NBC TO BROADCAST MISS USA 2008 COMPETITION LIVE ON APRIL 11TH FROM PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS
Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, announced today that the 57th Annual MISS USA Competition will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will be held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts located at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on April 11, 2008 and broadcast live from 9-11 p.m. ET on NBC and distributed internationally.
OMG!!! Paula would you stop borrowing my Miss America stuff!!! Get your own city and hotel. Doesn't "The Donald" own a nice hotel and auditorium that you could use for cheap and get a write-off with?? Geez, no wonder his companies went under in the past. That's the simplest way for a company to write off income but keep the cash!
Well hopefully they won't use the same production company as Miss America. The Miss USA Pageant is all about the hot girls in swimsuits and if they have the same camera angles that Miss America had.... well as Miss NY would say.... "For getta bout it."
If Miss USA wants to bring the heat to Vegas I suggest they consider using special entertainment and background music provided by KISS! Gene Simmons, the bands "mouth piece", recently appeared on Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" show and would bring something new and original to the Miss USA stage. HEAVY METAL!!! to go with all that silicone and skin. Sounds to me like a show most suburban families would love to watch.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
1+1= 19 million
OK, don't ask me how they come up with their figures, but the Miss America Organization just press released "its TV figures" from this past weekends Miss America 2008 pageant.
Some how they have fuzzy'd the math to claim that 19 million viewers tuned in to watch the Miss America show during the three times it aired. Why do I have this vision of some mildly retarded country hick with three fingers and two teeth in flannel shirt, and a half empty Budweiser is the one doing the accounting over at Miss America??
Onnnee, Tooooo, 19 million.
Some how they have fuzzy'd the math to claim that 19 million viewers tuned in to watch the Miss America show during the three times it aired. Why do I have this vision of some mildly retarded country hick with three fingers and two teeth in flannel shirt, and a half empty Budweiser is the one doing the accounting over at Miss America??
Onnnee, Tooooo, 19 million.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Miss America grows after alittle TLC
E! News Online reports that The Miss America ratings nosedive is over. For the first time in four years, the remade pageant saw ratings go up. This year it averaged 3.6 million in its TLC Network premiere, compared to 2.4 million on CMT last year. On a positive note, the performance was the show's best since being banished to cable in 2006. In its final years on major network TV the pageant still had nearly 10.3 million viewers and back in its heydays, the early 1960's, Miss America was watched by nearly 85 million viewers.
In its first airing on TLC, the program claimed the #1 spot on cable Saturday night among females between the ages of 18-34, increasing viewership over 2007 by 90% among viewers ages 18-34, 95% among women ages 18-49, 96% among women ages 25-54 and 88% among women ages 18-34. In addition, the median age for the telecast was 37, nearly 7 years younger than the live premiere in 2007 and 14 years younger than in 2006.
Weekly ratings have not been posted yet, but with those numbers the "Miss America Pageant" should easily finish in the Top 3 spots among all cable network shows for the week. The previous week saw the USA Network commanding the top three spots with "Monk" bringing in nearly 3.8 million viewers followed by WWE wrestling's "RAW" show which brought in 3.1 and 3.0 in two consecutive hours on Monday night.
In its first airing on TLC, the program claimed the #1 spot on cable Saturday night among females between the ages of 18-34, increasing viewership over 2007 by 90% among viewers ages 18-34, 95% among women ages 18-49, 96% among women ages 25-54 and 88% among women ages 18-34. In addition, the median age for the telecast was 37, nearly 7 years younger than the live premiere in 2007 and 14 years younger than in 2006.
Weekly ratings have not been posted yet, but with those numbers the "Miss America Pageant" should easily finish in the Top 3 spots among all cable network shows for the week. The previous week saw the USA Network commanding the top three spots with "Monk" bringing in nearly 3.8 million viewers followed by WWE wrestling's "RAW" show which brought in 3.1 and 3.0 in two consecutive hours on Monday night.
MARC Judge Speaks Out Then Shuts Up!
Mark Liddell, a British celebrity photo photographer hired to advise the 2008 Miss America field to modernize, voiced disappointment with the outcome Saturday inside the Planet Hollywood Resort.
Liddell, one of three individuals brought in to push change in "Miss America: Reality Check," told Vegas Confidential that "Miss America isn't totally ready for change." Liddell was joined by celebrity stylist Jeanie Mae and Us Weekly editor Dina Sansing to make up the elite advisory board.
"Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash was the most modern," he said, minutes after 19-year-old Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund took the crown.
Twice asked for his reacton to Miss Michigan's win, Liddell said, "No comment." "Change is a good thing. Maybe next year."
Liddell, one of three individuals brought in to push change in "Miss America: Reality Check," told Vegas Confidential that "Miss America isn't totally ready for change." Liddell was joined by celebrity stylist Jeanie Mae and Us Weekly editor Dina Sansing to make up the elite advisory board.
"Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash was the most modern," he said, minutes after 19-year-old Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund took the crown.
Twice asked for his reacton to Miss Michigan's win, Liddell said, "No comment." "Change is a good thing. Maybe next year."
This post has nothing to do with pageants....
But its about Hannah Montana, and I know there are tons of pageant girls out there that worship the ground on which Miley Cyrus stands. Well guess what girls? Get out your Kleenex because Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers have broken up.
The 15-year-old "Hannah Montana" star's romance with Jonas Brothers' Nick Jonas is over, Us Weekly reports in its latest issue.
Bandmate Joe Jonas told Us Weekly,
"We are all very single. We are on the road a lot. It gets kind of crazy!"
Neither had publicly commented before about rumors. Nick and Miley had been linked last year when she was spotted giving him a quick smooch at the Memphis, TN stop on her Best of Both Worlds tour.
So what other guys are on her radar for Miley? She says she crushes on Killers lead singer Brandon Flowers, but for now she is content palling around with her two Yorkie dogs: Roadie, and her newest pooch a 4-month-old named Shooter.
The 15-year-old "Hannah Montana" star's romance with Jonas Brothers' Nick Jonas is over, Us Weekly reports in its latest issue.
