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 2nd? 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!
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