Georgia - Indiana

Nora: Good morning, Ladies!

Lorna: Good morning.  How are you?

Nora: I’m doing well, thanks.  How’s everyone’s weekend?

Vilma: Great!  I’m a bit exhausted but I’ll survive.  Hey, did you guys watch any of the shows that the contestants were in?

Lorna: I only saw Regis & Kelly.

Nora: Me too.  I thought that was an awesome preview of the girls when they introduced themselves one by one.

Lorna: I thought so too.

Vilma: Do you know who surprised me the most?  Miss District of Columbia!  This girl is hot!!!

Nora: I completely agree.  And you know who else I thought was a stand-out?  Miss Maine, Ashley Marble.  She was very charming.  And as far as Miss District of Columbia is concerned, I’m already a Heather fan.  I told you in our last discussion that she’s my dark horse.

Lorna: I think she’s amazing.  I also thought Miss North Carolina was gorgeous!

Vilma: Who were the ones that you thought were going to be the stand-outs but didn’t do well during the show?

Lorna: I thought Miss Michigan, Channing Pierce was a bit blah…like someone sucked the life out of her.  Miss Kentucky acted like it was such a bother for her to be on the show.  Miss New Jersey looked like she was wearing her grandma’s dress.  After watching the show, my list of top 15 changed completely!

Nora: The stand-outs for me are Miss North Carolina, Miss District of Columbia, Miss Missouri, Miss Massachusetts, Miss Tennessee, Miss Maine and surprisingly, Miss Georgia.

Vilma: I thought I was a fan of Miss Maryland, but now I’m not so sure.  She’s pretty and all but she was just not what I expected.  I thought Miss Massachusetts stood out more.  She’s definitely one of my favorites now.

Lorna: What did you guys think of Jaymie Stokes, Miss Kansas?  I’m not convinced yet.

Vilma: Even if she makes top 15, I’m afraid she will suffer the same fate as Miss Kansas last year, Bethany Gerber.  I thought Bethany would have gone farther than she did.  I was so disappointed.

Nora: So the girls that didn’t make the show were Miss California, Miss New Mexico, Miss Hawaii, Miss New Hampshire, Miss Oregon and Miss Virginia.

Lorna: I was surprised not to see Alyssa there.  I would have thought that she would be all over this whole media tour.

Vilma: What did you guys think of Miss Utah?  I think she’ll do well.  She’s had very minimal exposure and hype about her.

Lorna: She’s cute.  Not sure if that’s enough though.

Nora: Texas or Florida?

Lorna: Texas, definitely.

Nora: Vilma?

Vima: No brainer, Texas!  You?

Nora: Yeah, I would pick Ana over Lissette.

 

Nora: Let’s now review our next five contestants…Miss Georgia, Kaylin Reque.  I’m not sure what changed but she looks so amazing.  Her pictures don’t do her justice.  She is probably the biggest surprise for me.

Lorna: Compared to Cassady Lance last year, I think Kaylin will do better this year.

Vilma: I will wait until the preliminaries before deciding if she’ll be on my top 15.

Lorna: Next is Miss Hawaii, Angela Byrd.  This is one contestant that I wish made the media tour.  I’ve only seen her in pictures so I can’t make a lot of comments.

Vilma: I’m eager to hear her speak and see her in front of the camera. 

Nora: I like Angela and I think she’s pretty but compared to Miss Hawaii last year, Renee Nobriga, I prefer Renee’s beauty over Angela’s.

Lorna: Let’s move on to Miss Idaho, Erza Haliti.  With a name like that, you know she’s from Eastern Europe.  I believe she’s Albanian, who was born in Kosovo.

Nora: She’s definitely an Eastern European beauty.  Not sure if she would make the cut though.

Vilma: I’m reserving my comments until they arrive in Vegas.  I really like Erza but I have to see a bit more of her.

Lorna: One of my favorites is next!  Miss Illinois, Angela Sparrow.  I love this girl.  I think she’ll be a top contender this year alongside Miss District of Columbia.

Nora: She’s one of my favorites too.  She reminds me so much of Miss Nebraska last year, Belinda Wright.

Vilma: You think so?  I don’t see it.

Lorna: I guess a little bit.  Angela just seems more outspoken than Belinda.