Bandmate Joe Jonas told Us Weekly,
"We are all very single. We are on the road a lot. It gets kind of crazy!"
Neither had publicly commented before about rumors. Nick and Miley had been linked last year when she was spotted giving him a quick smooch at the Memphis, TN stop on her Best of Both Worlds tour.
So what other guys are on her radar for Miley? She says she crushes on Killers lead singer Brandon Flowers, but for now she is content palling around with her two Yorkie dogs: Roadie, and her newest pooch a 4-month-old named Shooter.
Will TV Networks Ever Get Their Priorities Straight?
One little economic tid-bit came up last week as we crowned our new Miss America. The issue, prize money. Miss America continues to advertise about the great amounts of scholarship money that it hands out to bright and talented young women who aspire to better their communities and their own lives. However the truth is that the prize money for the winner of the Miss America contest amounts to only the price of a new automobile and far less than the cost of living for 4-6 years at a quality University and much less than the cost of actually participating in the Miss America Pageant.
Consider this fact. The average Miss America contestants wardrobe is valued in the $20K-$40K range. Granted most of that is probably donated as an advertising cost from a particular designer or retailer. However consider the costs incurred by her family and friends for the travel and support of her for the entire week of Miss America. Add to that she must actually win Miss America and then receiving the prize money comes at a cost of one year away from her training and education serving as an indentured servant to the Miss America Organization.
So why do it? Well currently the answer would be the recognition and the prestige of saying you were one of the 52 lucky young women that competed for Miss America on any given year. However many long time supporters of the Miss America system think that the greatest days of the pageant have come and gone. And that the girls of today's Miss America Pageant are nothing more than just actors with crowns in another TV reality show that just happens include women that are bright and beautiful.
Contrast TLC's Miss America Pageant to the CW Networks reality show "Crowned - The Mother of All Pageants". Mother daughter teams lived in a house for a couple weeks competing in various humiliating contests in order to claim their prize. Last weeks winner from this show walked away with a check for cool $100,000.
I dont know about you, but I hope cable networks get their priorities straight. If networks are going to reward contestants with their advertisers money, at least get behind an organization that seeks to better the world. Not some mother daughter pair who can come up with a catchy phrase for their sashes.
Consider this fact. The average Miss America contestants wardrobe is valued in the $20K-$40K range. Granted most of that is probably donated as an advertising cost from a particular designer or retailer. However consider the costs incurred by her family and friends for the travel and support of her for the entire week of Miss America. Add to that she must actually win Miss America and then receiving the prize money comes at a cost of one year away from her training and education serving as an indentured servant to the Miss America Organization.
So why do it? Well currently the answer would be the recognition and the prestige of saying you were one of the 52 lucky young women that competed for Miss America on any given year. However many long time supporters of the Miss America system think that the greatest days of the pageant have come and gone. And that the girls of today's Miss America Pageant are nothing more than just actors with crowns in another TV reality show that just happens include women that are bright and beautiful.
Contrast TLC's Miss America Pageant to the CW Networks reality show "Crowned - The Mother of All Pageants". Mother daughter teams lived in a house for a couple weeks competing in various humiliating contests in order to claim their prize. Last weeks winner from this show walked away with a check for cool $100,000.
I dont know about you, but I hope cable networks get their priorities straight. If networks are going to reward contestants with their advertisers money, at least get behind an organization that seeks to better the world. Not some mother daughter pair who can come up with a catchy phrase for their sashes.
Miss America puts her pants on one leg at a time
Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund left for the Miss America Pageant with a clear intention, and a firm belief in God's plan for her life.
"She was focused. She said 'I intend to come back with the crown," said Bob Kendall, who along with his wife, Mary, served as Haglund's host family while she was in Muskegon preparing for the pageant.
Haglund won the crown during Saturday's Miss America Live! pageant. Her whirlwind ride as Miss America began today as she embarked on a New York City media tour.
The Kendalls watched the pageant that was staged at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Saturday on TV with friends in their Norton Shores home. After numerous attempts to contact Haglund, they received a text message from her Sunday evening. It said: "Thank you so much, I love you guys."
The Kendalls have hosted five Miss Michigans and said it is still sinking in that one of them is now Miss America.
"We couldn't be prouder, it brings tears to my eyes," Mary Kendall said Sunday. "I definitely think she is the 'it' girl they were looking for.
"When she enters the room, she's a view, a vision. She has a great heart, a great spirit and she's a Christian. She's a beautiful, loving person."
A lot of Haglund's belongings remain upstairs in her bedroom at the Kendalls' home, Mary Kendall said. Since June, she has been in Muskegon often for appearances, speaking engagements and mock interviews. She also worked out at Norton Pines Athletic Club.
The Kendalls last saw Haglund two weeks ago when Bob gave her some parting words of wisdom.
"I told her to keep something in mind, that all those other guys (contestants) put their pants on the same way you do," he said.
"When you work with the girls that closely and get to know them on such personal levels, it just tugs your heart," Mary said. "They do become like your own family members."
It has been 20 years since the Muskegon-based Miss Michigan Organization has celebrated a national win. Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson won the state title in 1987 and went on to reign as the 1988 Miss America. Both Haglund and Rafko-Wilson were preliminary swimsuit winners.
The Miss Michigan organization is planning a homecoming for Haglund in Muskegon in the next four to six weeks, said Shelley Taylor, executive director of the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant, who is still in Las Vegas. Her hometown of Farmington Hills will likely hold a celebration, too, Taylor said.
Taylor attributed Haglund's success to her hard work since being crowned Miss Michigan. She said Haglund listened to suggestions and prepared well for the pageant
Taylor said Haglund was especially proud of her preliminary win in Lifestyle and Fitness (swimsuit).
"She certainly made us all very, very proud," Taylor said. "We're just awestruck. She worked very, very hard and proved to herself that a healthy lifestyle pays off.
"It's something she works on daily."
It is going to be a grueling year for the 19-year-old who is recovering from an eating disorder, Taylor said. She will promote her platform "Raising Awareness for Eating Disorders" throughout her reign, which is expected to find her traveling 20,000 miles each month.
