Filipino singer Louie Heredia part of selection committee for Miss Universe 2025
Filipino singer Louie Heredia will have a hand in deciding which beauty queen will be crowned the next Miss Universe in the final competition.
In an announcement on their social media pages, the organization said that they are proud to welcome Heredia to be part of the 74th Miss Universe Selection Committee.
"A true icon of the Philippine music industry, he has captivated audiences with multiple hit songs that earned him Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum awards. Beyond his success on stage, he is also a respected television figure, celebrated for his artistry and connection with viewers," the organization highlighted.
"With countless concerts and years of performing around the world, his insight and experience will bring a meaningful perspective to this year’s competition," they added.
With this, Heredia is joining eight other jurors who will help evaluate the finalists’ performances as they vie for the Miss Universe crown.
Others include Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, Miss Thailand 1998 Chalida Thaochalee, Cuban journalist Ismael Cala, Zimbabwean army colonel Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi, Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, Brazilian artist Romero Britto, Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal, and Venezuelan model Sharon Fonseca.
In an interview with sports reporter Dyan Castillejo, Heredia talked about his passion for the Miss Universe pageant.
"I respect beauty and all these countries, they work so hard in this beauty contest," he said.
Heredia shared that he had closed-door interviews with all 120 contestants as part of his duty as one of the jurors, and he emphasized how "amazing all of them are."
"I was shocked. Their personality, women empowerment, and they're so smart, and their careers. I said, 'Wow, these women of today are really something else," he said.
"I had their biodata and their resumes. But I wanted them to speak themselves. I asked them, in a nutshell, 'Tell me about yourself.' And then I tried to talk about whatever they answered, I'd take it from there," he continued.
When asked how long he had talked to them, Heredia said they only had about three minutes for the interview.
"After three minutes, the bell rings and they have to stand up and face outside because we put our scores. We were eight judges, so turn by turn by turn by turn," Heredia said.
Along with the preliminary competition, the closed-door interviews will also determine who will make it to the Top 30 during the coronation night.
"Everybody asks me, 'What am I looking for?' Of course, beauty, brains. Good attitude, I think, is important because the Miss Universe organization will be working with her for the whole year. She has to have good character. You cannot be a brat," Heredia said.
"But sometimes when you're judging, there's an 'it' factor. You don't know what it is. Like what Catriona Gray said, there's no exact formula to choose in Miss Universe," he added.
Heredia gained prominence in the 1980s and 90s for the songs Nag-iisang Ikaw, Iisang Damdamin, Una’t Huling Mamahalin, and Can't Find No Reason.
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant is slated for Friday, Nov. 21, with Ahtisa Manalo as the Philippines' representative.
