Breaking Pageant News: Miss America Returns to ABC!

Miss America Caressa Cameron and MAO Chairman Sam Haskell will be on Fox & Friends at 8 a.m. this morning for a "special announcement," but I think the cat's already out of the bag...

Miss America will return to network television, thanks to a three year contract with ABC! The 2011 pageant will air next January 15th. Here are a couple breaking news articles:

Miss America back on network TV in 3-year ABC deal

By Oskar Garcia

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Miss America is getting back to network television in time for her 90th birthday.

The beauty pageant has signed a three-year deal with ABC, with plans to air next year's competition live on Jan. 15, pageant officials said.

"It's a wonderful deal," Sam Haskell, chairman of the Miss America Organization, told The Associated Press. "It's much better than any deal that we've had in the last five years."

Haskell declined to discuss specifics of the agreement.

Miss America has not aired on network television since 2004, when ABC dropped the pageant after record-low ratings. Since then, it has aired on cable, twice on CMT and three times on TLC.

This year's pageant — won by Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron — topped cable television excluding movies with 4.5 million viewers the night it aired. That was about 1 million more viewers for the pageant than in 2009.

But Miss America found itself without a TV deal in March after cable network TLC declined to pick up a three-year option, opting instead to seek a two-year deal for less money.

Haskell said the latest ABC deal brings the pageant full circle from 2004.

"We were given a chance to re-brand, to keep what was traditional but make ourselves more today, and I think we've done that," he said. "We're now back with a lot of strength and back to show everyone that Miss America is the American tradition. It's a pop icon."

No final deal has been made yet on the location of the pageant, said Haskell and Art McMaster, chief executive of the Miss America Organization. The national competition was held this year at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

McMaster said plans for next year's pageant include an attempt to bring together as many former Miss America winners together as possible in celebration of the pageant's history. About 60 are still alive.

The pageant was founded in Atlantic City, N.J., in 1921 as a bathing beauty revue.

Haskell said Miss America 2011 would also reflect renewed efforts to distance the competition from Miss USA, the rival, headline-grabbing pageant owned in a joint venture by Donald Trump and NBC.

"No little girl walks around saying, 'I want to be Miss USA when I grow up.' She says, 'I want to be Miss America,'" Haskell said.

***

ABC gets back with Miss America

Three-year deal for beauty pageant

By Michael Schneider

Variety

ABC has rescued the Miss America Pageant.

Under a three-year deal, the event returns to the Alphabet net in January. Pact reps a return to broadcast TV for the pageant, which moved to cable after ABC dropped it in 2005 due to low ratings.

...ABC's decision to bring back the pageant comes as the networks continue to experience ratings growth for big events -- including the Super Bowl, Oscars, Grammys and Emmys. Some of that success has been attributed to the growth of social networking.

...As part of the setup, Tall Pony Prods. ("Radio Music Awards," "Fashion Rocks") is on board to handle the live telecast. Anthony Eaton and Lauren Harris are exec producers.

NBC carried Miss America for 30 years, but dumped the pageant in 1997 as it struck a partnership instead with Donald Trump and rival Miss USA.

ABC then took over the event in 1997, only to see ratings for the pageant drop nearly 50% over the course of nine years -- finally opting not to renew after Miss America 2005 was crowned in late 2004. Miss America found itself on hard times after that, moving to niche-oriented cablers. First stop was country music outlet CMT, where it hit rock bottom in 2007 -- averaging just 2.4 million viewers. TLC ran the pageant over the past three years, bringing the aud up to 4.5 million this past year.

..."For the organization to thrive, we need young girls to continue to grow up to want to be Miss America," said Haskell, whose wife, Mary Donnelly Haskell, was once Miss Mississippi. Haskell works pro bono for the Miss America org.

..."Our girls require community service and must have a talent," he said. "There's also a requirement to be in college. And we make sure that every single one of our women leave with scholarship money."

Click the headline to read the entire Variety article.

Random Pageant Tip #2

Gifting!

With only a month until Miss Ohio, I know right now contestants are going crazy trying to find the perfect earrings and making mad dashes to get alterations! But while you're out there searching the world for the perfect shade and highest heel, keep your eyes open for a little something to show appreciation for the people with whom you spend Miss Ohio week.

I hate to add to the bill for pageant week, but the reality is that a lot of gift giving happens in Mansfield, so I'm just trying to save new contestants that embarrassing empty-handed moment.

The tip is that contestants should have a little something for your hostess, chaperone and roommate; and parents and EDs should give their contestants some material encouragement too!