Haglund won the Miss Oakland County pageant near Detroit -- also home to 2006 Miss Michigan Angela Corsi -- to advance to Miss Michigan. While it was her first entry in a pageant, her family has a history of pageantry. She is the granddaughter of the 1944 Miss Michigan, Iora Hunt, who attended Saturday's finals.
With Haglund serving as Miss America, the Miss Michigan organization will need a new representative. In most cases, the first runner-up takes over if the titleholder is unable to fulfill her duties. Gina Valo, 24, of Ann Arbor was the first runner-up at the 2007 Miss Michigan Pageant. Taylor said she would contact Valo when she returns from Las Vegas.
As Miss America, Haglund will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her platform of "Raising Awareness of Eating Disorders," a cause she embraced after battling anorexia in high school. She also will act as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.
Haglund completed her freshman year at University of Cincinnati before taking a hiatus to serve as Miss Michigan. She earned one of 15 spots in its musical theater performance program. About 800 students auditioned for the program. Haglund plans to obtain a bachelor's degree in musical theater and ultimately pursue a career on Broadway.
"She was focused. She said 'I intend to come back with the crown," said Bob Kendall, who along with his wife, Mary, served as Haglund's host family while she was in Muskegon preparing for the pageant.
Haglund won the crown during Saturday's Miss America Live! pageant. Her whirlwind ride as Miss America began today as she embarked on a New York City media tour.
The Kendalls watched the pageant that was staged at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Saturday on TV with friends in their Norton Shores home. After numerous attempts to contact Haglund, they received a text message from her Sunday evening. It said: "Thank you so much, I love you guys."
The Kendalls have hosted five Miss Michigans and said it is still sinking in that one of them is now Miss America.
"We couldn't be prouder, it brings tears to my eyes," Mary Kendall said Sunday. "I definitely think she is the 'it' girl they were looking for.
"When she enters the room, she's a view, a vision. She has a great heart, a great spirit and she's a Christian. She's a beautiful, loving person."
A lot of Haglund's belongings remain upstairs in her bedroom at the Kendalls' home, Mary Kendall said. Since June, she has been in Muskegon often for appearances, speaking engagements and mock interviews. She also worked out at Norton Pines Athletic Club.
The Kendalls last saw Haglund two weeks ago when Bob gave her some parting words of wisdom.
"I told her to keep something in mind, that all those other guys (contestants) put their pants on the same way you do," he said.
"When you work with the girls that closely and get to know them on such personal levels, it just tugs your heart," Mary said. "They do become like your own family members."
It has been 20 years since the Muskegon-based Miss Michigan Organization has celebrated a national win. Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson won the state title in 1987 and went on to reign as the 1988 Miss America. Both Haglund and Rafko-Wilson were preliminary swimsuit winners.
The Miss Michigan organization is planning a homecoming for Haglund in Muskegon in the next four to six weeks, said Shelley Taylor, executive director of the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant, who is still in Las Vegas. Her hometown of Farmington Hills will likely hold a celebration, too, Taylor said.
Taylor attributed Haglund's success to her hard work since being crowned Miss Michigan. She said Haglund listened to suggestions and prepared well for the pageant
Taylor said Haglund was especially proud of her preliminary win in Lifestyle and Fitness (swimsuit).
"She certainly made us all very, very proud," Taylor said. "We're just awestruck. She worked very, very hard and proved to herself that a healthy lifestyle pays off.
"It's something she works on daily."
It is going to be a grueling year for the 19-year-old who is recovering from an eating disorder, Taylor said. She will promote her platform "Raising Awareness for Eating Disorders" throughout her reign, which is expected to find her traveling 20,000 miles each month.
Haglund won the Miss Oakland County pageant near Detroit -- also home to 2006 Miss Michigan Angela Corsi -- to advance to Miss Michigan. While it was her first entry in a pageant, her family has a history of pageantry. She is the granddaughter of the 1944 Miss Michigan, Iora Hunt, who attended Saturday's finals.
With Haglund serving as Miss America, the Miss Michigan organization will need a new representative. In most cases, the first runner-up takes over if the titleholder is unable to fulfill her duties. Gina Valo, 24, of Ann Arbor was the first runner-up at the 2007 Miss Michigan Pageant. Taylor said she would contact Valo when she returns from Las Vegas.
As Miss America, Haglund will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her platform of "Raising Awareness of Eating Disorders," a cause she embraced after battling anorexia in high school. She also will act as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.
Haglund completed her freshman year at University of Cincinnati before taking a hiatus to serve as Miss Michigan. She earned one of 15 spots in its musical theater performance program. About 800 students auditioned for the program. Haglund plans to obtain a bachelor's degree in musical theater and ultimately pursue a career on Broadway.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Miss America's 15 minutes of fame tour
Tuesday's Media Schedule includes:
8:50am - FOX and Friends, FOX News Channel
Kirsten will be joined by former Miss Americas Debbye Turner, Kate Shindle, Susan Powell, and, of course, FOX and Friends' Gretchen Carlson.
9:00am - FOX and Friends After the Show Show
Raw. Unscripted. And LIVE! It's what happens when the show is not on the air. Click here to watch the After the Show Show! at 9:00am ET on Tuesday, January 29
5:00pm - Happy Hour, FOX Business Channel
8:50am - FOX and Friends, FOX News Channel
Kirsten will be joined by former Miss Americas Debbye Turner, Kate Shindle, Susan Powell, and, of course, FOX and Friends' Gretchen Carlson.
9:00am - FOX and Friends After the Show Show
Raw. Unscripted. And LIVE! It's what happens when the show is not on the air. Click here to watch the After the Show Show! at 9:00am ET on Tuesday, January 29
5:00pm - Happy Hour, FOX Business Channel
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A long and busy Monday for the new Miss America
Tune-in on Monday, January 28 as our new Miss America Kirsten Haglund embarks on a New York City media tour following her crowning in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
All times are Eastern, please check your local listings for channels.
6:00am - 9:00am - "Morning Express Robin Meade" on CNN
Tune in to see Robin's exclusive backstage interview with our new Miss America, plus Robin's experience as being one of the 2008 National Judges.