Nora: Compared to Ashley Bradarich last year, I think Angela has a better chance this year.

Vilma: And finally, Miss Indiana, Jillian Wunderlich.  I’m glad she’s wearing her hair long and straight.  I think she looks great!

Nora: I think Jillian will be up there.  She’s a veteran.  Of all the former Miss Teen state title holders, I think she’s definitely the top contender.

 

Vilma: Statistic wise, this group is right in the middle.  Idaho already produced a Miss USA.  Indiana, Georgia, Hawaii and Illinois all do well at Miss USA.  This is a strong group.

Nora: Final thought? 

Lorna: I’m just happy that Donald Trump is exposing the girls early this year and promoting the pageant the right way is definitely going to bring more positive spin on the pageant this year.

Nora: Until next time, Ciao!

Colorado - Florida

Nora: How are you, Ladies?

Vilma: I’m doing great!  I have so many things I’d like to share today.

Lorna: You sound so chirpy.  I’d like to have what you had for breakfast.

Vilma: I made some research and read more about the girls and I’m just so excited to share them with everybody.

Nora: Okay, go ahead…you’re practically shaking.

Vilma: Gosh, where to begin?  Have you seen recent photos of Miss New Jersey USA, Julianna White?!  Oh my god!  She looks soooo completely different… it’s like a totally different person.  And I’m not talking about good-different here.  Her eyes are different, her facial structure is different.  There is one photo of her with these menacing cat eyes.  I had to take a second look because I was so shocked!

Nora: Are you implying that she went under the knife?

Vilma: I’m almost 100% positive she did.  I reviewed her pictures when she won her state title, as well as the 2006 Miss Teen USA video and something definitely changed with her face.

Lorna: You don’t think its make-up?

Vilma: If it is, that is some make-up!

Nora: You know, I did see some new photos of her and at first I thought she just matured a little bit but now that you mentioned it, she does kind of look different.  I remember her with kind of a rounded face.  Now, she seem like her cheekbone is more prominent and her face looks more triangular.

Lorna: If it made her feel good and gave her more confidence, more power to her.

Nora: So what else are you so excited about, Vilma?

Vilma: Did you know that we have 5 candidates named Brittany this year?  What are the chances?

Nora: Well, Brittany is a very popular name in the 90’s.

Lorna: Is that because of Britney Spears?

Nora: I think she had a little bit to do with it, but Britney’s name is spelled different.

Vilma: Have you read the article about Miss Michigan, Channing Pierce and how some of the contestants at the Miss Michigan USA Pageant were baffled as to why she won even if though she screwed up on the final question?

Lorna: No.  I haven’t heard of that before.

Nora: Neither have I.

Vilma: Well, according to reports, she admitted that she screwed up on the final question and was even surprised that she actually won.  As a matter of fact, she admitted that interview is her number one weakness and that she is putting a lot of effort and emphasis on training in this area.

Nora: Wow…I never would have guessed.

Lorna: Very interesting.  If she doesn’t make top 15, we know why.

Nora: I think she’ll be fine.  So Vilma, what else have you got?

Vilma: Did you know that Miss Iowa, Rebecca Goldsmith, competed six times before winning the title?  I’m not sure if that’s a record.  I think she tied Miss Washington USA 2005, Amy Crawford.

Lorna: That’s insane!  The sad part is when Amy got to the Miss USA finals, she didn’t even place in top 15.  I guess just winning the state title is vindication enough.  I think they did a documentary about Amy.

Nora: Yes, they did.  I’ve watched it a couple of times.

Lorna: I guess that’s enough gossip for the day.  Can we move on to our comments on the next group of contestants?

Nora: Sure.  Our next group is from Colorado to Florida.

Vilma: Let’s start with Blair Griffith, Miss Colorado.

Nora: I’m not so sure about Blair yet.  I have to wait until the preliminary competition to see how she does.  She is one of those candidates that can go either way.

Lorna: Jessica Hartman did really well last year.  If it wasn’t for the final question, I think she might have won.  It’s impossible to compare Jessica with Blair.

Vilma: I would say no to Blair.  I think there are better candidates this year.

Nora: Vilma? That wasn’t nice.

