Miss Universe winner 2009

Miss USA was chosen Sunday as one of the top 15 finalists who will be vying for the Miss Universe crown. Kristen Dalton joins contestants from the following countries: Puerto Rico, Iceland, Albania, Czech Republic, Belgium, Dominican Republic, Sweden, Kosovo, Australia, France, Switzerland, South Africa, Croatia and Venezuela.

The 15 finalists appeared in bathing suits. The final 10 will be chosen before the evening gown segment and the final five will take questions from the judges.

The beauty queens thrilling tourists as they prepared Sunday before the Miss Universe pageant, pausing to wave and smile for fans gathered at the Atlantis Hotel. Bystanders raised cameras or hoisted children on their shoulders for a better view.

Many contestants have suffered from dehydration in recent weeks, and Jewel Selver, Miss Turks and Caicos, went home Saturday to recuperate, said Esther Swan, Miss Universe spokeswoman. Selver was one of eight contestants from Caribbean islands.

A winner will be crowned by the reigning Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela.

The televised event includes musical performances by Flo Rida, Heidi Montag, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland. Hosts are Billy Bush, co-anchor of "Access Hollywood," and Claudia Jordan, former Miss Rhode Island USA who has appeared on several TV shows. Judges include actor Dean Cain and supermodel Valeria Mazza.