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Date Posted: 00:50:05 01/15/24 Mon
>>Happy Miss America Eve! I had tried to get this
>>together earlier and the day really got away from me.
>>The MAOT pageant has just started. Truthfully, I am
>>not interested enough in watching it.
>>
>>I hope you are busy planning your tomorrow evening,
>>good food, maybe a party? This week kind of snuck up
>>on everyone, but it was an enjoyable week. The
>>fashion show was very well done last night. They
>>played music the first hour but once it started it was
>>very nice. All the contestants had red gowns and
>>walked the runway in them. Both the teen and Miss
>>contestants wore dresses. I couldn't get exactly what
>>but Jovani is partnering with Miss America. They also
>>announced that Miss America is partnering with the
>>American Heart Association, which is welcome news. To
>>get back into the public eye, we do need to partner
>>with some well-known charities.
>>
>>I want to first state that if your favorite does not
>>make the top 10 tomorrow night, please do not be
>>upset. First of all, the competition this year is
>>REALLY good. There are an above average number of
>>contestants who are really shining and did everything
>>right. There are only 10 spots with an 11th for the
>>People's Choice. There could easily be a top 15 and
>>it would be filled and still some deserving
>>contestants could be left standing. It is absolutely
>>no reflection on them. But the bigger issue is that
>>there were only four judges for preliminary panels.
>>You may get some really unusual results for the top
>>10, anyway. I trust that the cream will rise to the
>>top. But once again, the results could be a bit
>>unusual, and it is no fault of your favorite. You do
>>the best you can, and I have no doubt each contestant
>>gave it their very best. They can all feel proud of
>>themselves. They are all still trying to compete amid
>>a lot of changes in the system.
>>
>>Keep in mind there are 10 spots open, 1 people's
>>choice, and the potential of up to 9 preliminary
>>winners in this year's format. Even under the old
>>format not everyone made the top 10 and some not even
>>the top 15. In the 2001 pageant, the only year with a
>>top 20 Miss GA won a preliminary swimsuit award and
>>was not in the top 20. In 2015 Miss IA won double
>>preliminaries in Alpha, which was the toughest talent
>>group of the week and failed to make the top 10. So,
>>you really never know. I do not see any scenario in
>>which all 8 preliminary winners make it into the top
>>10. So, here are my thoughts on the contestants and
>>their chances:
>>
>>DO NOT SEE ADVANCING-Although they did their best, I
>>did not see anyone in this group who overall stood out
>>over the more consistent competitors this week. Some
>>might have even excelled in one competition but did
>>not in the rest. They are:
>>
>>AK-She attempted to do her own style of His Eye is on
>>the Sparrow. I admire that she tried to make it
>>original, but it did not seem to work that well. She
>>did not stand out among the other competitors but I am
>>sure Alaska is very proud of her.
>>CT-She seems like a lovely girl, she just really
>>didn't stand out in any competition where I found her
>>to be near the top of the group. I wish her the best
>>for her future and she represents such a beautiful
>>state.
>>DE-I mentioned to a previous poster that she seems
>>quite ambitious and I have no doubt she will go far in
>>life. She speaks very eloquently and always had a
>>smile on her face. While she didn't stand out this
>>week I am confident she will be a great Miss Delaware.
>>DC-Jade has won in 2 major systems and that in and of
>>itself is impressive. I think it speaks to how
>>talented and accomplished she is. Her talent was very
>>good, she was a bit more laid back in other areas of
>>competition. However, she's a lovely young woman and
>>I admire her success in two programs.
>>IA-Unfortunately, she just didn't stand out to me this
>>week in any of the different competitions. She did
>>speak very nicely and was very heartfelt about her
>>diabetes diagnosis and how competing in the Miss
>>America system helped her. I am proud for everything
>>she has accomplished.
>>KS-Courtney was really energetic in tap and she looked
>>nice in gown. I just think overall, she didn't have
>>enough spark to stand out from among the tough
>>competition this week but I know she came at her
>>absolute best. I wish her much success as she
>>continues as Miss Kansas.