9:00am - "Live! with Regis and Kelly" hosted on various networks
12:30pm - ABC News Now on the ABC News Network
10:00pm - "The Big Idea" with Donny Deutsch on CNBC
All times are Eastern, please check your local listings for channels.
6:00am - 9:00am - "Morning Express Robin Meade" on CNN
Tune in to see Robin's exclusive backstage interview with our new Miss America, plus Robin's experience as being one of the 2008 National Judges.
9:00am - "Live! with Regis and Kelly" hosted on various networks
12:30pm - ABC News Now on the ABC News Network
10:00pm - "The Big Idea" with Donny Deutsch on CNBC
Miss America inspires millions of youth...
Ok, maybe not a million, but Miss Indiana and Miss North Carolina inspired a couple.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Long Search is Over. Miss Michigan has "IT". Or does she?
Wow! I dont know where to start. I guess I should start by reminding all the Miss America contestants to use their ClearBlue Easy Monday morning after partying the rest of the weekend away in Las Vegas. And if the results come back positive, you may get alittle depressed about giving the state crown up, good news, there is always Cymbalta and Tostitos. Who at TLC sold the national advertising for this pageant?? I did get a kick out of the local ads though. Here in Charlotte, NC we had ads for plastic surgery! Now there is a doctor with a savvy marketing plan!
A few years ago Miss America had casual wear competition. Well tonights opening number outfits were about as casual as they come. Jeans and a colorful five dollar tanktop. At first I thought it was a great idea that they weren't going to be introduced in alphabetical order. Then I remembered that they were basically showing the judges that these girls over here in red are the cool kids and these girls in pink are the ugly kids that come from states that have never won. As Miss Washington said, "How do you like them apples?"
Happily, Top 15 went as scheduled with 7 of my Top 10 picks making it into the big show. NC, VA, SC, CA, MI, WA, TX, were all in my Top 10 with the addition of IA, TN, IN, GA, AR, WI, FL, MS also being selected by the judges.
Miss Illinois and Miss Louisiana.... Sorry. Both of you were in my Top 10, but weren't selected. You both must have had bad interviews, because I really thought you both had the goods on-stage. And this years Top 15 included the addition of the America's Choice vote to make it an even 16. That vote went to Sargent Jill Stevens who is also known as Miss Utah. As PFC Gomer Pyle says, "Surprise, Surprise, Surprise." Well not exactly. As I mentioned in prior blogs she was a media darlin' and won the hearts of many with a great back story and a cute haircut. Lets see how far that will get ya. So now I have 8 of my Top 10 in the show and prove that I continue to be a B Student.
Top 16 all competed in swimwear. I would love to give you my opinion, but honestly who ever programmed the camera angles for this round of competition knows nothing about shooting women. Especially women in bikinis. The low camera angles with wide angle lens did nothing for the girls figures. I am very proud of you all for the many hours you put in the gym. Too bad the producers make you all look like Oompa Loompa's from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Top 10 was called out after the round of 16 competed in swimsuit. At this point I started getting a little nervous because only 6 of my original Top 10 survived swimwear. Top 10 talent competition included my picks of NC, VA, CA, MI, WA, TX with the addition of IA, IN, GA, WI. So after swimsuit I had to say peace out to Miss SC Crystal Garrett who is a curvy girl compared to some of the other girls (much love) and Miss Utah, the only Top 16 contestant to wear a one piece swimsuit. Jill, honestly I dont get it. You will go surround yourself with death and destruction in Afghanistan, but you won't wear a bikini for 20 seconds of low ratings air time. Which leads me to this question.... How big is the tattoo of a M-16 on your lower back?? Hoooah! Just a guess.
So we're ready for talent and here's where I start to see bumps in the road for my selections and Miss America in general. In my opinion all the contestants are at a big disadvantage with the choice to put them all on-stage from minute one and pull them randomly for competition. Coming out of the commercial break you could see dancers like Miss Virginia trying to do warmup stretches and Miss NC still trying to get her hair pinned up in a bun. Miss Michigan who was randomly selected as the first talent contestant is called. And her song proves to be the weakest of all the early singers talents. I wonder how much of her poor vocals was caused by the speed of the pageant? So I guess no time to limber up for the dancers and no time to warm up the vocal chords for the singers equals sucky performances?? Perhaps.
Well its a good thing we have a baton twirler in the mix. What does she have to warm up?? Oh but wait! No Miss Iowa, now that you have got all dressed up there's no party for you. Take your preliminary talent award and exit stage left! Mark Steines announces that the judges have voted you out and you are banished to the Land of Pink Shirts and Carbohydrates seated over in Section 001. So talent goes on to included a few informational pop-up graphics (ala MTV's PopUp Video from like 10 years ago) to the dramatic conclusion of Miss NC and Miss GA holding hands as the final two standing on stage. One contestants in, One contestants out..... You can cut the tension with a knife. Look a close-up of the two hands.... I can't take much more......If they cut to commercial like American Idol does I may just have to throw my Wii controller at the TV again.... Thankfully they don't!
JESSICA's IN!!! Miss NC continues! Amazingly she composes herself and gets through the routine! Whew, dodged a bullet there. I knew her swimsuit was strong enough to get her there. So now 6 of my original Top 10 are still standing. I am feeling much more confident. I have NC, VA, CA, MI, WA, TX and the outside longshots of IN (Shakira Shakira) and WI who had a hot red evening gown that was one of my favorite dresses and thats probably what the judges were remembering in talent. All thats left is a simple on-stage question. No problem. My girls are from the Carolina's and they have studied their maps.
Top 8 are forced to play "Mark, Pick me! Pick me!" with pre-recorded questions from tourists on the strip. The smart/lucky girls wait for the host Mark Steines-Cornett to get on the other side of the line to take their crack at the questions. The time it takes Mark to walk back to them with the microphone buys them precious seconds to formulate answers. Everyone does a pretty good job with on-stage questions. Unfortunately, I thought NC's answer tended to wander and ramble abit. Hopefully its only because I know her personally and I know how smart and beautifully articulate she can be.
