Get to know the jury of the Miss Universe preliminary competition

The 65th Miss Universe pageant will officially begin tonight, with the preliminary competition, where the jury will determine who among the 86 candidates deserve a spot in the Top 12.

Joining the international panel of judges are former Miss Universe titleholders Dayanara Torres and Riyo Mori, as well as former model Cynthia Bailey and international marketing director Rob Goldstone.

"I'm looking forward to finding a woman who can handle herself with grace and confidence through her journey with this prestigious title. I understand it's a beauty pageant however beauty will not be the only factor. Personality and confidence will blow the judges away every time!" Torres said.

Bailey added, "I am looking for the full package. Someone who embodies confidence, intelligence, personality, style and grace. And course beauty; inner beauty as well as other beauty."

Meanwhile, for Goldstone, the next Miss Universe must have the "X factor."

"The new Miss Universe should be someone who uses this incredible platform for the good of humanity. She will not just look confidently beautiful, but have that special X factor, and i think I've already seen a few," he said.

People's Choice Award's president and executive producer Fred Nelson and social entrepreneur Francine LeFrak are also part of the special jury for the preliminary competition.

According to Nelson, "Each incredible contestant for Miss Universe possesses these ABCs: she's accomplished, beautiful and charismatic. I look for that extra spark, the unique quality which demonstrates her ability to be both the global representative of the organization and a passionate advocate for her causes."

"Miss Universe must be as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She must want to use her voice and platform to give voice to the voiceless. She must be a role model for women and girls and believe she can make a strong impact on the world," LeFrak added.

A different panel of judges will be present in the Grand Coronation event on January 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Catch the 65th Miss Universe coronation event live on GMA-7 on January 30 at 8:00 a.m. — BM, GMA News