KEY POINTS:
A galaxy of beautiful women - all vying for the Miss Universe title - have had a spectacular dress rehearsal for the pageant's swimsuit section in Cancun.
More than 80 women from around the world are competing for the Miss Universe crown worn by Jennifer Hawkins in 2003.
The pageant will be held in Mexico City on May 28 and will feature Miss New Zealand Laural Barrett.
On the competition's official website, Barrett lists one of her interests as music.
"I have been singing/songwriting for several years and play the guitar and piano. I enjoy swimming, shopping, and modelling, but I love performing in front of large crowds the most. I also enjoy my job as a caregiver for a young girl with a brain injury - it is a very grounding job and I enjoy being part of her progress toward rehabilitation."
Her career ambition is to be a successful international singer/songwriter and then branch into other areas in the industry, such as modelling and acting.
Barrett was born and raised in Christchurch, where she grew up with her twin sister, older sister and parents.