| Subject: NIGHT 1 RECAP |
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Date Posted: 00:32:42 01/11/24 Thu
Good evening!
This year, the competition is really rocking! There are a LOT of quality contestants this year. I would say in any given year that there are maybe 20 contestants who could make the cut. This year I am telling you there are going to be some quality contestants who do not make the top 10. There are a lot of contestants who are really standing out. But...
There are only four judges. I was thinking about my college statistics or research course (I forget which one) but they said that even numbers do not work out well for polling or something where you need to make a one or the other decision. It is usually why there was an odd number of judges. There are four judges total. In my opinion, you need more to get a consensus. So, do not be surprised if your favorite does not make it. I think it is going to be VERY interesting with no composite scoring. In a way, I like that idea. It is not clear, at least it wasn't tonight, who is judging. If it is the same panel they might go with the same contestants they liked in preliminaries.
Thinking about the preliminary winners yes, it is obvious the judges are liking Maryland. See the below post about the breakdown of the preliminary scoring. They are looking for well-rounded young woman. There are PLENTY of good contestants and this is just the first night. So many of them really brought their A game and they are determined to stand out. There might have been around only 5 tonight where I think they probably aren't going to advance. Another thing I wanted to mention is the pleasant surprises for me. Tonight, the Is have it-Idaho, Indiana, and Rhode Island. Idaho is strong this year. You notice her in each competition, and she is very articulate. Indiana, same thing. She has great stage presence, seems alive in each competition and I felt connected to her when she spoke. Rhode Island is not in your face but shining nicely and confidently. Arizona I noticed tonight. Colorado had a strong night, I thought. The way that she spoke she seems to have the achievement background that they like at Miss America. I thought Michigan was very fresh and likeable, I like how she wore a scarf that she designed, it was very pretty.
Of the ones that did not win a preliminary, the most consistent for me which were not mentioned above were Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. I haven't seen many talents but I know Massachusetts is good as well as New York. Oklahoma is a little weaker. Utah always sends good talent. Wisconsin is really coming on strong to me.
Now, to the preliminary winners. None of these were out of left field to me, though I think there were many who were "better." It just comes down to individual judges preference. It is hard to get a good consensus with four judges. I suppose on the flip side judging can be all over the place with 5 or 7 different opinions. I really liked Maryland and Tennessee tonight. Both of them stood out to me in each category. I liked Maryland's platform. It is regarding educating parents on apps and what might be dangerous, etc. It was something that when I heard her, it made a lot of practical sense to me. I also really liked Tennessee in all aspects of competition. Her platform is about, if I understand correctly, mindfulness and other alternative mindsets and psychology in sports. Anyone who has played competitive sports would have agreed with her about the words and verbal abuse that often goes on. She really did stand out to me. AL didn't stand out to me as much. I think she did well all night but she is one of the ones I would have had several others ahead of. MS I thought was good in fitness, some others were a bit better but she was certainly no surprise. She has an overall good look, is consistent. I would like to see what her talent is like. She's not a strong top 10 for me but given the state history I wouldn't be surprised to see her on Sunday evening. Texas-yes, she looks really good. I have always liked her platform and once again, I really think she would have a great story and be able to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and a public which is often at odds. She looked good in fitness as well. I know her talent is a bit weaker but I think the gown win should be enough to put her in the top 10.
I was thinking about if Maryland was the frontrunner. I said so initially but upon rethinking it, it is really hard to tell with only four judges. Obviously she impressed them in both categories. If you go by state competitions, it is really hard to tell. Sometimes they are the clear winner, sometimes they end up as runner-up. In 2015 nobody will ever forget the double preliminary winner Iowa not making the top 10. I am sure she's headed for the top 10 and likely top 5 but it is hard to say.
To address the poster about the USA and what Robin is going for-yes, it is markedly different. The fitness and evening gown competitions really have a USA vibe. It unfortunately was what Miss America fans have been saying would have made the difference for years. The difference is nobody is going to see these preliminaries aside of the die hards. Is it too USA? That's an interesting question. We will see after the talent competition tomorrow night. Branding it as Miss America's Got Talent is hardly going to bring folks in. The irony is that the USA and even Universe competition has gotten very "Miss America" over the years with achievement, stories, girl-next-door/religious vibe.
The production was a lot better than I thought it would be, admittedly. After the disaster of 2021 I think everyone was a bit scared. But this was very nice, the stage was very nice. You realize you are not in Convention Hall anymore but it did have a very nice stage. I am glad I never have to hear the fitness song again LOL. The only thing I do not like is no intermission. Tomorrow night will be a hoot with 51 talents. I am not sure how long the talents are? If they are a minute and a half that is around an hour and 15 minutes of actual competition but between fillers/moving pianos, etc. it will be a while. I just think and hope a lot of people do not shut down after a while. The contestants towards the end are really going to have to wow because I know it is going to drag. Everything tonight felt very rushed. There is nothing wrong with an intermission.
A few more thoughts/observations:
New York's platform is menstrual equity. It is a very progressive platform that was championed by none other than Meghan Markle. The palace was reported not to like it. My guess is Miss America will feel the same way. If there was a competition to be lost because MAO would not like it, it is this. I am just keeping it real.
Maine-is an openly gay contestant. She is only the second behind MO 2016.
Virginia's platform is regarding emotional abuse and relationship abuse. I think it is great to talk about and have a conversation about.
New Jersey's platform regarding having sister libraries in New Jersey and Africa seems very intruiging. I would want to hear more about this! As I mentioned below, she and New Mexico were mixed up. They allowed them to come back and compete properly. They also said the wrong first name. But for NJ fans she was ever classy and handled it very well.
So, there you have it, night 1! I will be live commenting tomorrow night. Although this was comprehensive if anyone has any other questions please let me know and I will be glad to answer them.
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