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!