The Miss Universe 2013 international beauty contest has kicked off Saturday night at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia. Contestants representing 86 countries will compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Hundreds of millions of people in over 80 countries are watching it now to cheer for their favorite contestant.

The pageant has announced the Top 16 finalists and it came as a surprise to most people that Miss Russia Elmira Abdrazakova was not in Top 16 in her own country! The 19-year-old was a favorite of judges for the national costume round but did not make to the final cut.

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida is called the top favorite for judges and also was called a fan's favorite when her name was announced. Check out who are the Top 16 Finalists in random order.

1. Miss Costa Rica Fabiana Grandos

2. Miss Ukraine Olga Storozhenko

3. Miss China Jin Ye

4. Miss Ecuador Constanza Baezv

5. Miss Great Britain Amy Willerton

6. Miss Indonesia Whulandry

7. Miss Venezuela Gabriella Isler

8. Miss Dominican Republic Yaritza Reyes

9. Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez

10. Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez

11. Miss USA Erin Brady

12. Miss Nicaragua Nastassja Bolivar

13. Miss Switzerland Dominique Rinerknecht

14. Miss India Manasi Moghe

15. Miss Brazil Jakelyne Oliveira

16. Miss Philippines Ariella Arida

Ariella's name was announced last during the contest and many of her fans on Twitter were glued to the TV till the last. "That mini heart attack when Miss Philippines was called for the 16th spot. #MissUniverse2013," wrote one fan on Charlyn on Twitter.

"It's 2:30am and I'm sure we Filipinos are tuned in to the live coverage of #MissUniverse2013. Ms. Philippines makes it to Top 16 via votes!," said another Twitter user Tim Yap.

The contest is happening live at Russia with more than 30 billion people viewing it live. Up next is the Swimsuit round. Stay tuned for more updates.