Ahead of Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, veteran presenters Jackie Bracamontes and Danilo Carrera offered an exclusive peek into their hosting dynamic. The duo, interviewed by Us Weekly en Español, discussed their predictions, backstage humor, and intricate preparation for the global event.
Bracamontes, 45, and Carrera, 36, showcased their evident chemistry from the outset. Carrera jokingly stated, "I support whoever Jackie supports, because that’s how I won last year." Bracamontes, with a smile, affirmed her track record, adding, "I have a good eye, truly."
When discussing their picks for Miss Universe, Bracamontes emphasized the importance of in-person observation. "Until I get there, I need to see them in person," she explained. She noted that the preliminary competition, scheduled for Wednesday, serves as the most critical stage.
"That’s where we truly get to know everyone on stage," Bracamontes continued. "We observe their energy, their walk. The judges hear them speak, but we genuinely get to know them."
Carrera echoed this sentiment. He recounted instances where a contestant looked stunning online but failed to impress live. "I’ve seen someone on social media and thought, ‘this is my favorite,’" Carrera shared. "Then I see her walk live and realize she won’t even make the finalists."
Earlier, fellow hosts Jessica Carrillo and Carlos Adyan openly shared their favorite contestants. However, Bracamontes and Carrera rely on their direct experience.
The humor between the co-hosts extends to backstage challenges. Bracamontes highlighted the spectacle of the show, listing "beauty, talent, different cultures, other languages, gastronomy, traditional costumes, competitions." Carrera added that it is "the most complicated show" due to the extensive logistics.
He described the demanding task of listening to producers while reading the prompter and connecting with a co-host. "That connection with your co-host is the easiest part of it all," Carrera quipped. Their shared humor helps manage the intense production environment.
Hosting Miss Universe demands significant personal preparation. Bracamontes detailed her routine for the long flights to Thailand, including "face masks, compression socks, eye mask, earplugs, and my essential oil to sleep." Carrera humorously admitted to being "super unprepared," often observing Bracamontes’ meticulous packing.
Regarding fashion, Bracamontes has not yet tried on any gowns, planning to do so once in Thailand. Carrera, however, has already completed his fittings and has his gala suit ready. Both presenters express full confidence in their stylists and the Miss Universe team.
Bracamontes also addressed the logistics of balancing her career with family life. She relies on her husband, Martín, to care for their daughters while she travels. "If Martín doesn’t stay here with them, I couldn’t travel," she stated, confirming her daughters are "in good hands."