1. Nia Sanchez, USA
Call us biased, but we have to go with Nia Sanchez of Sacramento, Calif., as our first pick. Twenty-four-year-old Sanchez was born one day after Valentine's Day and has won the hearts of many Americans with her stunning looks and sweet personality. She was crowned as the winner of Miss USA 2014, and her vast array of skills makes her a worthy candidate for the Miss Universe title. Sanchez studied jazz and ballet for five years and is a fourth-degree black belt holder in Tae Kwon Do, according to movienewsguide.com. She is also a Tae Kwon Do instructor, so the other contestants should watch their backs if she doesn't win! Sanchez is poised and elegant, but also fierce, and we're ready to see her bring home the prize.
2. Migbelis Castellanos, Venezuela
At just 19 years old, Castellanos is a popular pick to win the Miss Universe pageant, and this is one case where we agree with the majority. Castellanos hopes to continue the run of success for her country by garnering the title. Gabriella Isler of Venezuela was crowned as Miss Universe 2013, so the young model has some big shoes to fill, but she seems to be doing just fine! This blonde bombshell loves to be active and enjoys playing baseball, movienews guide reported. But don't get distracted by her toned physique and breathtaking looks - she is quite the smarty pants. Castellanos is the ultimate package of brains and beauty and is working to earn two BAs, one in social communication at the Universidad Rafael Belloso Chacin and the other in political science at the Universidad del Zulia. This teen is clearly on the road to success.
3. Gabriela Berrios, Puerto Rico
The body we are looking at in this image didn't just form overnight. Berrios has always struggled with her weight, and has since dedicated her life to being healthy and happy. It wasn't always easy and she was teased at school, but this only fueled her desire to become a beauty queen and to fulfill her dreams, according to Voxxi. However, being healthy doesn't stop her from doing the things she loves. Berrios is talented in the kitchen and enjoys baking desserts - we would never be able to guess that! Berrios is also a dedicated student who is studying business administration; she plans to establish her own production company in the future. This 5-foot-9-inch brunette beauty turns heads no matter where she goes, and with a body like that, we all can see why! We'd love to see her make it far in the competition.
The Miss Universe pageant will be held Jan. 25 in Miami and will be televised on NBC at 8 p.m. EST.
