The crowning of Miss Lebanon 2018 on a glamorous night

This year the pageant was organized by Rima Fakih, Miss USA of 2010.

by Carla Richa Source: Annahar Date added: 1 October 2018 

This photo shows Miss Lebanon 2018 Maya Raeidy. (Maya Raeidy's Facebook Page)

BEIRUT: On a Sunday night of glamour and beauty, Maya Raeidy was named Miss Lebanon 2018 during the event held at Forum de Beyrouth.

First runner-up was Mira Toufaily, Yara Abou Monsef was second, Vanessa Yazbek third, and Tatiana Saroufim came in fourth place. The contestants also voted to elect Zahra el Sayed as Miss Congeniality and Karma Dirani as Miss Photogenic.

This year's pageant was organized by Rima Fakih, Miss USA of 2010, who drew on her own experience to guide the participants throughout the grueling process.

“I‘ve been working on this project with my husband Tony Sal and waiting for this moment for a while,” Fakih told Annahar.

The 30 girls chosen shared a house for 15 days as they went through an extensive training regiment in preparation to the main event, attending a number of workshops at the Lebanese American University on gender and communication.

During their stay together, the girls also visited different NGOs, including Caritas, Step Together, and Children Cancer Center where they volunteered and helped those in need.

Mikhael Nassif, the father of participant Catherine Nassif, maintained that the result doesn't compare the "unforgettable experience" his daughter had.

The pageant was managed and produced by MTV and Studio Vision and held at the Forum De Beyrouth, a landmark venue packed with celebrities, influencers, and the families of the participants.

Marcel Ghanem, presenting the show alongside Anabella Hilal, made his first appearance with the MTV team after his move from rivals LBCI.

The judges consisted of actor Adel Karam, singer Nancy Ajram, jewelry designer Doumit Zoughaib, makeup artist Bassam Fatouh, designer Nicolas Jebran, Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Minister of Tourism representative Guy Manoukian, media anchor George Kordahi, and actress and Miss Lebanon 2004 Nadim Njeim.

The jury was given the opportunity to meet with the contestants beforehand, giving them a chance to pick their brains and get to know them better.

The show hosted Ragheb Alama, DJ Rodge, as well as Maya Diab Massari and international artist French Montana who performed their new hit single on stage.

Ragheb Alama, who was also present, shared his love for the pageant arguing that it portrays Lebanon in a positive light, in stark contrast "to how the media does".

As fans at home gathered in front of their television screens, supporters began picking their favorite contestants while cheering them on.

"It has become a tradition of Lebanese people's lives,” Sandy Abou Haidar told Annahar, “I love how it joins beauty with a purpose by supporting NGOs.”

While announcing the winner, the contestants were noticeably nervous as audience members were on the edge on their seats. After Maya Raeidy’s name was announced, her supporters were filled with joy having rooted for her from the start.

*Maria Matar contributed to this article.

https://en.annahar.com/article/871536-the-crowning-of-miss-lebanon-2018-on-a-glamorous-night