Hostesses & Chaperons

It is imperative to give both your hostess and chaperon a little something. These ladies are amazing! They open their homes, share their families and are literally your closest supporters all week. I was lucky that my parents helped me with my gifts and they were from all of us. New contestants should ask their roommate if they had the same ladies last year; if so, she might know what they like. Think about a gift that reflects you, your hometown, college, platform or talent. IE: David Carruth is nationally-known for his "Garden Smiles" pottery but his shop is in northwestern Ohio, near me, so that's what we gave one year. Candles are always a really safe bet or a gift card to a restaurant in Mansfield. Hostesses and chaperons, leave a comment and tell us what some of your favorite gifts have been!

Roommates

This is easy, just grab something you'd want! A candle, new lip gloss, etc... The next time you buy yourself something cute and cheap, get two.

None of these gifts needs to be expensive. $5 a piece and a fun trinket from Pier One would suffice. I know time is a precious commodity but the point is to be as thoughtful as you have time to be right now!

EDs and Parents

These people also deserve a world of appreciation for what they do. But they understand what craziness Miss Ohio week is and the gift giving between ED and titleholder usually happens at the local pageant when you give up your crown.

***

And for the contestants...

If a contestant is lucky the people around her will do little things all week long to keep her spirits up. Some EDs give little gifts after each prelim. When I was a contestant I counted on the lotions and body washes to get me through fall semester! (Bath and Bodyworks is great because you can exchange scents without a receipt.) I think useful things are the best; to this day I still use the bathtub pillow and hair towel from my Lorain County crew! I was so lucky that my Mom is the queen of little notes and nicknacks! She would pack me a gift bag full of things labeled for each day of Miss Ohio week. No matter what stress or drama the day gave me, I knew there was something waiting to put a smile on my face each night! I can't emphasis enough that it doesn't have to cost much! It was stuff like cute note pads or toiletries or silly trinkets that I know came from Big Lots! :) The words of encouragement were what really mattered.

The families and friends of new contestants should realize that everything you give, must be packed up and taken home! I liked having fresh flowers in my room, but fans need to talk to each other and make sure the contestants bedroom doesn't turn into a funeral home, on top of the fact they're very hard to transport. Think small, but super supportive!

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Official Results!

Miss USA: Michigan
So, I guess since the on-stage question means nothing, maybe Prejean should have won last year...!

1st Runner-up: Oklahoma

2nd Runner-up: Virginia

And now Loren's saying "WHATTT?!"

3rd Runner-up: Colorado

4th Runner-up: Maine

WWHHATTTT!?!?!?! I'm stunned; that makes no sense.

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010: Our Guesses

My prediction

Miss USA: Maine

1st Runner-up: Virginia

2nd Runner-up: Oklahoma

3rd Runner-up: Michigan

4th Runner-up: Colorado

Loren's prediction

Miss USA: Virginia

1st Runner-up: "Tall girl" aka Maine

2nd Runner-up: Colorado

3rd Runner-up: Michigan

4th Runner-up: Oklahoma

Wow! Kristen Dalton looks stunning during her final walk, but I wish she was wearing her crown!

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Judges On-stage Question

Oklahoma

Oscar Nunez asked about Arizona's new immigration policy and if it should be a state or federal law. While Loren thinks she "tap danced down the middle" I think she actually answered the question and was well spoken.

Michigan

Tara Conner asked if she believes insurance companies should cover birth control pills. Michigan says yes, it's just like any other drug. Loren immediately defended her saying, "it wasn't that bad." I think she'll fit right in at Miss Universe with her "Hi Mom" comment but I'm not so sure what an O.B.Gen is? lol! She's gorgeous but I think she's completely blown it with the way she speaks.

Colorado

Johnny Weir asked if social networking sites should be regulated by the government. Cha - cha - choppppy! That was horrible!

Virginia

Paula Deen asked if BP should be solely responsible for cleaning up and paying for the oil spill in the gulf. She sort of talked in circles but she's very charming and so darn cute!

Maine

Melania Trump asked how she felt about the sexy Fadil photoshoot the contestants participated in. I think that just sealed it! That question was a gimme as long as the contestant who got it supported the organization. I think she'll be the winner!

The on-stage question really does change your mind! Michigan was a huge disappointment while I take back my mean comments about Virginia and I think Maine has it in the bag!

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Casual Questions

Oklahoma

Michigan

Me to Loren [insert accent]: "Uh-oh Papi... she sounds ghet - to!" I think the honeymoon is over for my Acura-selling-mate after his pick said "we buy American... bla, bla, Ford..." That's an extremely untrue and uneducated comment!

Colorado

Virginia

Well, damn, I didn't like her in anything else, but she is well spoken and full of personality.

Maine

I think Loren might have a new love; he's a private pilot and Maine wants to become one!

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Official Top 5

Oklahoma

Michigan

Colorado

Virginia

Maine

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Official Awards

Miss Congeniality: Miss Nebraska USA

Miss Photogenic: Miss Alabama USA

I love that they used Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe to present these awards.

