roku Channel sealed a one-year deal to be the official English-language U.S. home for Miss Universe. The event also airs here in Spanish on Telemundo.

This year’s Miss Universe will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, on Jan. 14. (Jan. 15 in Manila).