Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Louie Heredia

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Veteran performer Louie Heredia opened up about his experience as one of the judges for the Miss Universe 2025 closed-door interviews and preliminary competition, describing the task as exhausting very deeply meaningful.Heredia served as part of the eight-member panel that interviewed 120 candidates ahead of the preliminary show. The process, he said, ran from morning until early evening.“I’m so touched. Wow, very touched,” he said about being selected as a judge.“It was tiring today from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m. I feel like a zombie,” he admitted.Despite the long hours, he emphasized how impressed he was by the candidates. Asked what stood out to him, Heredia said it went far beyond beauty.&quot;Their personality, women empowerment, and they’re so smart, and their careers. I said, wow, these women of today is really something else,&quot; he explained.Each candidate had three minutes with the judges, a fast-paced system where the bell signaled when one interview ended and the next girl needed to rotate.“So, this is what happens. After three minutes, the bell rings, and they have to stand up… We were eight judges. So, turn by turn by turn by turn,” said Heredia.Heredia refrained from naming favorites due to contract restrictions, but admitted that several contestants left a strong mark.“I mean, there were a few girls who really stood out, I have to say… Plenty are good. I cannot mention. Because of my contract. We cannot talk, we cannot mention. But I have to say, this batch is quite strong,” he said.When asked what qualities define a Miss Universe winner, Heredia pointed to a blend of intelligence, character, and an indescribable spark.“Of course, beauty, brains, you know. Good attitude, I think, is important… You cannot be a brat. Good character. But you know, sometimes when you’re judging, you just feel there’s an it factor. And you don’t know what it is. Like what Catriona Gray said, there is no exact formula to choose in Miss Universe,” said Heredia.Heredia shared that many interviews became heartfelt conversations: “There were times I was talking to them like this, you know? Just being myself also.”Some candidates even opened up about personal tragedies.“There was one that the son died after two weeks… To hear the stories. They were teared while talking with me and the other judges,” he said.Heredia is looking forward to the next crucial stage: &quot;First, the national costume. And then, swimsuit and evening gown. That will determine the top 30… That’s a big day. That’s a whole day.&quot;For Heredia, being on the judging panel feels like a full-circle moment after years of simply watching the pageant from home.“I really enjoy watching Miss Universe on TV. And then, suddenly, I get the call and the letter, the email asking me to be in the closed door interview and preliminary… When you’re just watching, it’s easy to be calm,” said Heredia.“But you know, when you’re there, you’ll be able to score. You’ll know,” he added.Despite the intensity, he praised the high caliber of contestants this year.&quot;They’re very prepared, they’re so natural, smart and their careers. So many doctors. A lot of mothers also this year… They’re all very empowered, you know? It was an experience, definitely,&quot; he said.Heredia ended interviews with encouragement for the candidates: “The crown is only for one lady. So if the crown doesn’t go to your head, there’s a bigger crown.”The sisterhood of the girls is what Heredia believes to be something they can treasure event after the competition ends, even sharing that he knows some girls have already planned for a Bali trip in the future.

Veteran performer Louie Heredia opened up about his experience as one of the judges for the Miss Universe 2025 closed-door interviews and preliminary competition, describing the task as exhausting very deeply meaningful.

Veteran performer Louie Heredia opened up about his experience as one of the judges for the Miss Universe 2025 closed-door interviews and preliminary competition, describing the task as exhausting very deeply meaningful.

Louie Heredia shares experience as Miss Universe closed-door interview judge

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Louie Heredia shares experience as Miss Universe closed-door interview judge

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 16, 2025 06:44 PM PHT

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Miss Universe 2025

Louie Heredia

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