Univision Announces 12 Finalists in "Nuestra Belleza Latina" Competition

The Univision Television Network announced today the 12 finalists who will compete in "Nuestra Belleza Latina" (Our Latin Beauty), the innovative program that combines the glamour of a beauty competition with the excitement of reality television. Hosted once again by popular Univision personality Giselle Blondet, "Nuestra Belleza Latina" airs weekly on Fridays from 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT (9:00-10:00 p.m. Central) on the Univision Network.

Representing the most captivating and dynamic Hispanic women from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the 12 finalists are: from New York, NY - Manuela Arbeláez (Colombian), Leana Astorga (Nicaraguan), and Zoila Ceballos (Dominican); from Chicago, IL - Jannett Manzanares (Mexican); from Miami, FL - Dayamí Padrón (Cuban); from Orlando, FL - Génesis Seguias (Venezuelan); from Brownsville, TX - Emeraude Toubia (Mexican/Lebanese); from Sacramento, CA - Dayanira Varela (Mexican); from Las Vegas, NV - Leticia Castro (Mexican); and from Puerto Rico - Melissa Marty, Aidelíz Hidalgo, and Natalia Rivera.

These 12 lucky finalists will share a beautiful Miami mansion as they prepare for this fierce competition. Viewers, who have made "Nuestra Belleza Latina" the # 1 show in its time slot among all Adults 18-34 since its premiere, will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as the contestants face a series of weekly challenges that will test their talent and character. These beauties will work to perfect their voice and diction, runway walk, consult with stylists and make-up artists, sharpen their dance, singing and acting skills, and undergo a rigorous fitness routine.

Viewer participation will be a key factor in helping the panel of celebrity judges, which includes the beautiful and former Miss Universe, Lupita Jones, film and television, heartthrob Julian Gil, and, Latin America's most renowned and ever controversial beauty coach, Osmel Sousa, decide who should be crowned the next Latin beauty. In the grand finale, the contestant with the most votes will win the coveted title of "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2008" and receive $200,000 in cash and prizes including a contract as Univision's newest on-air personality.