Vilma: Let’s face it, there are so many gorgeous blondes this year, I think even Donald Trump will have a difficult time.

Lorna: Let’s move on with Miss Connecticut, Regina Turner.  I’m just not feeling it with Regina.  Unless she knocks our socks off with her evening gown and interview skills, I’m not sure she’ll make top 15.

Vilma: I’m really surprised that Ashley Bickford did not make the semi finals last year.  I would have picked her over Miss Missouri or Miss Mississippi.

Nora: What about Miss Delaware, Katie Hanson?  Do you think she’ll make top 15?

Vilma: This is a hard one.  In my heart, I would love for Katie to finally break the curse.  But again, there are just so many other outstanding delegates this year.

Lorna: You know what, weird things have happened before.  Who would have thought that Miss Idaho was going to be in the top 15 in 2009?  Melissa is pretty but I would have picked Miss Vermont over her.  With that in mind, if Katie works her charm, she just might do it.

Nora: Let’s talk about Heather Swann, Miss District of Columbia.  Now here’s another dark horse for me.  She’s charming and very unique beauty.  I would kill for those lips!

Vilma: I disagree.  As pretty as Heather is, I’m not betting my money on her.  Even though she is a thousand percent better that Miss DC last year, McKenzie Green.

Lorna: I’ll wait on this one.  Heather might surprise us come preliminaries.

Nora: And finally, Miss Florida, Lissette Garcia.  She is one of three Latina contenders this year.

Vilma: Not feeling it!  She’s pretty but that’s about it.  I’d pick Miss Texas or Miss Utah over her.

Lorna: I’m with you on this one…not feeling it either!

Nora: Statistically speaking, in this group, Florida would have the advantage as they’ve made the semi finals 23 times but still have not had a winner.

Lorna: I disagree with you.  I think DC would have the edge over Florida.  They’ve produced 2 Miss USA’s and among this group, I think Heather is the strongest.

Vilma: If we go by statistics, Katie is definitely on the disadvantaged.  But I still want her to break that curse!

Lorna: Connecticut did well in 2009, which was totally unexpected.  Maybe Regina will do the same thing…we’ll see.  But statistics speaks for itself…it’s not looking good.

Vilma: Finally, Colorado.  I’m just not sure yet.  They are not exactly one of those states that consistently send strong candidates.

Nora: 45 of the 51 candidates just traveled to New York for a 3-day media tour.  Make sure to watch all their appearances so we can compare notes next time.

Lorna: Sounds good!

Vilma: Talk to you in a few days!

Nora: Ciao! 

Alabama - California

Nora:  Welcome back, Ladies!  This is the second of our many discussions and sharing of opinions to come before the new Miss USA is crowned on June 19.

Vilma: Let me tell you, I had the chance to take a closer look at all of the candidates over the weekend and let me just say that I was completely wrong in my assessment on our first discussion.  This group is not weak!  This is a great group of contenders and I am blown away by the achievements that these women have under their belts and I’m so proud to be an American.

Lorna: I share the same sentiment.  I think it was completely premature when I made the comment about this group being weak and I apologize.

Nora: So Lorna, did you change your mind about your top 5? 

Lorna: Not really.  I know that no matter what happens, they will remain strong contenders.  There were just a few candidates that I never noticed before and after reading some more of their bios and seeing more pictures, I think we have a good competition this year.

Vilma: Can you be more specific?

Lorna: Well, I am really impressed with Miss Arizona.  I think Brittany will do well.  She looks absolutely gorgeous.  I read some more about Miss Colorado and how she became homeless…it really just broke my heart.  I think Miss Illinois is stunning and so is Miss Delaware.

Vilma:  And, there are a lot more former Miss Teen title holders than we first thought.  Blair Griffith, Miss Colorado, was Miss Colorado Teen USA 2006.  Miss Maine, Ashley-Lynn Marble was Miss Maine Teen USA in 2000.

Nora: Speaking of Miss Maine, I think Ashley has a better chance of making the top 15 than Emily Johnson.

Lorna: You really think so?

Nora:  Absolutely.  Ashley’s got the experience and she’s very well prepared.

Vilma: Do you think this will be the year that Delaware will break the curse?

Nora: Katie definitely has the goods.  She just might do it.

