Miss Universe 2017 Judges Update: Mexico's Lupita Jones On Panel To Crown Winner?

As the competition for the Miss Universe 2017 heats up in the Philippines, there are questions as to who will be on the judging panel determining the winner. Although it was initially reported that only former titleholders would be judges, this turned out to be untrue. Lupita Jones, who was the first Mexican candidate to take the crown to her home country, was said to be a judge, but she denied those rumors saying: "I cannot take part of the judging. I'm [only] here to support my girl, Viva Miss Mexico."

That initial report was not entirely false as three out of the six judges confirmed are former Miss Universe winners. Dayanara Torres who won in 1993 for Puerto Rico, Sushmita Sen who won in 1994 for India and Leila Lopes who won in 2011 for Angola, will be on the panel. Joining the beauties are Mickey Boardman, Francine LeFrak and Cynthia Bailey in the roles that will ultimately score and determine who will be Pia Alonzo's successor.

Steve Harvey is confirmed to host the main event, with Ashley Graham taking backstage duties. Performing during the live show are Flo Rida and Boyz II Men. The winner of Miss Universe will immediately move to a luxury apartment in New York City, which will be her home base while she spends her reign traveling the globe, developing and representing her platforms, and raising awareness and funds for charitable initiatives.

The Miss Universe title also includes: a year-long salary; all paid living expenses; personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official Miss Universe Organization fashion stylist; extensive international and domestic travel; and access to various New York City events including casting opportunities, movie premieres, fashion week, sporting events and career opportunities presented by one the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment agencies, WME|IMG, parent company of The Miss Universe Organization.