Format
Unlike in recent years, the contestants will be trimmed down to 20 semi-finalists, after only 16 in 2017 and 13 in 2016. The initial semi-finalists are chosen through a closed-door interview and a preliminary competition held several days before the final. The continental format which was introduced in the 2017 competition will remain, with the top twenty consisting of five semi-finalists from Europe, five from the Americas, five from Africa and Asia-Pacific, and five wildcards which could come from any continental grouping. The semi-finalists will be tasked with giving an "opening statement" to the judges and viewing public, consisting of a 15-second statement, after which the judges will eliminate ten contestants and move on to the top ten. This is the first time in which the initial semi-finalists do not all compete in the swimsuit competition. The top ten will then compete in both the swimsuit and evening gown portions of the competition, and the judges will choose a top five. The top five will compete in the Q&A portion, and are then cut down to a top three. The top three then participate in the final word and final look portions, and the judges will then choose Miss Universe 2018 and her two runners-up. Unlike in recent years, there will be no online voting component for viewers at home.
Judges
The seven judges for both the preliminary competition and the final telecast will be an all-female panel which includes:
Liliana Gil Valletta – Colombian-American businesswoman and entrepreneur
Janaye Ingram – American political organizer and Miss New Jersey USA 2004
Monique Lhuillier – Filipino-American fashion designer
Michelle McLean – Miss Universe 1992 from Namibia
Iman Oubou – Moroccan-American scientist, entrepreneur, medical missionary, and former beauty pageant titleholder
Bui Simon – Miss Universe 1988 from Thailand
Richelle Singson-Michael – Filipino businesswoman and architect