Ines Ligron is the ultimate Miss Universe insider, and she does not believe much in secrets. One of her favorite stories is of a contestant who could have won but opted for last-minute cosmetic surgery, and thus was barely able to lift her arms when she went before the judges.

Even her own protege — current Miss Universe Riyo Mori — had work done.

"But just a little plumper in the lips," Ligron said.