>>NV-She was very cute and entertaining in talent. I
>>didn't think she stood out among the other
>>contestants, but she always had a nice smile on her
>>face and exuded a lot of happiness.
>>NM-She had a nice voice and was able to successfully
>>take on Never Enough. She didn't quite stand out to
>>me in other areas this week but I know she's got a
>>bright future ahead of her in her beautiful state.
>>ND-She did very well with her onstage question and did
>>well enough in talent. I just do not think she had
>>enough to separate from the competition but she had a
>>very good week and should be very proud of herself.
>>OH-I really enjoyed her this week. She is youthful, a
>>good piano player and seems very goal oriented. I
>>just am not sure she did enough to stand out in the
>>tough competition but I think she's a wonderful young
>>woman.
>>PA-She always had a nice smile on her face everything
>>that she did, and she has a very unique and
>>interesting platform regarding the environmental
>>impact of the fashion industry. She seems to be very
>>goal-oriented as well. I wish her the best and I
>>would love to hear more about her platform.
>>SD-She was a very nice singer and I thought she looked
>>great in her talent gown. The big question is did she
>>pick it out before TSwift started showing up in red as
>>well? (haha) She always had a nice smile on her face
>>and I know did her very best all week.
>>VT-I think Yamuna is a very interesting and
>>accomplished young woman. I have read a little bit
>>about her and her life, and she seems quite
>>fascinating. Although she didn't seem to set herself
>>apart this week I trust she will go a long way in
>>helping to educate our young people.
>>VA-I really, really liked that she chose emotional
>>abuse as a platform and I enjoyed her talent. I just
>>did not see some of the energy of previous Miss
>>Virginias but I really do like her and I really think
>>she showed us who she was this week. I got a clear
>>sense of her and I liked what I have seen. Best of
>>luck to her in her future, it's going to be a bright
>>one.
>>WY-She is a very pretty girl and I think she would
>>thrive in the USA system. I really hope she gives it
>>a try there. She is tall and has a commanding
>>presence. She also had a young, chic wardrobe. While
>>I did not think she stood out among this year's
>>competition I think she has a lot of potential for
>>other pageant systems, and I hope she gives it a try.
>>
>>LONGSHOTS-I would not be totally shocked to see any
>>one of these in the top 10 but I am leaning towards
>>not:
>>
>>CA-She did very well in fitness in gown; in fact, I
>>would have not been surprised to see her as a
>>preliminary winner in each. Her talent was a bit
>>weaker for me, she just sounded so stiff and wasn't
>>able to really connect with it. I just didn't get
>>anything from her that would really put her into the
>>top 10, though.
>>IL-I really liked her all week, and I really liked her
>>talent. She didn't quite stand out as much as some of
>>the others and seemed not as strong as some of the
>>Miss Illinois of the last few years, but I do think
>>she put her best foot forward. I am just not sure she
>>was quite at the level of top 10.
>>KY-I think gown was her strongest category and she
>>comes from a state which has no shortage of success at
>>Miss America. That is why I am not counting her out.
>>Realistically, I am not sure she is as competitive as
>>some of the others.
>>LA-She also comes from a state with no shortage of
>>success at Miss America, and I know she is at her
>>best. Her talent was definitely entertaining. I am
>>just not sure she stood out in other categories
>enough.
>>MN-She is very cute and I liked her vibe. She has had
>>a good competition, and she was consistent in all
>>categories. I think it would all come down to
>>interview.
>>MO-I think she was on the better end of average for
>>all of her competitions but she did not quite have the
>>spark that would have set her apart. I think she was
>>actually wise to change her talent for Miss America,
>>and she did a nice tap dance. I liked her costume,
>>too.
>>NE-She was a beautiful dancer, and I loved everything
>>about her performance. She might not have stood out
>>as much as some of the others and Nebraska is having
>>some success at Miss America, so I wouldn't be totally
>>shocked to see her.
