Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia of Peru - © MWO

Peru Crowned Miss World 2004
Miss World Organization 12/4/04

Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia of PERU was crowned Miss World 2004 tonight in a glittering ceremony held at Sanya's spectacular Beauty Crown Theatre.

Maria, 20,  looked absolutely resplendent in a blue evening gown  as she was joyously crowned by Miss World 2003 Rosanna Davison.

The top three were announced - PERU, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and UNITED STATES.

Crowds cheered at the prestigious international awards ceremony, the 54th Miss World, which was a night of high drama, glamour and excitement, as, for the first time ever, the world decided who should win. The month long event was brought to its explosive climax as the 107 contestants finally learnt who would be the year's lucky winner.

The ceremony began with a breathtaking display of acrobatic skills and amazing local musical talent. The cheering crowds were then introduced to the show's presenters US TV star Troy McClain, British model and presenter Lisa Snowdon and Angela Chow, star of China's Pheonix Television channel.

The audience went wild as the 107 contestants, led out by stunning ECUADOR paraded in their finest evening wear created by top fashion designers from their home nations. The girls were relaxed, clearly enjoying the show as they wowed the crowds. They wore a sensational array of outfits in addition to their finest ball gowns, and of course the Miss World Beachwear range designed by Wilnelia Forsyth.

Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia of Peru - © MWO

Global soul superstar Lionel Richie who had flown in from the USA especially to perform at Miss World then performed his new single, "Long, Long Way To Go" to a star struck audience.

BELGIUM took the coveted award for World's Top Fashion Designer for her breathtaking creation. Having already experienced the spectacular local entertainments of a traditional 'thousand armed Buddha', the audience were treated to an electrifying performance by classical music sensations Il Divo, performing.

Tensions mounted as the 107 girls were narrowed down to 15. PERU, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PHILIPPINES, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, POLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC, RUSSIA, VIETNAM, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA and NIGERIA. The 15 included the winners of the five fast track events. ANTIGUA, winner of the Talent Award, USA, winner of the Beach Beauty, WALES who won the Sport Award, Top Model winner MEXICO and the Contestant's Own Choice, AUSTRALIA, the The other contestants applauded, looking genuinely thrilled for the final 15.

Anticipation grew when the world then decided who the final five contestants were. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PERU, PHILIPPINES, POLAND AND UNITED STATES.

Claudia Julissa Cruz Rodriguez Dominican Republic - © MWO Claudia Julissa Cruz Rodriguez Dominican Republic - © MWO

A sensational medley was performed by Lionel Richie, when the megastar performed some of his best loved hits including 'Hello', 'Say You Say Me' and 'Three Times A Lady' to an ecstatic crowd. Relaxing in his dressing room backstage, he later commented, "These are really incredible women. Not only are the beautiful, they are smart, too. The world has had to make a tough decision."

The three girls who received the most votes were then announced  UNITED STATES, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and PERU in no particular order. The girls took to the centre of the stage as the host's asked them how they were feeling.

Julia Morley then announced the third place contestant, UNITED STATES, leaving DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and PERU on stage, nervously waiting for Rosanna Davison to take to the stage and crown the winner. The girls looked on excitedly, as Rosanna  waited to hear the announcement of the lucky winner.

Maria, said "The fact that I am the first Miss World to be decided by a global vote makes this award unbelievably precious. I will cherish the memories of tonight. Now that I have become a genuine world ambassador, I intend to do everything in my power to promote the good causes that have been the driving force for Miss World for over half a century. I only hope that I can do the job with the dignity and panache that Rosanna Davison has done for the last year.

The Celebrity Panel, on hand to offer their opinions and expert analysis, were extremely impressed with the contestants and agreed that the world has had to make a very tough decision. Legendary cricketer Sir Vivian Richards commented, "It's always a great pleasure to watch Miss World, but to have been part of the show is a true honor. It must have been an impossible decision to make but I am sure the world has made the right choice." Home & Away actress Sally Richie agreed. "The girls look stunning and I am sure they have been an inspiration to women across the world."

The stunning ceremony drew to its end with a quite electrifying performance of one Lionel Richie's classic dance hits, 'Dancing on the Ceiling' as the crowd erupted and the girls began to dance.

The Best of Miss World Swimwear

Nancy Randall - United States - © MWO Nancy Randall - United States - © MWO

Ellen Petri - Belgium - © MWO Ellen Petri - Belgium - © MWO

Ma Karla Bautista - Philippines - © MWO Ma Karla Bautista - Philippines - © MWO

Kenisha Nalisha Finita Thom Trinidad & Tobago - © MWO Kenisha Nalisha Finita Thom Trinidad & Tobago - © MWO

Katarzyna Weronika Borowicz Poland - © MWO Katarzyna Weronika Borowicz Poland - © MWO

Jana Dolezelova - Czech Republic - © MWO Tatyana Sidorchuk - Russia - © MWO

Huyen Nguyen Thi - Vietnam - © MWO Huyen Nguyen Thi - Vietnam - © MWO

Jin Yang - China PR - © MWO Jin Yang - China PR - © MWO