Iowa - Maine

Nora: How’s everyone doing?  I had to be somewhere in the last couple of days and my schedule is a mess!  It’s been a few days since we last met, so I really apologize.

Lorna: No problem at all.  I’ve been busy myself.  I finally got my dress for the pageant and it’s fierce!

Vilma: Do you really have to get a special dress for the pageant?

Lorna: Of course!  I get a new one every year.  Remember my black body-hugger last year?  I got the same style dress but in red.

Nora: That’s nice.  I’m recycling outfits this year.  Money is kind of tight.

Vilma: I hear you.  I’m doing the same thing.

Lorna: Well, the candidates started arriving in Vegas a few days ago.  I can’t believe the pageant is just two weeks away.

Vilma: I saw some of the arrival photos and I’m getting really excited.

Nora: By the way, since we missed a few days, we’ll be doing this back to back…today and tomorrow.

Lorna: We can do that!  First, any gossips that anyone wants to share?

Nora: Did you hear that Miss USA is going head to head with the Daytime Emmy Awards on June 19?  Both are being held in Las Vegas.  This will really determine whether the popularity of Miss USA is still going strong or completely declining.

Lorna: Do you think Donald Trump did this on purpose?

Vilma: I doubt that.  I would think he would want complete domination of the airwaves come finals night.

Nora: Who do think will win? 

Vilma: I think Miss USA will have a slight edge, but not much.  Since ABC is canceling two of its daytime soaps, this might draw some viewers to see their favorites soap stars all together for the last time.

Lorna: We’ll just have to wait and see.

 

Nora: Okay, let’s start our state by state review of this group of contestants beginning with Miss Iowa, Rebecca Goldsmith.

Lorna: I actually like Rebecca.  She has the potential to squeeze in and surprise everyone.  I just have to wait and see what her evening gown looks like and see her stage presence.

Vilma: I agree with you but compared to Katherine Connors last year, I think Katherine is a stronger candidate.

Nora: Statistically, Iowa makes the semi finals about every 10 to 15-year increments.  The last time they made the semi finals was 2000.  So I think they’re due.

Vilma: Let’s move on to Miss Kansas, Jaymie Stokes.

Lorna: I think she’ll make it.  She’s practically Bethany Gerber, part two.  I remember her performance in Pasadena and I think she’ll do well.

Nora: I can’t compare the two.  Although I like Bethany better, I think Jaymie will make top 15, only because she’s done this before.  Statistics show that Kansas has done really well in recent years.  They’ve made the semi finals 8 times since Kelli McCarty won in 1991.  5 out of that 8 ended up as runners up so chances are, Jaymie might end up in the top 5.

Lorna: Next is Miss Kentucky, Kia Hampton.  What do you think of her?

Vilma: Not a fan.  She’s a great singer and a great performer, I give her that!  A few things are working against her in this pageant.  One, she’s short.  I know, I know, you’ll give me Leah Laviano scenario but she’s no Leah so forget that.  It’s not happening.  Second, I think it’s the year of the blondes. Third, she has to loosen up a little bit.  She seem so uptight.

Nora: Kentucky went the extreme opposite from last year.  You couldn’t get any more blonde than Kindra Clark last year and then gone brunette this year.

Lorna: But historically speaking, Kentucky has done well.  Tara is not exactly the model Miss USA but I really love her when she competed.  With that said, what do you think Kia’s chances are?

Nora: I would give her 20% chance.

Lorna: Let’s move on to Miss Louisiana, Page Pennock.  I love this girl!  She is so charming!

Nora: She is amazing.  I just hope that she pick the right evening gown.  Louisiana hasn’t done well in a while.  They’ve only placed 3 times since Ali Landry won in 1996 and none of them made top 5.

Vilma: I really thought that Sara Brooks was going to make top 15 last year. 

Nora: I think it was her evening gown that really pulled her down. That’s why I made that comment about Page choosing the right gown.

Lorna: I just hope she stays away from that big pageant hair.  I like her better with sort of flat straight hair.

Nora: And finally, Miss Maine, Ashley Lynn Marble.  I love her!  I know a lot of people won’t agree with me but I have a really strong feeling about her.  The only problem I have with her is her physique.  She doesn’t have that hour glass figure.  Her body reminds me of Miss Venezuela Universe last year, Marelisa Gibson.

Lorna: I think if she wears a French cut, two piece swimsuit, it will give the illusion of that hour glass figure you’re talking about.

Vilma: Ashley is stunning.  I hope she does as well, if not, surpass what Katie Whittier did last year.  Maine has only made the semifinals twice since 1977…so the odds are against Ashley but I wish her all the best.

Nora: Well thank you, Ladies.  Remember, we’ll be doing this again tomorrow. So be prepared and talk to you soon.