>>NJ-I hope she gets an NFT if we do not see her in the
>>top 10. She gave a beautiful, heartfelt performance
>>of Over The Rainbow. It was really nice. I didn't
>>think she stood out to me in other categories enough,
>>and that is why I do not necessarily have her solidly
>>in contention.
>>WA-She was doing well the first night of competition,
>>and she is really cute and fresh. I just think her
>>talent was a bit weaker and because of that, she might
>>not make the top 10. But I did think she was very
>>likeable and I know she's got a bright future ahead of
>>her.
>>
>>
>>ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING I COULD SEE IN THE TOP 10,
>>HERE IS HOW I BREAK THEM DOWN:
>>
>>DECENT POSSIBILITY-All of these contestants have been
>>not the loudest or have "the most" presence but have
>>been consistent and performing well throughout the
>>week:
>>
>>AZ-Tiffany is one of my pleasant surprises of the
>>week. She looked good in fitness and gown and I was
>>really impressed with what she did with Because You
>>Loved Me. I would have given her a 7 in just about
>>every category, and that consistency can help you get
>>into the top 10.
>>FL-I saw the state pageant and she did very well, but
>>I am not sure she has brought that fire this week.
>>She seemed a bit off the first night, she bumbled her
>>words a bit when she spoke in OSQ, didn't seem
>>confident in fitness or like something was off. She
>>recovered nicely the second night with a strong
>>talent. She wasn't quite consistent all week and
>>seemed a bit off but the state reputation alone makes
>>her at least a consideration for the top 10.
>>HI-She is also another contestant like AZ who while
>>didn't knock every category out of the park was very
>>consistent. HI contestants bring the aloha spirit and
>>Star does seem to have a special spark to her. She
>>just reminds me of one of those contestants that if
>>they like her, she will go far.
>>ID-She was another one of my pleasant surprises this
>>week. I noticed her a lot on the first night. Her
>>talent would have been just fine if she stayed with
>>piano. Sadly, some people do not see athletic talent
>>as something to be judged, but I do. I think she
>>nealty figured out how to do both. She is probably
>>one of Idaho's strongest representatives in a long
>>time at MAO.
>>ME-With her preliminary talent win she has to be at
>>least considered. I didn't see much from her the
>>first night but she also has something very unique
>>about her. I hate the phrase "typical pageant girl"
>>but she's really not. If that resonated with the
>>judges we may see her the top 10. For many reasons, I
>>would like to see her there.
>>MA-Had Chelsea not made that unfortunate talent choice
>>I would have had her in the next category. Talent is
>>only 20 percent but it does make a difference because
>>there have been many well-rounded contestants. She is
>>highly intelligent and if she so eloquently told the
>>judges in interview how she could fix the MAO's
>>problems I think she sold them. She is also pleasant
>>and likeable, and she's a great young woman. If she
>>doesn't make it it's probably the talent.
>>MT-She is another one of my favorite pleasant
>>surprises this week. She is definitely the best Miss
>>Montana has sent in years. Like some of the others
>>while she doesn't scream stage presence, there is
>>something about her. She has been very consistent all
>>week and I would LOVE to see Montana have some
>>success. If there is any year, this would be it.
>>NH-Another one this week who is a pleasant surprise.
>>She has identified herself as a doctor, and she has
>>been very consistent all week. I like her spark-she
>>definitely has one. She seems very intelligent, and
>>there's something about her energy that is very
>>positive. Her talent was engaging. I think that's a
>>word I would use with her-engaging. I think if she
>>engages the judges well we will see her in the top 10.
>> She definitely has charisma.
>>OR-Allison is very cute and she seems to have
>>something that draws you in. Once again, she has been
>>consistent all week. Also, OR has had big successes
>>the past two years and I believe that they are program
>>whose time has arrived. I could very easily see
>>another top 10 this year and based on her likeability
>>I think she could go far.