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Evening Gown Competition

Tennessee: The Rachel Smith clone is also in liquid beading. lol! Classic, but not amazing. 8.650

Maine: She's growing on me! She gives a Miss America vibe in her sophisticated black gown. 8.868

Mississippi: Not loving it. And if that's your gown, learn to pose in a way that doesn't wrinkle your skin! Seriously, that's swimsuit posing 101. 8.475

Alabama: Sorry, that look is DATED! 8.567

Michigan: Loren: "Now that's a gown!" I think he wants to marry her in it! *gasp!* She tripped, but I think the score was probably already in. 8.845

Oklahoma: It's too costumy for me, but so was Miss Universe's red feather duster gown! 9.188

Missouri: Loren: "That's so five years ago" Hahaha! Even he knows! 8.248

California: Loren: "And... she just lost!" It's also very outdated and seriously, there is NO reason for hooker platform heels that high. Ridiculous! 8.317

Virginia: She's pretty, but kind of boring. 8.675

Colorado: Ew! Good grief! Did these women get dressed in Joan Rivers Oscar closet from the 80s?! 9.313

We totally disagreed with the judges highest scores. Joan and Melissa just called California's dress "not pageanty." Um, apparently they don't watch pageants! I do love that Joan said Missouri "looks like she was dipped in Gatoraide." Hahaha! Yes!

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Official Top 10

Tennessee

Maine

Mississippi

Alabama

Michigan

Oklahoma

Missouri

California

Virginia

Colorado

I don't get Mississippi, Alabama or Virginia. I'd prefer Arkansas instead of any of them!

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Swimsuit Competition

The comments are from Loren and I, but the numbers are the official scores given by the judges.

Arkansas: Hot! Love her, but she holds her mouth funny. 7.750

Kansas: Super cute. 8.158

Michigan: Loren is in love with her! She'd do great at Miss Universe. 8.325

Wyoming: Oh, no! She almost fell but look at those abs! 8.273

Pennsylvania: Fake smile. 8.160

California: She works it, but do her eyes look kind of dead? 8.545

Colorado: Loren doesn't dig her at all, but I do; she seems super sweet. I like that her hair is different. 9.183

Tennessee: It looks like they're trying to clone Rachel Smith... 8.965

Oklahoma: Look at they wind in her hair! Loren "booblicious" 9.098

Missouri: She seems feisty! Loren thinks she looks like Julia Louise Dreyfus. 8.440

Alabama: Very teen-ish and a little awkward. 8.457

Nebraska: Such a pretty face but Loren doesn't like them when they have the shape of a little boy! 8.093

Virginia: I'm sorry, but her hair looks trailer-trash to me. :o 8.733

Mississippi: Pretty face, but she looks confused with those doe-eyes. Loren: "Straight out of a college bar." 8.312

Maine: She looks a soap star, is it Allison Sweeney...? Loren: "We want someone to win Miss Universe, not beat her up." 9.242

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Finale Judges

Paula Deen (Food Network star)

Oscar Nunez (from The Office)

Tara Conner (Miss USA 2006)

Jonhhy Weir (US Champion Figure skater)

Melania Trump (model and Donal Trump's wife)

Phil Ruffin (casino owner)

Suzy Yalof Schwartz (Editor of Glamor)

Carmelo Anthony (NBA player)

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010 Official Top 15

"They showed more in seven pages that I did giving birth to you..." Hahaha! I love Jone Rivers! She's such a crazy old bat.

The Official Top 15

Arkansas (Adrielle Churchill, a former MAO contestant)

Kansas

Michigan (Loren's early favorite)

Wyoming

Pennsylvania (Loren: "She looks bitchy")

California

Colorado

Tennessee

Oklahoma

Missouri (haha... Curtis' accent sounded like "Misery")

Alabama

Nebraska

Virginia (She kind of looks like the singer Jewel)

Mississippi

Maine (Loren: "Our starting center")

Not-So-Live Blog: Miss USA 2010

I guess the trade off for this boring LA weather that you all envy is that I no longer get to see pageants live. Most of my readers have known who the new Miss USA is for the past hour, but I'm just now tuning in...

Just based on the intros, I like California, Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Hhmm... is it just me or do they all look the same!?

There's a YouTube channel with clips from last night's Miss USA preliminary competition!

CLICK HERE!

The poster seems to have slowed all the ladies down and the sound is way off, but it's a good resource nonetheless.

Miss Ohio USA models her evening gown at the end of THIS video.

Pageant Pictures, Press and a Poll: Another So-called Scandal!