As the show concludes Miss America finally returns to the format of leaving all Top 8 on-stage and calls out 4th Runner up... Miss NC, hmmm the answer must have not been too bad. 3rd Runner up... Miss VA, now I'm heartbroken. 2nd Runner up... Miss WA. 1st Runner up... Miss IN, who actually gets handed her flowers and acknowledged in this format, instead of being wisked aside so we can get a shot of the winners meltdown. So that leads us to the dramatic announcement with four girls all holding hands. And our new Miss America is....... I know what your thinking... I am too. Its Miss Texas. She got that preliminary swimsuit award the other night, her talent is cute, not special, but cute, and now she's gonna have a crown to go with it.....
And the winner is.....Miss Michigan!!!
OK so now I really know what your thinking. Right now Miss Michigan is having the crown placed on her head and all she can think about is "Take that Lenn Long" and "Take That Appalachian State!"
That's all for me tonight, I don't know about you, but am going to go take my Cymbalta and go to bed. I'm depressed. Congratulations Kirsten Haglund, you survived Miss America 2008.
Chat on PageantCentral all day Saturday!
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Good-bye Lauren Nelson, Hello....?
Well tonight's the big night. We crown a new Miss America. And who will this lucky lady be? Well if you have been watching the preliminaries like I have (via the computer) then your guess is as good as mine. My guess, in random order: NC, SC, VA, IL, CA, MI, TX, WA, LA, and UT. But what do I know, and we still have a couple hours of TV to go. So who are your picks?? Post them in the comment section below!
Miss America continues to try and revamp the system in order to make Miss America seem more relevant and contemporary. And as Miss America Lauren Nelson hands down the crown tonight it is Miss America 2008 that must become the new face of an American icon and somehow transform her overnight. No pressure.
You want pressure? Try being one of the parents of a Miss America Top 16 finalist tonight. For them, an opportunity to go all the way to Las Vegas and pay $225 for a ticket to sit onstage for over an hour on a hard wooden box. Perhaps Miss America should take a hint from NASCAR and start selling naming rights to everything. The parents boxes could all be sponsored by Preparation-H. And then when the winner is crowned onstage tonight after her parents have baked in the hot lights for over an hour; the crowning moment could be sponsored by Coppertone Sport, "Get a tan while being a fan" and Secret, "Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman!"
Seriously, a heartfelt "Break a Leg" to all the girls tonight, but especially to my three Carolina girls... Miss NC, Miss SC, and Miss VA. We southern states love our Miss America contestants and Miss America, and the only thing I think she needs?...... More Cowbell !!!
Miss Illinois is ready to run 26.2 miles
Miss Illinois Ashley Hatfield looked fresh and energetic Friday afternoon, even if she wished she could take a nap.
"This is a marathon and definitely not a sprint," she said.
For the last nine days, the Anna native has been on the move; in rehearsals, press events and in preliminary competition at the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas.
Hatfield said the 52 contestants have been working so hard that some of them are sleeping in the aisles of the theater when it is not their turn to rehearse.
"It's exhausting," she said. "It's very different to look up at the screen and know you're going to be on television; to learn your camera shots. There's so much more that goes into it than what people think."
Read more about Ashley's trip to Vegas here.
"This is a marathon and definitely not a sprint," she said.
For the last nine days, the Anna native has been on the move; in rehearsals, press events and in preliminary competition at the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas.
Hatfield said the 52 contestants have been working so hard that some of them are sleeping in the aisles of the theater when it is not their turn to rehearse.
"It's exhausting," she said. "It's very different to look up at the screen and know you're going to be on television; to learn your camera shots. There's so much more that goes into it than what people think."
Read more about Ashley's trip to Vegas here.
And I do my little turn on the catwalk...
The 52 girls competing for the title of Miss America started their trip with a Fashion show and autograph signing at the world famous Fashion Mall in Las Vegas.
See more pics and info about the show here.
GI Jill is a media darling.
Two years into her career as a pageant contestant, Jill Stevens says she still feels more comfortable in combat boots than high heels.
So if Utah's soldier-turned-beauty queen is feeling at all out of place tonight as she competes in the final round of the Miss America competition, she might just want to sneak a peek at the audience. Nearly 100 soldiers are expected to be in the crowd at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino - including dozens of Stevens' fellow National Guard members from neighboring Utah.
Yes, there are bound to be plenty of "hooahs" in the audience tonight. And that's not the only factor leading to speculation that the Afghanistan war veteran - who most here say is a shoo-in when the 16 finalists are announced tonight - might just walk away whistling "There She Is" to the tune of "The Caissons Song."
For one thing, the judging pool appears friendly: several of those on the panel have Utah connections, including Jason LaPadura, the casting director of the Utah-filmed hit movie "High School Musical." There are also two fitness gurus on the panel - Kim Lyons of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, of Olympic gold medal fame - critiquing Stevens, a marathoner who brags about her ability to do as many push-ups as any of the guys in her Army unit. And rounding out the panel is Robin Meade, who has anchored CNN Headline News' coverage of the war in Afghanistan.
Read more about Miss Utah Jill Stevens here.
So if Utah's soldier-turned-beauty queen is feeling at all out of place tonight as she competes in the final round of the Miss America competition, she might just want to sneak a peek at the audience. Nearly 100 soldiers are expected to be in the crowd at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino - including dozens of Stevens' fellow National Guard members from neighboring Utah.
Yes, there are bound to be plenty of "hooahs" in the audience tonight. And that's not the only factor leading to speculation that the Afghanistan war veteran - who most here say is a shoo-in when the 16 finalists are announced tonight - might just walk away whistling "There She Is" to the tune of "The Caissons Song."
For one thing, the judging pool appears friendly: several of those on the panel have Utah connections, including Jason LaPadura, the casting director of the Utah-filmed hit movie "High School Musical." There are also two fitness gurus on the panel - Kim Lyons of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, of Olympic gold medal fame - critiquing Stevens, a marathoner who brags about her ability to do as many push-ups as any of the guys in her Army unit. And rounding out the panel is Robin Meade, who has anchored CNN Headline News' coverage of the war in Afghanistan.
