Miss Universe 2007 Full Show -
Absolutely. If you are a pageant fan, a nostalgia hunter, or a student of live television production, the Miss Universe 2007 full show is a masterclass. It teaches resilience (Rachel Smith), grace (Riyo Mori), and how to pivot when live television goes off the rails (Mario Lopez).
So, clear your evening, head to the Internet Archive or YouTube, and queue up the show. Watch for the costumes, stay for the fall, and laugh at the mankini. You won’t regret it.
Enjoyed this deep dive? Share your memories of watching the Miss Universe 2007 full show in the comments below. Who was your favorite? Did you think Miss USA was robbed? Let the debate begin.
The show was hosted by a dynamic duo: Mario Lopez (of Saved by the Bell and Access Hollywood fame) and Vanessa Minnillo (a former Miss Teen USA and entertainment correspondent). This was a departure from the previous year’s solo host, Carlos Ponce. miss universe 2007 full show
The production was lavishly Mexican-themed, with sets designed to evoke the sun and pyramids of ancient Mesoamerica. The opening number, “Mexico en la Piel,” was a spectacular parade of folkloric ballet, mariachi bands, and 77 delegates descending a massive staircase. For viewers watching the Miss Universe 2007 full show today, the production value feels distinctly "2000s"—heavy on glitter, low on CGI, and reliant on live orchestral swells.
When host Mario Lopez announced the runners-up, chaos ensued. Fourth runner-up: Miss USA. Third: Miss Korea. Second runner-up: Miss Venezuela.
Then came the moment that makes Miss Universe 2007 full show a collector’s item. Mario Lopez declared, "The first runner-up—Miss Brazil." This meant the winner was Miss Japan. But as Rio Mori walked forward to accept the crown from Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera, something strange happened: the teleprompter glitched, and for a split second, the word "BRAZIL" flashed on the screen. For ten agonizing seconds, viewers in the arena believed there was a tie. Absolutely
There was no tie. Riyo Mori of Japan was crowned Miss Universe 2007. She was the first Japanese woman to win the title in 48 years (since Akiko Kojima in 1959). Miss Brazil, Natália Guimarães, took first runner-up—a result that remains controversial among Brazilian fans who argue she outperformed in the Q&A.
The evening was steered by television veteran Mario Lopez (of Saved by the Bell fame) and former Miss Universe 2004, Jennifer Hawkins. Their chemistry was palpable, though Lopez’s spontaneous ad-libs occasionally caught producers off guard.
Musical performances added to the night's memorability. Pop icon RBD (the phenomenally popular Mexican band) performed a medley of their hits, sending the local audience into a frenzy. Later, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Juanes took the stage with a stripped-down acoustic set, providing a calm before the storm of the final question. Enjoyed this deep dive
In a major upset, Riyo Mori of Japan was crowned Miss Universe 2007 by outgoing queen Zuleyka Rivera. Mori was only the second Japanese woman to win the title (the first was Akiko Kojima in 1959). Her victory was celebrated as a return to elegance and discipline.
However, the Miss Universe 2007 full show contains another infamous moment that is often cut from highlight reels: The Mankini incident.
After the crowning, a streaker—later identified as Juan Diego Pérez from a Mexican radio show—ran onto the stage wearing a "mankini" (the Borat-style swimsuit). Security guards tackled him as he wrapped himself in the Mexican flag. Mario Lopez, thinking quickly, shouted, "That is not part of the show!" The camera awkwardly cut to a wide shot, and the streaker was dragged off before he reached Miss Universe. This moment is often missing from edited versions, but it is present in the uncut Miss Universe 2007 full show.
The Auditorio Nacional (capacity ~10,000) was decorated with a massive, modern circular stage, golden lighting, and a signature “miss universe” rhinestone backdrop. However, production faced a last-minute crisis: rain leaked through the roof during the dress rehearsal, forcing staff to cover the runway with plastic sheeting. On the live show, water droplets were visible on camera, and some contestants had to navigate slightly slippery conditions.