For several years, celebrity photographer Fadil Berisha has done high fashion photoshoots with the contestants of the Trump family of pageants, Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe. He also shoots the winners throughout their year, turning out some of the most fantastic photos I've ever seen, but his photos have always pushed the envelope for some fans...

In 2007 people thought the wet look in the Miss Universe photos was too sexy. [Left, Brazil; right: USA's Rachel Smith.]

In 2008 I recall cyber gasps over the fish-net hosery.

[Right: former Miss Ohio USA,
Monica Day.]

And often fans do not approve of the sexuality with which the teen winners are portrayed! [Below left: Hilary Cruz, Teen USA 2007; right the reigning Teen USA, Stormi Henley.]

But this year... The Miss USA pageant is making headlines even before the onstage question, thanks to Berisha's pictures! The media is asking if the Victoria Secret / Playboy style photoshoot went too far for a pageant?

[Above: The reigning Miss Ohio USA, Amanda Tempela, as well as Kansas and California.] CLICK HERE to see all the controversial photos on one page, or they're in each contestants profile on the Miss USA website.

CLICK HERE for plenty of news stories on the pictures. I can't seem to get videos to embed at this time, but click the links below to watch them.

Here's a video from the photoshoot with commentary from Berisha and some contestants:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmvOaDIOJGo

The Today show did a really great piece covering this issue, touching on the past and interviewing MUO President, Paula Shugart:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/37081328#37081328

I don't think Shugart did as well trying to defend the shoot on The Early Show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g540-P5M0kk

I tend to agree with many fans favorite former Miss USA, Shandi Fennessey, who by the way, also held a state title in the MAO system. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDHWP2GwCvY

But what do YOU think?

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VOTE IN MY POLL:

http://poll.fm/1wdo5

Feel free to comment with your opinion of the pictures, or if you know why my blog won't let me embed videos or polls! :(

Pageant Updates!

Local Updates

I think every titleholder needs to form relationships with her hometown and college newspapers. (Don't expect your ED to do it for you.) But Miss Lima Square Fair, Shannon O'Neill, has gone above and beyond! CLICK HERE for last month's Spotlight article in FourPoints Magazine and CLICK HERE for her feature in Pageantry magazine's summer edition. (Click "page" at the top then select the page 114 thumbnail.) Congrats, Shannon!

Former Ohio contestant and Virginia titlehoder, Laura Pennington is participating in the Pepsi Refresh Project, in which the top 5 ideas recieve $5,000 to start a community program! Laura would like to start a dance program for children in underprivilaged communities. Please CLICK HERE to support Laura by voting for her program!

National Updates

Miss USA is underway in Las Vegas! The contestants arrived this weekend and will have a whirlwind of events and preliminary competitions, culminating in the live crowning of Miss USA 2010 on May 16! Log on to the Miss USA website to view, and even rate, the contestants! The site features headshots, swimsuit and gown photos and a super sexy, controversial Victoria's Secret style shot! [Left: Miss Ohio USA, Amanda Tempel]


Last season, former Miss America Erika Dunlap and her husband made the Top 3 on one of my favorite reality tv shows, The Amazing Race. This season, former Miss South Carolina Teen USA, Caite Upton and her boyfrend, Brent ran the race. She had a lot to prove after her embarrassing youtube moment at Miss Teen USA. She did indeed show that she can read, such as, maps, by being the only female in the Top 3. However, they did not go to The Iraq. ;) I'll not share the results out of respect for the DVR-addicted society in which we live.

HAPPY BELATED MOTHERS DAY!!!

From our biological moms to female volunteers, mentors and EDs and most certainly the chaperons and hostesses during pageant week, pageant women have many moms to thank!
I hope you all had a wonderful Mothers Day but moreover, know how much you're appreciated all year round!

Miss Ohio 2010 Talent Selections

The Miss Ohio website has been updated with headshots and talent selections! Please leave a comment if you can confirm the origin of each song.

Flight One

Elizabeth Wong - Huron County

Lyrical dance - Gravity (by Sarah Bareillis )

Sarah Hider - North Coast

Vocal - You Took Advantage of Me (jazz standard)

Heather Waterman - Clayland

Vocal - I Believe (?)

Alyssa Waldman - Northwestern Ohio

Vocal - Someone Like You (from Jekyll and Hyde)

Amber Bussa - North Central Ohio

Vocal - Roxie (from Chicago?)

Meggie Wittman - Cuyahoga County

Vocal - Faraway (by Goldrich & Heisler)

Kristy Moneysmith - Maumee Valley

Vocal - It's Your Song (popularized by Garth Brooks?)

