The initial cut of this year's most prestigious beauty event has been done, and here are the 10 countries whose candidates made it to the top 10. Ladies and gentlemen, the Miss Universe 2012 "top 10."

The breathtaking display of beauty during the beginning of this year's Miss Universe is overwhelming, and it must be a hard task to pick 10 from 89 equally-stunning women. But decisions from the esteemed panel of judges have to be made, and here are the ladies they think should be close to becoming Miss Universe 2012.

Miss Universe 2012 top 10 (in random order.

  1. Miss AUSTRALIA
  2. Miss BRAZIL
  3. Miss PHILIPPINES
  4. Miss VENEZUELA
  5. Miss SOUTH AFRICA
  6. Miss RUSSIA
  7. Miss MEXICO
  8. Miss FRANCE
  9. Miss HUNGARY
  10. Miss USA

From here, the judges will cut the number to 5, and fans are nothing short of titillated and excited on how this year's pageant will turn out. Will it be Miss (insert country)'s turn to have the crown place on her head, or is it Miss (insert country) year?

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Australia Russia Mexico South Africa