Read more about Miss Utah Jill Stevens here.
Miss America a Crowning Moment for Family
To them, she's Loubug.
She's the older sister with a sense of style -- and humor -- who takes her younger siblings shopping. She's the dark-haired daughter who was so petite and slightly built as a child her parents wondered if she would ever grow. She's the young woman who works hard, sets high standards for herself and loves to sing.
Tonight, she'll compete for the Miss America crown.
Read more about Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto and her Miss America trip here.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Monte Carlo Fire - Did Britney Do It???
Here is a video of Britney Spears stealing a lighter from a convenience store last month. With her track record, she has to be considered a prime suspect. She loves to stay in Penthouse Suites and now we have the proof that she had the tools for the job... I say we bring her in for questioning.
The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is on Fire!!!
Reports are coming in through various news agencies that the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino is fully ablaze. The Monte Carlo is located on the Vegas Strip directly across the street from the Planet Hollywood Casino where the 2008 Miss America Pageant is being hosted. Many family members and supporters of the Miss America Pageant are reported to be staying there. Hopefully everyone is safe. Check back for updates.
4:30PM EASTERN UPDATE
(CNN) A fire charred the top of two of three wings of the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on Friday, causing no major injuries but forcing visitors and employees to evacuate, authorities said.
About two hours after it began, the fire was contained in the west wing and nearly contained in the south wing, according to the fire departments in Las Vegas and Clark County. The cause of the fire was undetermined, authorities said. Welders had been working on the roof.
"No one was trapped and there were no reports of major injuries.", said Ed Cagalo of the Clark County Fire Department. "The 32-floor building has been completely evacuated."
"It was horrible, there was fire everywhere," a hotel worker who watched the flames from a parking lot told CNN affiliate KVBC.
The blaze was reported about 11 a.m.
Black smoke and flames poured from the fire, which roared through the building's exterior stucco and foam until firefighters were able to get on the roof and knock down the flames.
Most of the damage was to the top floor of the building. Falling debris ignited parts of an exterior ledge four floors below. The smoke was visible from more than a mile away, CNN producer Darian Billington said. Billington said traffic was backed up on the Strip, and crowds of people were gathering to watch the blaze.
Hotel Facts
• AAA Four Diamond hotel • 3,000 rooms • Home of the Lance Burton magic show • No conventions listed on hotel web site for this weekend • The 32nd Floor Lounge, billed as "top-tier accommodation" is located near top of building.
AND THATS IT!!!!!! Well almost.
And the winners are......
Miss Connecticut proves that there is more to Huskie girls in than Women's Basketball. Sounds to me like they can sing too. In all fairness she attends CCSU, not UCONN. Hey I just text messaged Catherine Fiehn and told her I expect to see lots of talent pics tomorrow, so we'll see. She text'd me back "PARTY 2 NIGHT". Good thing for auto-focus cameras with program modes. Oh and since I reminded Michigan about the App State score last night, I guess I should follow that up with a reminder to all the Huskies that the Wake Forest / UConn score in the Meineke Car Care Bowl here in Charlotte was Wake 24 - UCONN 10... GO DEACS!!!
Here is a video from the Miss Connecticut Pageant this past year. I believe Dana is the first performer. I watched a couple vids and this was one of the only singers.
And Miss Texas gets tonight's Preliminary Swimsuit award. Nothing like growing up in a city where Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader posters are plastered in every teenaged boys bedroom to give a girl a workout/diet complex growing up.
Speaking of the Cowboys, did you hear Romo supposedly broke it off with Jessica yesterday? Well at least he got a trip to Mexico out of the deal. The big question is did they go on three dates?
Here is Miss Texas' SS competition at state. Molly is 4 min. into the vid.
Well folks that's it for on-stage preliminary competition for 2008. All thats left are a few interviews. Tomorrow is a chance for the girls to take a deep breath and then wait all day Saturday to find out if they are one of the Top 15. Or maybe we should call it the "Lucky 16"?
Have you been voting on TLC?? I know I have.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Whatcha doin' Saturday around 8??
Well obviously if you're here, you're into pageants and you're going to be watching the 2008 Miss America Pageant on TLC. Provided your local cable provider has TLC on its service. If not, then you'll probably be trolling the web looking for the latest results and commentary on the Voy Boards.
But what will Joe and Suzie Americana be doing? They are settling down after dinner and picking up the remote to see what's on TV tonight and this will be their choices.
Over on ABC you have "Pretty Woman". Yep that classic 1990 movie staring Julia Roberts who plays a hooker picked up by a rich bachelor portrayed by Richard Gere. ABC is a family oriented network isn't it??
On CBS you can watch the "SuperBowl's Greatest TV Commercials". Special thanks to Steve Jobs and Apple MacIntosh for saving the world with this Apple MacIntosh ad campaign back in 1984. Now the Superbowl is the only TV show that is more famous for its commercials than the actual show itself. Oh and that iPod thing has been pretty neat too.
And over on the rainbow bird, also known as NBC, you can watch the US Figure Skating Championships. Now that I think about it, thats kinda ironic seeings how it's the rainbow bird network.... Coincidence?? I think not.
So who will win this ratings war?? Well my bet, at least here in the Carolina's, is gonna be for CNN.
Miss America 2008 is also the same evening as the South Carolina Democratic State Primary and since this is the first southern state to hold a Democratic primary, SC is going to dominate the coverage of most local and national evening news shows. And for the general public, seeing a black guy from Illinois talking smack to a white lady from New York and Arkansas makes for some good TV watchin'. I don't know about you, but I personally would like to see these debates hosted as a Pay-Per-View Mix Martial Arts cage fight with Tito Ortiz and "The Iceman" Chuck Liddell coaching each of the contestants. Now that's a ratings magnet!!
But what will Joe and Suzie Americana be doing? They are settling down after dinner and picking up the remote to see what's on TV tonight and this will be their choices.