Nanciann Strosnider - Greater Butler County

Vocal - Being Alive (from Company; popularized by Streisand)

Flight Two

Anna Reis - Portsmouth

Jazz dance - Hey Big Spender (from Sweet Charity)

Rebekah Zoz - Ohio River

Vocal - Revelation Song (a praise song)

Stephanie Beltz - Willard

Piano - Bumble Boogie (swing version of "Flight of the Bumble Bee")

Shannon O'Neill - Lima Square Fair

Vocal - As if we Never Said Goodbye
(from Sunset Boulevard; popularized by Streisand)

Courtney Monk - Fallen Timbers

Vocal - Good Morning Baltimore (from Hairspray)

Cayla Hellwarth - Lake Festival

Vocal - Gira Con Me (by Josh Groban?)

Marisa Buchheit - Maple City

Vocal - O mio babbino caro (from Gianni Schicchi)

Katie Bowen - West Central Ohio

Flute - Flight of the Bumblebee (from The Tale of Tsar Saltan)

Jacquelyn Nichols - Vacationland

Vocal - Imagine (John Lennon?)

Flight Three

Becky Minger - All American City

Vocal - Kiss Me in the Rain (popularized by Streisand)

Katie Camp - Central Ohio

Tap dance - Big Time (popularized by Linda Eder)

Heather Wells - Mansfield

Jazz dance - We're Gonna Party (by The Weather Girls)

Heidi Hegron - Muskingum Valley

Vocal - Footprints in the Sands (popularized by Leona Lewis?)

Ellen Bryan - Miami Valley

Vocal - Journey to the Past (from Anastasia soundtrack)

Tera Coleman - Heart of Ohio

Vocal - Hallelujah (?)

Ashley Warholic - Greater Cleveland

Ballet en Pointe - Waltz from Coppelia (by Leo Delibes)

Whitney Fricke - Buckeye State

Vocal - Suddenly Seymour (from Little Shop of Horrors)

Devon Stansbury - Mohican Valley

Lyrical Dance - Free Fallen (Tom Petty or John Mayer?)

Candid Caressa!

Miss America, Caressa Cameron, was in Washington DC recently giving reporters a lot to write about, from unexpected candid tidbits about her job to her opinion on some hot button issues!

Miss America can eat, not drive: What we learned at lunch with reigning Miss A, Caressa Cameron

From The Reliable Source, The Washington Post's gossip blog

Hey, so this is interesting: Did you know that the entire year you’re Miss America, you’re not allowed to drive — at all?

“I guess it’s a liability thing,” said the reigning Miss.A, Caressa Cameron. “They don’t want to have Miss America crash her car.”

The Spotsylvania native spent her months as Miss Virginia driving herself all over the commonwealth, 200 miles a week. Now she’s forever shotgun in her travels around the nation: “If I want to go to Burger King, I have to ask someone to take me. … If we go past a Popeye’s, I’ll ask my driver to stop, because I don’t know the next time I’ll get to go to one.”

Don’t you love when beauty queens profess to having crazy-indulgent eating habits? But Cameron, 22, might be telling the truth here: At a luncheon in her honor Monday at Cafe Milano hosted by Miss America board member Tammy Haddad and restaurateur Franco Nuchese, she politely ordered the salmon, the chicken and the cappellini pomodoro. (No, probably didn’t finish them all, but good for her.) In a black pantsuit and pink top, she was shorter than you expect — tiny, really — and younger than she appeared on TV.

The other thing you can’t do when you’re Miss America: Say anything controversial or impolite. The VCU journalism major laughed warmly throughout the sometimes raucous luncheon with media types, but she did not take the bait when one lunch guest took potshots at the camouflage-accented evening gown that Miss A 2009, Katie Stam, wore at this year’s pageant. Cameron leapt to her defense: Stam had a story that explained the dress but wasn’t given enough airtime to tell it. “For a camo dress, it was nice,” the current Miss.A said.

Cameron added mischievously: “I should warn you: When I conduct the Richmond Symphony” — for “The Star-Spangled Banner,” of course — “I’m wearing a dress that is entirely a flag.”

Not driving for a year? I'll add that to my list of reasons why I never would have survived a year as Miss America, right behind "hates parades!"

And now, on to the political, followed by the poignant!

Miss America's a fan of the Palin clan

By Nikki Schwab & Tara Palmeri

Washington Examiner

You betcha Caressa Cameron's not picking political sides, but Miss America 2010 is willing to say she's a fan of the Palins.

"She's someone who cares about the world around her, and she comes from a pageantry background," Cameron said of Sarah Palin at a lunch hosted by Tammy Haddad at Cafe Milano on Monday. "It shows good light on the program in my opinion."

Like a young Palin, Cameron wants to be a TV reporter and saw opportunity in pageantry. As for whether she plays for the same team politically, Cameron's not saying.

"I guess I could say I'm a fan," Cameron said of Palin. "I'm a fan of anyone who is trying to work for the greater good of the people, period."

