Miss Universe Australia hopeful Monika Radulovic stuns in bikini before pageant finale

MISS Australia Monika Radulovic, tipped as our best chance of a Miss Universe crown since Jen Hawkins, has stunned in a bikini in the preliminary show.

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MISS Australia Monika Radulovic, tipped as our best chance of a Miss Universe crown since Jen Hawkins, has stunned in a bikini in the preliminary show.

Monika, who is 6-1 favourite with Tabcorp, looked radiant as she wore a two-piece maroon bikini in the opening pageant.

The finale will be held in Las Vegas on Sunday night (Monday AEDT).

“I feel your energy and positivity,” said 24-year-old Monika, who lives with her fiance, artist Alesandro Ljubicic, in Botany in Sydney’s southeast.

“Cannot wait for Sunday.”

Monika showed off her figure in the Yamamay swimwear round and then looked dazzling in the evening dress category.

Is this the look of a winner ... Miss Australia Monika Radulovic on stage in Yamamay swimwear featuring footwear by Chinese Laundry in the Miss Universe 2015 preliminary show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Picture: The Miss Universe Organisation

“The prelim (sic) show was intense, nerve wracking, and completely exhilarating! It gave me a taste of what to expect on Sunday’s finale and I cannot wait ... I am SO grateful for this whole experience — for the early mornings, late nights, sore feet and long rehearsals; for they are all reminders that I am living the dream,” she said on Instagram.

Earlier Monika had worn her Dame Edna inspired national costume by designer Timothy Cubbo.

She is batting 80 other beautiful women for the Miss Universe crown, last claimed by Australia when Hawkins won in 2004.

National custiome ... Miss Australia Monika Radulovic on stage in Las Vegas. Picture: The Miss Universe Organisation

Earlier, all the contestants posted Instagram pictures without make-up.

“But before I do my makeup and hair, I wanted to post a no-makeup selfie to demonstrate that Miss Universe does not need makeup to be #confidentlybeautiful !!! Remember this: There is nothing more beautiful about a woman than the belief that she is beautiful,” she said on Instagram.

“P.s. I also wanted to show you guys that it takes a lot of work to look as glamorous as we do on stage.”

Miss Australia 2015 ... Monika Radulovic poses in Yamamay swimwear at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Picture: The Miss Universe Organisation

Good luck to @Monika_Rad who we have as the $6 favourite to win @MissUniverse ! #MissUniverse @Elle_Halliwell @IHorswill

— TABcomau Media (@tabcomaumedia) December 18, 2015

Monika, whose family fled war-torn Bosnia and moved here as refugees, was also an ambassador for Movember. Her parents still live in Hurstville, Sydney.