Over on ABC you have "Pretty Woman". Yep that classic 1990 movie staring Julia Roberts who plays a hooker picked up by a rich bachelor portrayed by Richard Gere. ABC is a family oriented network isn't it??
On CBS you can watch the "SuperBowl's Greatest TV Commercials". Special thanks to Steve Jobs and Apple MacIntosh for saving the world with this Apple MacIntosh ad campaign back in 1984. Now the Superbowl is the only TV show that is more famous for its commercials than the actual show itself. Oh and that iPod thing has been pretty neat too.
And over on the rainbow bird, also known as NBC, you can watch the US Figure Skating Championships. Now that I think about it, thats kinda ironic seeings how it's the rainbow bird network.... Coincidence?? I think not.
So who will win this ratings war?? Well my bet, at least here in the Carolina's, is gonna be for CNN.
Miss America 2008 is also the same evening as the South Carolina Democratic State Primary and since this is the first southern state to hold a Democratic primary, SC is going to dominate the coverage of most local and national evening news shows. And for the general public, seeing a black guy from Illinois talking smack to a white lady from New York and Arkansas makes for some good TV watchin'. I don't know about you, but I personally would like to see these debates hosted as a Pay-Per-View Mix Martial Arts cage fight with Tito Ortiz and "The Iceman" Chuck Liddell coaching each of the contestants. Now that's a ratings magnet!!
I'm a Fannah Hannah too!
This would have been a great year to go out to Vegas for Miss America. Technically the Carolina's have sent three girls to Vegas to compete. One of our Carolina Girls is actually Miss Virginia - Hannah Kiefer. I have known Hannah for a couple years now and she's a great girl with a sparkling personality and she's not to hard on the eyes either. I have said all along that the other great thing about each of our three Carolina Girls is that they are each a unique person and not carbon copies of one another. So hopefully one of them will be what the judges were looking for.
For Hannah that role has been personified as the contestant with outgoing youthful personality that is immediately approachable. Julius Tolentino, a Miss Va supporter and photographer, has been out all week following Hannah around and his photos and the ones I have of her in the Miss America program book show that in addition to her youthful and approachable look, she also can convey a very contemporary sexy appeal that would serve the Miss America image well.
Hey and here's a couple shots Julius took of Hannah's banners and fans that have my photos on them!
For Hannah that role has been personified as the contestant with outgoing youthful personality that is immediately approachable. Julius Tolentino, a Miss Va supporter and photographer, has been out all week following Hannah around and his photos and the ones I have of her in the Miss America program book show that in addition to her youthful and approachable look, she also can convey a very contemporary sexy appeal that would serve the Miss America image well.
Hey and here's a couple shots Julius took of Hannah's banners and fans that have my photos on them!
Miss America Wednesday Nights Preliminary Winners
Hmmm, Michigan won Swimsuit. Well I guess they have to win something. Would someone remind her that the App State/Michigan score was 34-32.
As for Massachusetts, I am not saying a thing about this girl. She attends Dartmoth and wants to be a lawyer. Qui audet adipiscitur!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
WWJD - What Would Jessica Dress in on Tuesday
OK, so now I can finally release the photos from the Miss NC wardrobe show that The Miss NC Organization allowed me to take, but made me promise not to show you guys until after it hit the stage in Las Vegas. Last night was Swimwear and Evening Gown competition for Jessica.
The swimwear was black Winnwear bikini. This was a required selection piece for all the contestants. Personally I love the black because its classic and looks good on everyone. Plus it make you notice all those ripped muscles Jessica has instead of you looking at the swimsuits pretty color or print design.
For evening gown she had a white pleated dress that had a sparkling jeweled bottice and black velvet inlay around the midsection. I think it was designed as a collaborative piece between Sherri Hill and Gregory Ellenburg. To me this was a risky choice because it hides those great legs of hers. Any time Jessica can get those leg muscles showing on-stage I would. I wish I could have seen this dress and photographed it on the Miss America stage to give you a better idea of what it will look like. In Garner the stage is all black and the dress looked kinda plain, but with all the color and sparking lights on the Miss America stage I bet this dress (especially the top half) really transforms. Remember that tip when picking out a dress girls! Hopefully we will see it again in June.
Continued success to Jessica and North Carolinians out in Vegas. For the rest of us our job is to keep voting for Jess as America's Choice over on TLC so we can guarantee ourselves an opportunity to see all these wardrobe selections on TV this Saturday!!!
UPDATE!!! I found some photos of Jessica from on-stage competition last night. Doesn't she look great? She was very fit last summer at state, and I think she stepped it up another notch. You can tell she has worked hard this fall to get into shape and those hours in the gym really show. As for the dress. In a word, elegance. I knew this dress would transform when put into the sparkling environment of the Las Vegas stagelights.
One of the dresses I remember from a couple years back was Miss Texas Morgan Matlock's silver jeweled gown. It was covered in jewels from top to bottom. The dress practically twinkled as Morgan walked the stage. Well Jessica's dress probably reacted the same way, but with all the rhinestones being around the bottice it surely drew the attention up to her great smile. The loose fabric at the bottom flowed as she walked the stage making it appear as she was floating on air!
Miss America Tuesday Nights Preliminary Winners
That's right, a baton twirler won talent. How do you like those apples? So much for bringing Miss America up-to-date.
Here's an article on Miss Iowa and her twirling expertise.
Twirlzone
If your looking for some cool baton twirling equipment...
And honestly, who isn't?...
Check out these sites for things to spin your little fingers off with.
Luxotica - If you want to burn your mom's house down twirling fire
TwirlStuff - Cool glowstick batons
Sorry thats all I could find in two minutes. If you know any other cool ones send them to me....NOT.
Special thanks to photographer Catherine Fiehn and editor Kimberly Lawrence of Supermodels Unltd. Magazine for their daily coverage.
And from Bruce Boyajian of the Miss America Organization
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Stacey, Use The Force....