Cameron was definitive about one thing -- she has issues with partisan politics.

"I think the problem sometimes with people is that they are so concerned with their allegiance to their party that they forget what's right for the American people," Cameron told Yeas & Nays.

As for Bristol, they both advocate a similar line -- preventing unwanted teen pregnancies. And Cameron praised Bristol for her work to deglamorize the idea of being a teen mom.

"I'm sure she's getting flak in regards to probably being a hypocrite and saying, 'Oh, go be abstinent now,' "

Cameron said. " ... But I think some of the best lessons are taught by people who have walked the road that you would rather not walk."

How does our reigning Miss America answer the questions every Miss should be ready for? I've put it in bold... Not that you must share her opinion, but do take not of her eloquence.

Miss America Caressa Cameron: No Reason a Lesbian Shouldn't Wear the Crown
By Annie Groer

It took Caressa Cameron four tries to become Miss Virginia, but once she nailed the state title last year, it's easy to see how she went on to capture the glittery Miss America crown in Las Vegas on Jan. 30.

This was one poised, smart, candid and effervescent young woman who sat down to lunch in Washington Monday with a bunch of strangers, including several reporters and TV producers. Sure, she'd been in DC before, to sing the National Anthem at the Washington Nationals' season opener where she shook hands with President Obama, and to serve as grand marshal of the Cherry Blossom Parade earlier this month.

But Monday's lunch was meant to showcase her in a far more intimate setting -- Cafe Milano's private dining room in Georgetown, and to once again remind those new to the world of Miss America and all its state and local pageants that it is not, not, not a beauty contest because it provides $50 million a year in scholarships for women.

During the meet and greet, where surprisingly no handler hovered about monitoring her every word, Cameron, 22, answered all my questions except one: How much money she thinks she'll earn at paid appearances all over the world during her reign. "I'm not allowed to discuss it," she confided. But it is a sizable chunk of change, especially since the crown comes with an automatic $50,000 scholarship.

Cameron didn't blink, however, when I asked if she thought some day there might be a lesbian Miss America, given that so many other barriers have fallen since the first pageant was held in 1921 as an unapologetic beauty contest to lure tourists to Atlantic City in September.

Call it her reign of candor.

"I don't think someone's ethnicity, someone's religious background, even their sexual orientation has anything to do with their ability to do the job, so I would say yes. It has no bearing on whether they can go to a children's hospital and visit kids."

Cameron was also confident that the judges -- who this year included conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh -- would be willing to make such an equal-opportunity choice. "A lot of time we don't give people enough credit for being open-minded. If you are a judge doing your job, you will choose someone regardless of her political views or sexual orientation. You would hope people's prejudice would not play a role in picking someone for a job as wonderful as Miss America."

No surprise, then, that her platform issue during her Virginia pageant years -- which began at age 14 in the Junior Miss Fredericksburg contest and will continue as Miss A -- remains HIV/AIDS education and prevention for students in middle and high school. Having lost an uncle to AIDS when she was just 8, Cameron wanted a teenager's bully pulpit from which to reach kids who might not listen to adults.

No surprise either that during a public interview before her state victory last June, she declared that the separation of church and state trumped her personal religious belief that marriage should be between a man and woman. "But I don't believe we should legislate against gay marriage. One doesn't de-solidify the other."

That is what a modern Miss America, and a would-be TV anchor, sounds like.

I got my first glimpse into the parallel universe of pageantry back in 1986, when Miss A was still based on the Jersey shore (It moved to Vegas in 2006). It was from the contestants I first heard of a profession known as "personal trainer," learned that the "girls" routinely used Preparation H hemorrhoid cream to deflate puffy eye bags, slathered Vaseline on their teeth for a shinier smile and kept their swimsuits from riding up by spraying their butts with the same stuff football players used to keep a grip on the pigskin. One contestant who failed to place in the top 10 that year revealed she'd blithely enthused to judges that "'the women of America are going to take the country by storm. There are 49 women running for office and by the year 2000 half of the people in medical, law and other professional schools will be women.' I don't think that went over to big," she said. I kept a close eye on the 1993 winner, Leanza Cornett, who broke new ground as an advocate for children with AIDS; she also broke the physical stereotype by being a petite brunette, not a statuesque blond.

Cameron, too, is a tiny and dark-haired, just 5-foot-4 and maybe a size 0. But she was also the only one at lunch who ordered two entrees, one of them a bowl of pasta. Although her family is still in Virginia, her only visit home since winning 10 weeks ago was at Easter, and she won't have another day off until Thanksgiving. She jokes that her base is "two suitcases and a carry-on bag."