Lorna: We have a lot to get to so let’s start our state by state commentary.  We’ll also compare this year’s candidate with last year’s and go over their state statistics.  How many are we covering today?

Vilma: Let’s do 5 states today. 

Lorna: Should we go alphabetical or by region?

Nora: I’d say let’s do it alphabetical.

Lorna: Okay, first up, Alabama.

Vilma: I love Audrey Moore last year but I love, love, love Madeline Mitchell.  I think she’s definitely top- 15-material.

Lorna: It will just come down to her choice of evening gown and stage presence.  Audrey is very likable and at ease on stage last year.  I did not like her blue gown so Madeline, stay away from blue!

Nora: Madeline is my dark horse.  I just hope that she stays away from red as well.  The gown she wore during the state finals is great and but I think she’ll look much better in more neutral colors.

Nora: What do you guys think of Miss Alaska, Jessica Chuckran?

Lorna: Here’s another stunning lady that I hope do a lot of training in walking and wardrobe.  She’s got great bone structure and very photogenic.  I just hope she doesn’t show up in a junior prom or bridesmaid’s gown.  She’s definitely a stronger contestant than Sarah Temple last year.   I would like to see her do well.

Vilma: I saw the video when she won her state title and I think she did a great job.  She’s another one that wore red during the state finals but her gown was not overwhelming and not as heavy as Madeline’s.  I wish that she would wear her hair in a bun because it accentuates her bone structure.

Nora: She could pull some surprises.  She is stunning and I wish nothing but the best for her.

Lorna: Now, let’s talk about Miss Arizona, Brittany Brannon.  I already expressed what I feel for this young lady.  I saw her in one photo where she had straight hair and my jaw just dropped.  If I were her, I would wear my hair that way the whole entire pageant.  I don’t like big hair on her.

Nora:  How would you compare her with Brittany 2010?

Vilma: Brittany 2010 lacked the appeal.  She was a little short, which is sometimes a complete disadvantage…unless of course you are as gorgeous as Leah Laviano, Miss Mississippi USA 2008, who I believe is only 5’4”.  Brittany 2011 is much taller and much more appealing.

Lorna: It’s almost difficult to compare them as they are two completely different beauties.  But I would put Brittany 2011 in my top 15.

Nora: I think I saw the same photo that Lorna is talking about and I too think that she should wear her hair straight.  She looks more elegant, more exotic and more exciting that way.

Vilma:  Moving on with Miss Arkansas, Lakynn McBride.  I know this is going to sound bad but I was really happy that Arkansas has had a great streak at Miss USA but unfortunately, I think that will not continue this year.  As pretty as Lakynn is, she is no Adrielle Churchill or Chanley Painter.  She doesn’t have that X factor that her two predecessors have…I’m sorry.

Nora: It’s really hard to keep a streak going…unless you have a limitless supply of goddesses like the country of Venezuela.  Even India ran out of beautiful contestants after 5 to 6 years.

Lorna: Look at Texas, in the 80’s they were THE state to beat at Miss USA.  Look at them now.  They didn’t even make top 15 last year.

Vilma: I think Lakynn is a great candidate but I just don’t see her making top 15 this year.

Lorna:  And finally, Miss California, Alyssa Campanella.

Nora: She is definitely going to be in the top 5.  But will she win it?  I’m not really sure.

Vilma: What are you not sure about?

Nora: There hasn’t been a red-head Miss USA in a long time.  I think the last one was Miss Pennsylvania, Michele McDonald in 1971.  I don’t know.  I am not seeing it.

Vilma:  How would you compare her with last year’s Michelle Johnson?

Lorna: No comparison!  Completely different beauties but I think Alyssa has the edge over Michelle.

Vilma: I am getting the same vibe as Nora.  I think she will definitely be in the top 5 but I’m not sure if she will win it all. 

Lorna: I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if your predictions are accurate.

Nora: Let’s talk about state statistics before we say goodbye today.

Lorna: California’s numbers speak for itself.  They’ve had a good track record and I’m pretty sure that they will add more to that list this year.

Vilma: Alabama has only produced one Miss USA…and that was back in 1967.  Will Madeline be the 2^nd?  Not sure about that.  I think she’ll make the semifinals but that’s about it.