Pageants are always taking a beating like an Aqualish picking a fight with a Jedi Knight in the Mos Eisley Cantina over in Sector 147. Most of the barrage of blows comes for having talents like baton twirling, tap dancing, and all those Broadway showtunes nobody in the general public listens to. Well here's a girl that was trying to keep it real and bring her talent to something that the entire Star Fleet could jam to. Unfortunately I don't know what is worse, Stacey's talent, or the fact that there was an entire group of people backing her. I can hear it now, "Stacey, thats the song thats gonna win you the title of Miss America!"
Dem' Phillipinos Ain't Got No Maps Either....
Caitlyn Upton, Miss Teen SC USA, may not know her cartography, but I think she would probably be considered for a Mensa Membership if she was put up against this girl in a Top 5!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Truth in advertising.
People are always commenting on how photographers like myself use programs like Photoshop to make people look more glamourous than they really are. Well the secrets out! And here is what can be done by some of the best. Granted she looks nothing like what sits down in the studio. Personally I think that looking your best is a benefit in pageant world. However I also think that when you walk into interview, or out on to the stage for the first time in front of the judges, its important for them to recognize you from that image in the program book.
I have a dream....
I have a dream that young girls can grow up in this country and enter pageants. And those girls can compete in a pageant an not have to worry about things happening to their wardrobe backstage. Sadly, today that is still a dream.
Dateline: Sunny South Florida...
Now the occasional "Lipstick on the collar" has landed alot of men in hot water, but this weekend it was lipstick streaks on an evening gown that got a group of beauty queens in trouble.
The red lipstick streaks on Jessica Wittenbrink's gown were discovered backstage during the Miss South Florida Fair pageant on Saturday night. (For those of you who are new, you may want to see my Jeff Foxworthy post about pageants that occur at fairgrounds after this post...)
Anywho, pageant organizers and Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies met with the 13 lucky contestants, but deputies say there's not enough "conclusive evidence" to name a suspect. It wasn't clear if the lipstick was sabotage or random vandalism by someone unrelated to the pageant. Yeah that random acts of violence happens to me all the time. Random people walking by me just pull out a lipstick and go to town. Or here is a more likely scenario. It was probably Professor Plum that did it in the Library with a candlestick... OK Book'em Dano.
Miss Wittenbrink even wore the light-blue dress with the lipstick stains clearly visible on the back during the evening gown portion of the competition. Which leads me to believe that it didn't spell out the word "bitch" on the back. I doubt anyone would have the guts to walk on-stage with that...
Wittenbrink, obviously using the sympathy vote, went on to win the pageant that probably ended with fireworks, a free trip through the petting zoo, a bag of cotton-candy, a slushy, and a bunch of free tickets to ride in her crappy lipstick streaked blue dress on the Tilt-a-whirl and the Ferris Wheel.
Wittenbrink will next compete in the Miss Florida pageant. Which is probably sponsored by Sara Rose Cosmetics.
Dateline: Sunny South Florida...
Now the occasional "Lipstick on the collar" has landed alot of men in hot water, but this weekend it was lipstick streaks on an evening gown that got a group of beauty queens in trouble.
The red lipstick streaks on Jessica Wittenbrink's gown were discovered backstage during the Miss South Florida Fair pageant on Saturday night. (For those of you who are new, you may want to see my Jeff Foxworthy post about pageants that occur at fairgrounds after this post...)
Anywho, pageant organizers and Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies met with the 13 lucky contestants, but deputies say there's not enough "conclusive evidence" to name a suspect. It wasn't clear if the lipstick was sabotage or random vandalism by someone unrelated to the pageant. Yeah that random acts of violence happens to me all the time. Random people walking by me just pull out a lipstick and go to town. Or here is a more likely scenario. It was probably Professor Plum that did it in the Library with a candlestick... OK Book'em Dano.
Miss Wittenbrink even wore the light-blue dress with the lipstick stains clearly visible on the back during the evening gown portion of the competition. Which leads me to believe that it didn't spell out the word "bitch" on the back. I doubt anyone would have the guts to walk on-stage with that...
Wittenbrink, obviously using the sympathy vote, went on to win the pageant that probably ended with fireworks, a free trip through the petting zoo, a bag of cotton-candy, a slushy, and a bunch of free tickets to ride in her crappy lipstick streaked blue dress on the Tilt-a-whirl and the Ferris Wheel.
Wittenbrink will next compete in the Miss Florida pageant. Which is probably sponsored by Sara Rose Cosmetics.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Miss Mecklenburg County 2008 (NC MAO)
Whitney James - Mecklenburg Co '07
Meaghan Perrigo - Mecklenburg Co '08
Bridget Williams - Mecklenburg OT '08
Kelsey Norkett - Mecklenburg OT '07
And what does Lenn have say after 15 hours at a pageant?
Thank you and Goodnight!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Miss America contestants are flippin' crazy!
Photo courtesy MAO
Armed with forks, spatulas, aprons, and their state sashes; the Miss America girls gathered for a pancake breakfast in honor of Children’s Miracle Network this morning in Las Vegas.
The contestants raised awareness about IHOP’s National Pancake Day celebration, a nationwide fundraising effort that generates hundreds of thousands of dollars for Children’s Miracle Network programs at children’s hospitals throughout the United States. National Pancake Day will take place on February 12, 2008, when more than 1,300 IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer guests a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities.
Awww is it just me or do you miss having 2006 Miss Tennessee Blair Pancake at this event?
Miss America "Quality of Life Awards" Finalists
This year’s Quality of Life finalists were announced today at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas during the 2008 Miss America Arrival Ceremony.
The nine finalists and their personal platform issues are:
Miss Alabama Jamie Langley: Cardiac Care – From the Heart
Miss Florida Kylie Williams: Realistic Support for our Troops
Miss Massachusetts Valerie Amaral: Encouraging Youth to Volunteer
Miss Minnesota Jennifer Hudspeth: The Missing Piece – Understanding Autism
Miss Nevada Caleche Manos: MADD
Miss North Carolina Jessica Jacobs: “Read to Me”
Miss Oklahoma Makenna Smith: Seatbelts Save Lives, What’s Holding You Back?
Miss Rhode Island Ashley Bickford: The kNOw HIV/AIDS Campaign
Miss Tennessee Grace Gore: Graceful S