Occasionally, however, her boyfriend, who coaches football and basketball at their old high school, and who gave her the dazzling crown pendant she wears -- it's made of crystals, not diamonds, she says -- will meet her for dinner if she is appearing locally. And might those evenings turn into conjugal visits?

"No, no, no, no."

Silly me. What ever was I thinking? Sex is so not part of the job.

Random Pageant Tip #1

Make your personal promotional materials reusable!

If you haven't already done so, Miss Ohio contestants should order some headshots to autograph at a few different public events during pageant week. You should have some sort of folder or clipboard container in which to carry them. Most contestants have 8x10 prints, but I've also seen smaller shots that were all conveniently attached at the top like a notepad, then the Miss just tore each page off after signing it. I believe it was Miss Ohio, Amanda Beagle, who returned from Miss America with the awesome idea of printing a write-up or resume on the back of your picture. It turns it into a great promotional tool , letting people know what type of appearances you're available to do and providing a (secure) way to contact you. I don't think this is something contestants need to do for Miss Ohio week (unless you're from or representing the Mansfield area), but an idea for titleholders who do a lot of local appearances.

Getting some headshots to autograph is nothing compared to what EDs, parents and fans do to support "their girl!" They wear buttons with their favorite contestants pictures, wave signs during the show and decorate their hotel room doors! One year my mom used wrapping paper that everyone signed, which was nice. I'm sure I still have it in a scrapbook somewhere.

Some fans put their contestants picture facing our their hotel room windows and in their cars! It all sounds a little crazy, but in the microcosm of Miss Ohio, it makes sense. Well, kind of... I never really got use to looking out from the stage and seeing my face on a paint stick! ;)

Anyway, the tip is to make all these promotional pictures REUSABLE! On your headshots, be sure to print your name above your title. I once had a ton of 8x10s generously donated and didn't come close to using them all by the end of my reign. Because my title was printed first, then my name, I really couldn't do anything else with them. Had I been able to cut off the title, I could have used those pictures for auditions and while representing myself in other capacities. To that end, pick your most versatile photo to make a bunch of copies! I'm sure you've put your perfectly pageanty picture in the judges book and program book and whatever else, but trust me, if you're paying for these duplications, you'll want to be able to use those left-over headshots for other things!

And parents, it's hard enough squeezing your daughters name on a button! The added bonus of not putting the title on it is that you can then use the button again and again. Don't be mad at me EDs! I think I've seen some of you get creative by attaching ribbons to the buttons with your title. You can buy button-making tools at craft stores or have printing places do them for you. Square plastic name-tag holders are another option.

Pageant Pictures: Spring Forum 2010

Thank you Bryce Bishop and Ohio's Outstanding Teen, Veronica Wende, for photos from Miss Ohio's Spring Forum!
It was held at a 4-H camp, which allowed plenty of room for the meeting with EDs and parents, as well as ourdoor space for team building exercises.


Are the ladies getting a head-start on a production number?

Obviously, the contestants were broken into teams, told to dress casual and comfy and it looks like pageant officials must have confiscated make-up along with their cell phones! ;)

Outstanding Teens!

Miss Ohio 2010: The Inside Scoop!

The theme this year is "mosaic." Fans often wish formers were more involved; this year the wish was granted. Roberta Camp Albert will emcee Wednesday nights preliminary, Melanie Murphy Miller on Thursday and Amanda Beagle Friday. For the finale on Saturday all three former Miss Ohios will be joined by the reigning Miss, Erica Gelhaus.

That information is confirmed, which lends some validity to the anonymous online statement that Mark Schnitkey will not be performing this year. Also, according to the web, ONN will not broadcast the pageant this year; there's no word about a webcast. They'd have to find cameras somewhere...

Miss Ohio 2010 Competition Order

Confirmed!

GROUP ONE - The Buckeye Flight
Talent * Swimsuit * Gown & Question

1. Elizabeth Wong
2. Sarah Hider
3. Heather Waterman
4. Alyssa Waldman
5. Amber Bussa
6. Meggie Wittman
7. Kristy Moneysmith
8. Nanciann Strosnider

GROUP TWO - The Cardinal Flight

Gown & Question * Talent * Swimsuit

9. Anna Reis
10. Rebecca Zoz
11. Stephanie Beltz
12. Shannon O'Neill
13. Courtney Monk
14. Cayla Hellwarth
15. Marisa Buchheit
16. Katie Bowen
17. Jacquelyn Nichols

GROUP THREE - The Carnation Flight

Swimsuit * Gown & Question * Talent

18. Becky Minger
19. Katie Camp
20. Heather Wells
21. Heidi Negron
22. Ellen Bryan
23. Tera Coleman
24. Ashley Warholic
25. Whitney Fricke
26. Devon Stansbury

So, who's competing again this year?