Lorna: The last time Alaska made the semifinals was back in 1990 with Karin Meyer.  That’s the year that Miss USA had its very first African-American winner, Carole Anne-Marie Gist from Michigan!  And that’s 21 years ago.  I think it’s time for Alaska to make the semifinals again!  I think Jessica can do it!

Nora: Arizona is very inconsistent.  They could have a 2 to 3 year streak and then nothing for several years.  I think they might make top 15 again this year.  They’ve made the semifinals 22 times and the last time they made top 5 was just a couple of years ago with the gorgeous Alicia Monique Blanco.

Lorna: Well, Arkansas has not had that much luck at Miss USA.  But they’ve done tremendously well recently with a back to back semifinal finishes.  But, they should be proud because they have produced a Miss USA in 1982, Terri Utley.  It’s amazing to think that a state like Florida has made the semifinals 23 times but has yet to produce a Miss USA.

Nora: Thank you, Ladies!  We’ll see back here in a couple of days.  Ciao!

Miss USA Fever is Here

Nora: Hi Ladies!  Welcome to our coverage of the 2011 Miss USA Pageant.

Vilma: I’m really excited about this year’s coverage.

Lorna: In the next four weeks, we’ll be looking back at last year to see what worked and didn’t work.  We will focus on statistics and we’ll be doing a state by state look at this year’s contestants.

Nora: The tickets for the pageant are now on sale and there are still some good seats available.

Lorna: We got our tickets and once again, we are stuck on Section 101.  What is up with that?

Nora: I think it’s better to wait the last minute because if the good seats don’t sell, you can snag them a few days before the pageant.

Vilma: Seriously? 

Nora: I’m serious.  Did you notice the empty seats on the second row last year?  For whatever reason, those seats didn’t sell. 

Lorna: I think those seats were bought by one of those ticket sites like Stub Hub where they sell them for ungodly outrageous prices.  I saw a pair of tickets last year in one of those sites that they were selling for $658 each…each!!!  The regular prices for those tickets were $150.  Who in their right mind would pay 4 times the price?  I guess if I’m a desperate-millionaire-pageant-fanatic, I can spend that kind of money.

Nora: Let’s get down to business, shall we?  What do you think of the Class of 2011?

Lorna: Let me be the first one to say that the Class of 2011 is a little weak.  I know people would disagree but I just think that there are really no standouts this year.  Okay, maybe 2 or 3 but that’s about it.

Vilma: And…..did you know that there were two last-minute changes in this year’s official list of candidates?  First one is Maine.  Can you believe that the original winner, Emily Johnson, resigned when she found out that her sister’s wedding will be on the same weekend as the pageant finals?  I just find this totally absurd.  The pageant date was announced months and months ago and I can’t believe that her sister didn’t realize this.  This is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Emily and I wished that she could have waited another week.  I’m sorry, wedding plans can be changed.  I just hope her sister have a long and happy marriage.  With that said, her runner up, Ashley Lynn Marble will be sent to Vegas to represent Maine.  The second one is Wisconsin.  Now this is really sad and stupid.  Shaletta Porterfield  was charged in Dane County, Wisconsin, with three counts of misappropriating identity and has entered a "not guilty" plea.  She apparently told police she had faked signatures of three business owners on contracts for advertising with a marketing company she was working for last summer.  When the businesses were asked to proof ads they hadn't agreed to buy, or paid for, they got suspicious and called police.  Jordan Marie Morkin took over and will be representing the Dairy State.

Lorna: That’s really sad.  But, things happen for a reason and we can only wish both Emily and Shaletta the very best in the future.

Nora: Going back to Lorna’s comment…I agree.  I think it’s a weak group this year.

Lorna: Top 5…Michigan, California, South Carolina, Indiana and New Jersey.

Nora:  Wow, that’s pretty bold of you!  I think you’re jumping the gun on this.  I will personally wait until they arrive in Vegas before making that kind of prediction.

Lorna: You know what?  You can wait until the cows come home but I’m telling you now, there aren’t going to be that much change. 

Vilma: Basing everything on photos has never worked for me in the past.  Plus, it’s way too early to even think about the front runners.  Geez, can we at least wait until the ladies land in Vegas?