>>RI-I keep saying this but she is another one of my
>>favorite pleasant surprises this week. She has been
>>consistent and although she doesn't have the loudest
>>charisma, she has an understated elegance. Her talent
>>was a nice performance of Imagine, done with just the
>>right amount of energy. I really would love to see
>>her.
>>SC-She is iffy for me, perhaps the most iffy of the
>>whole competition. You definitely notice her onstage;
>>she's got a great look. She did look nice in gown,
>>and her talent was spoken with passion in her voice.
>>I said that she resonated with people in the audience
>>but to be fair, it could have been her own cheering
>>section. I just don't know, because she has been
>>inconsistent and sometimes a little off her game as
>>well.
>>
>>COULD REALISTICALLY MAKE TOP 10:
>>AR-She is a very strong possibility for me. She has
>>been good all week, her talent probably scored very
>>well. Her state is certainly successful at Miss
>>America. After a few years out I think it's time for
>>them to return, and Cori has been strong all week.
>>GA-Georgia is successful enough and has a great
>>program that whoever they send you must consider a
>>chance at the top 10. Tara has certainly been
>>consistent across this week and she has a commanding
>>way of speaking. I could easily see her in the top
>10.
>>IN-Speaking of pleasant surprises, she has been VERY
>>consistent this week. She really shined in every
>>competition, including talent. Of all of the
>>contestants this week, I felt like I connected WITH
>>her. I know what she is about, who she is, and what
>>she brings to the table. She has one of those unique
>>qualities where she really reflects herself when she
>>competes. Indiana hasn't had much success since Katie
>>Stam, but I really think that could change this year.
>>I really hope that we see her in the top 10. She's
>>certainly done enough all week to earn it.
>>MI-With the preliminary win she's got to be considered
>>for the top 10. She is really cute and she may not be
>>the most memorable in each category, but she's also
>>got something very likeable. Sort of like Teresa
>>Scanlan, only a little more mature and polished. She
>>is just one of those contestants who if the judges
>>like I could see going very far.
>>MS-With her preliminary fitness win you cannot count
>>her out. Also, based on state reputation and success
>>alone, I have her here. If she was from another state
>>I'd say no. Also her talent is if I am being honest,
>>subpar to some others I have seen this week. But with
>>the win and state reputation she has to be at least
>>considered for the top 10. Of all of these I am
>>mentioning she would be the least surprising not to
>>see advance.
>>UT-She has been extremely consistent this week,
>>including in talent. UT always sends a talented
>>winner and this year is no exception. Sarah really
>>shines onstage, you notice her, she always has a nice
>>smile that conveys enthusiasm. If UT sends a good
>>candidate we usually see them in the top 10. I really
>>see that as a possibility this year, and I see her
>>going far if that happens.
>>
>>MY STRONGEST POSSIBILITIES FOR THE TOP 10:
>>AL-She won preliminary gown and she was strong in
>>talent as well. AND this is Alabama who is usually a
>>staple of the top 10. I think she's a lock for the
>>top 10 and possibly the top 5. She's just about
>>firmly in for me.
>>CO-Madison has been very consistent all week, and like
>>Indiana, she is the few who I really got to know
>>onstage. You know exactly who she is. She also has
>>the kind of resume Miss America loves. I think all of
>>those things will get her into the top 10.
>>MD-With two preliminary wins, I think she is a lock
>>for the top 10. Her talent was consistent enough, and
>>I feel like her platform is young and relevant. It
>>would really be nice to see Maryland finally have a
>>Miss America.
>>NY-Miss NY always also has to be considered as a top
>>10 potential as of late, and Amelia is certainly
>>well-prepared through all of her experience here and
>>Volunteer America. That being said, I am just keeping
>>it real. She seemed stronger at Volunteer America
>>than she is this week at Miss America. Look at
>>Victoria Hill who competed at Miss America and then
>>wasn't as strong at Miss Volunteer America. She did
>>well enough on her dancing but I have seen better when
>>she competed at Volunteer America. I am a big fan of
>>Amelia and would want her to do well; I think she
>>might have done better with a little more energy. But
>>she's still going to have the best competitive edge
>>going into tomorrow night.
