Monday marked one week until the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant and the crowning of the new winner at Mandalay Bay and we’re happy to report that our Miss USA Rima Fakih is feeling pretty confident about her odds.

“It’s going to be very tough for the judges. It’s not like the Miss USA Pageant because this time they will see beauty in many different unique shapes and forms. Everybody has a different personality. I’m still confident and am putting my best foot forward every moment.”

Rima is still reeling from her winning the national title when she competed at Planet Hollywood in May.

“I will never forget this experience ever in my life,” Rima recently said in an interview. “We have so many beautiful girls competing it’s as if the entire world is visiting Las Vegas all at once. I see myself in the Miss USA sash, and it has so much meaning to me that I represent this great country. It’s a great honor, and I am so proud to be an American.”

 “I feel I represent the best country in the world, and over the past three weeks of traveling, I have received so many compliments, it’s made me feel comfortable, powerful and confident. It’s been such a marvelous and loving experience. I wouldn’t want to be any other country!”

As the pageant nears, stay tuned for the names of the judges’ panel, which should be released mid-week. Rumor has it that Mindfreak magician Criss Angel, who stars in Cirque du Soleil’s Believe at the Luxor, has been tapped as one of them.

Over the weekend the 82 Miss Universe Pageants visited MGM’s CityCenter for a chicken wings eating contest at Diablo’s and cooled off at the new Minus5 ice lounge at the Monte Carlo. The beautiful ladies also attended the National Gift Auction to benefit the Nevada Cancer Institute and were officially welcomed by Mandalay Bay President Renee West. Later that evening Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez took the girls to a cocktail party at Moorea Beach at Mandalay Bay for the Lost 80’s Live Concert.

Speaking of Stefania, she recently unveiled the official Miss Universe Couture Pop at Sugar Factory in The Mirage. The signature lollipop features a red-jeweled handle to commemorate her work with HIV/AIDS organizations this past year increasing awareness and prevention.

Stefania only has a few days left to enjoy her reign as Miss Universe until she crowns another hopeful on Monday. We sure hope that contestant is Miss USA Rima Fakih, but we’re excited to see how all of the ladies do! And we couldn’t be more thrilled the pageant is being held right here in Las Vegas!

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