Lorna: Alright…I might have jumped the gun on that one.  Did you watch any of the state pageants live last year?

Nora: I only saw Miss Washington.  I think Angelina is not the most photogenic candidate this year but she is gorgeous in person.

Lorna: I saw Miss Oklahoma and Miss Texas.  Kaitlyn is gorgeous but she has a lot of refinement to do.  Ana, on the other hand, is lacking the appeal.  She doesn’t have that oomph.

Nora: Do you think Texas will be overlooked again this year?

Lorna: Well, honestly, with the weak line-up this year, I think Ana will not have the same fate as Kelsey last year.

Vilma: It’s interesting to note that both Miss California and Miss Kansas competed at Miss Teen USA 2007 in Pasadena.  Alyssa, who represented New Jersey that year, placed 1^st Runner Up, while Jamie Stokes placed in the top 10.

Lorna: Those are not the only two that are previous Teen state titleholders.  New Jersey, Julianna White, is a previous Teen state titleholder, as well as Miss Indiana, Jillian Wunderlich.

Nora: Isn’t it interesting that Alyssa Campanella competed a couple of times for the Miss New Jersey USA title and didn’t win?  Then she competed at Miss California for the first time, with ten times more contestants and she wins!  Amazing!

Lorna: I met Alyssa in person in the Bahamas during the 2008 Miss Teen USA finals and let me tell you, this girl is amazing. I met her mom too and they both looked gorgeous.  Beauty definitely runs in that family.

Vilma: Which contestant are you most intrigued and why?

Nora: I would say Hawaii.  Angela has a very unique beauty and I really want to see her with a different hairdo, other than what she wears now…it’s too 2007 Tara Conner-ish.

Lorna: Mine would be Colorado.  She reminds me of Tiani Jones, Miss Colorado USA 2000, who placed in the top 10.  She looks pretty in pictures but I want to see if she stands out when she’s amongst the other contestants.

Vilma: I would have to choose Mississippi.  All of the pictures I’ve seen of Keeley have been air-brushed.  She just looked overdone in every single one of them.  I want to see what she looks like with less make up and in casual clothes.

Lorna:  So looking back at last year, what do you think is one thing that happened that you don’t want to see repeating this year?

Vilma: I hope that the tacky lingerie glamour shots don’t happen again this year.  I think that attracting bad publicity is not what Miss USA needs right now.

Nora: I agree.  I think Donald Trump needs to attract viewers in a more positive way this year. 

Lorna: To me, going back to the same venue year after year is getting kind of old.  I really wished that they would have moved out of Vegas and go someplace like Florida or maybe the Carolinas.  I’m tired of seeing the same venues for activities, especially because Miss America seems to use the same ones.  If I see another photo of the contestants playing with a bowl of pasta at Buca Di Beppo, next to a chef, it’ll be too soon.  Think about it…Las Vegas was the venue for Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Universe last year.  And then 2011 started with Miss America, in Vegas yet again…and now Miss USA.  There’s got to be another desert oasis out there that these pageants can go to like Palm Springs or Scottsdale.

Nora: What do you think will be the trend this year?  Last year, we thought that exotic was in…and we got what we asked for.  Rima is definitely exotic but didn’t do well at Miss Universe.  Are we trending back to blonde this year?

Vilma: Could be.  I’d be happy if one of the two C’s wins…Courtney (Miss South Carolina) or Channing (Miss Michigan).

Lorna: I’m extremely disappointed that the underdog states don’t have a strong line-up this year.  It was so refreshing that Wyoming, Nebraska and Maine did well last year and I was hoping for a repeat.  It would be nice to see states like South Dakota, Alaska, Iowa and Delaware up there.

Nora: I think it will be a battle of the former teen state title holders this year.  Experience will play a big role on who will take the crown.

Vilma: I liked the hosts last year.  I hope they bring back Curtis and Natalie.

Lorna: Knowing the Trump, he’ll probably pick someone from the Celebrity Apprentice again.  Who knows, it might be Star Jones and Meatloaf this year or worse, Dionne Warwick and Gary Busey.

Vilma: The sad thing is that’s not too far-fetched…it might just happen.

Nora:  Okay, ladies…I think that’s a wrap for today.  Talk to you in a few days.  Ciao!