I’ve been keeping track all year, and even I have forgotten who was crowned in the summer and fall. It seems like such a long time ago! But Miss Ohio is right around the corner, so it’s time to reacquaint ourselves with the competitors. This weekend the ladies will attend Spring Forum and most excitingly, pick their flights and placement!

So who’s competing?

There are 26 contestants; 12 of whom are competing in Mansfield for the first time!

First time contestants (in reverse order of crowning): Tera Colemna, Elizabeth Wong, Devon Stansbury, Stephanie Beltz, Heidi Negron, Marisa Buchheit, Jacquelyn Nichols, Alyssa Waldman, Anna Reis, Sarah Hider, Meggie Wittman and Cayla Hellwarth. (Note, Sarah Hider and Marisa Buchheit have previously competed on the state level of an MAO pageant but not Miss Ohio.)

18 of the contestants won their local by singing:

Tera Colemen, Whitney Fricke, Rebekah Zoz, Nanciann Strosnider, Heidi Negron, Marisa Buchheit, Amber Bussa, Jacquelyn Nichols, Alyssa Waldman, Becky Minger, Courtney Monk, Kristy Moneysmith, Heather Waterman, Ellen Bryan, Shannon O’Neill, Sarah Hider, Meggie Wittman and Cayla Hellwarth

6 ladies danced:

Elizabeth Wong, Devon Stansbury, Katie Camp, Heather Wells, Anna Reis and Ashley Warholic

And this year there are even two instrumentalist!

Stephanie Beltz (piano) and Katie Bowen (flute)

Hollywood and Pageantland Mourn the loss of Dixie Carter

I can't think of a television show that brought pageants to the mainstream more than the 80s/90s sitcom, Designing Women. Delta Burke played southern beauty queen, Suzanne Sugarbaker and her protector was older sister, Julia.

Actress Dixie Carter played the outspoken Julia Sugarbaker on Designing Women and she was nominated for an Emmy in 2007 for seven episodes as Gloria Hodge on Desperate Housewives. She passed away at the age of 70 after battling endometrial cancer.

Entertainment Weekly called Carter's Designing Women performance "strong, sassy and deliciously Southern." EW listed their top five favorite moments; their number one is also a favorite for pageant fans that was posted all over pageant message boards this week:

And this is the kind of passion and speaking ability pageant ladies need to have for their opinions!

Ohio Titleholder featured in Miss America's National Magazine!

Congrats to Miss Lima Square Fair, Shannon O'Neill, who is in the April/May issue of Fourpoints Magazine! She is the featured contestant in the "Spotlight" article, which highlights platform work each month. If you subscribe, you should have it by now and Fourpoints confirmed via Twitter that the article will appear on the website soon.

Buckeye Beauties Competing Elsewhere

** Updated April 12, 2010 **

Sophia Davis is an Ohio native who made the Top 10 as Miss Miami Valley and competed as Miss Hamilton and Miss Mansfield. She now lives and works in Washington DC. Last year she was 3rd Runner-up to Miss DC! Recently she represented Ohio among the Cherry Blossom Princesses and will compete again on June 20th for the Miss DC title. Follow Sophia on Twitter, her blog and website.

Jackie Jerlecki is a BGSU student who placed consistently in Ohio locals but ultimately won her first local title last year in the Hoosier state, where she's from. Now she's headed back to Miss Indiana a second time as Miss Elkhart County 2010. The competition will culminate June 26th.

April O'Brien has competed in Miss Ohio locals for a few years, but she attends Bethany College in West Virginia, where she won her first local title, Miss Jackson County! She'll compete for the title Miss West Virginia the last week of June.

Elyse Healey publicly said farewell to the Miss Ohio program in 2007 after placing 3rd Runner-up as Miss Stark County and in the Top 10 as Miss Greater Cleveland. Now she's a Graduate student at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania, where she won the title Miss Mercer County 2010; thus will compete for Miss Pennsylvania the same week as Miss Ohio.

Jenna Wilson was the 3rd Runner-up last year at Miss Ohio as Miss Lake Erie and 4th Runner-up in 2008 as Miss North East Ohio; she was my wonderful roommate as Miss Southeastern Ohio in 2006. Now she is a Graduate student at Emerson in Massachusetts. Earlier this spring she placed 4th Runner-up at the very competitive Massachusetts local, Miss Boston. Three sweeps crowns will be given away on April 25; if Jenna competes, I'm confident she'll earn a spot at Miss Massachusetts!

Did I forget anyone? Leave a comment and best of luck to these ladies!

Some fans speculated former Miss Ohio contestants Victoria Miller and Jessica Barrett would compete in New York, where they both attend college. There's only one double-crown local left there; it's closed to "western New York & Finger Lakes region." I have no idea if Victoria and Jessica are eligiable or interested.