>>NC-She was memorable the first night and after that
>>amazing talent, she catapulted into a top contender.
>>There are no holes in her competition, she has strong
>>presence as well. Of the talent winners she is the
>>one I could see in the top 5.
>>OK-Sunny has been on fire all week, no pun intended.
>>She is shining throughout the competition and she
>>absolutely has her A game. She did at Miss Oklahoma
>>as well, but her talent has improved since then.
>>While she's not the best singer she made the most of
>>the song. Of the non-preliminary winners she has been
>>the most consistent to me.
>>TN-She had a really great week, including a
>>preliminary win. I had her high in gown and she did
>>impress in swimsuit. Her talent is certainly good
>>enough, not outstanding, but I have seen a lot less
>>win. She has been very consistent, confident, and she
>>really has brought her A game. She is a solid
>>contender for me.
>>TX-She's Miss TX after all. I am going to be
>>honest-her presence hasn't been overwhelming this
>>week, somewhat like Averie last year. They both seem
>>a little bit more subdued than at their Miss TX
>>pageant. However, I could probably say the same of
>>Ellie at Miss TX. I do not think she has to have a
>>lot of overwhelming presence to make you notice her
>>elegance. She just has something about the way she
>>carries herself and even though her talent isn't
>>perfect, she has something about her that draws you
>>in. She is young and contemporary and I think she
>>looks like a young woman of today with a touch of
>>regal.
>>WI-Lila is doing great all week. She definitely has
>>energy, her talent was probably second best to me on
>>talent night, although ME was very good as well.
>>Look, Wisconsin is one of those states where if they
>>have someone with potential they see it every time at
>>Miss America. Lila does have strong talent, was
>>memorable on the first night and has a lot of stage
>>presence. Although it is not likely I haven't totally
>>ruled out back-to-back wins for Wisconsin. I am not
>>sure she is quite as strong as Grace but she's got a
>>lot going for her.
>>
>>
>>So, who do I see winning?
>>
>>Truthfully I am not sure. If they are going strictly
>>by competition it could be anyone's to win. I have
>>seen a lot of strong competition all week. This could
>>go many different ways. We do not even really have an
>>idea of who will be in the top 10. It could be filled
>>with more surprises than the same old same old. I did
>>look over the judging panel for final night and they
>>definitely have an entertainment focus. I do think
>>they would gravitate towards a younger, modern-type
>>winner. If that is the case I could definitely see TX
>>take it, also OK. If they are looking for a classic
>>winner with a marketable talent, I could see it going
>>to NC. But I really am not sure. Here's a longshot
>>prediction, without any real basis, just a
>>possibility: I could see either NY or TX missing the
>>finals. I am saying this because they are usually so
>>certain but nothing is guaranteed. I did see somewhat
>>of a dropoff in Amelia's energy this week and while it
>>makes sense to have her there, nothing is certain.
>>Also with Ellie, although I would love to see her win
>>her energy is a bit off as well. I know it's hard to
>>say when she won a preliminary but she does have a
>>somewhat quieter vibe than at Miss TX. So, I just
>>don't know. I could be totally wrong, but I do not
>>see this out of the realm of possibility because there
>>have been many other contestants who have stepped up
>>to the game this week. If they are going for
>>cute/personable like Teresa and Cara, I am going to
>>say MI. People like to see interesting crowd-pleasing
>>talent. I could see her getting some invitations from
>>morning shows to stop by and do that. I could also
>>see CO as an overall strong pick. Let's face it-Miss
>>America has never shied away from picking a strongly
>>motivated winner. Grace (nuclear engineering),
>>Camille, Cara (in law school), Teresa (now in law
>>school), Deidre (physician), Erika (lawyer) the list
>>goes on.
>>
>>So, tomorrow night is going to be interesting, if
>>anything! Who are your picks? Please let us know.
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