Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Miss America 2011: Prelim Night One Results

Swimsuit - $1,000 - Miss Hawaii
Jalee Fuselier

Talent - $2,000 - Miss North Carolina
Adrienne Core










Miss North Carolina at rehearsal this afternoon
clogging to "Soul Man":

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Miss America 2011: Good Luck Miss Ohio at Prelim Night #1!

Tonight Miss Ohio, Becky Minger will grace the stage at the 90th Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas! She's beginning the competition with her favorite phase, Swimsuit! She won the Swimsuit award this summer at Miss Ohio, as well as several previous years. The contestants were given a choice of only two black bikinis from a sponsor; the pumps are also mandated from DSW.

Becky also competes in Evening Gown tonight; she has selected a breathtaking beaded Stephen Yearick creation. The following photos were taken at this afternoons rehearsal by photographer and Miss Ohio volunteer, Bryce Bishop:


Yesterday Becky met with the judges for the private interview wearing this trendy Bebe by Kardashian dress:
I know we say this every year, but I don't think I have ever been so confident that a Miss Ohio will absolutely be a finalist, if not take the Miss America crown! Even when Becky was my competition on the stage in Mansfield I knew she would someday be named Miss Ohio. She is a phenomenal titleholder and has looks confident and ready this week in Las Vegas.

GOOD LUCK BECKY!!!

Miss America 2011: Tuesday Exclusives!

Miss Crystal Lake, Shannon O'Neill is vlogging from Vegas and has posted some videos and photos from todays onstage rehearsal! CLICK HERE!

Roberta has the EXCLUSIVE!
Check out her blog for photos of Miss Ohio, Becky Minger's private interview outfit!

Miss America 2011: SNL

On Saturday Night Live's popular segment, Weekend Update Seth Meyers gave a shout-out of sorts to Miss New York and the upcoming Miss America pageant:


Some fans didn't find it so funny or flattering, but as a huge supporter of both the NOH8 gay rights campaign and Miss America, I thought it was perfection! That's called publicity people, and it even came from the network that airs the so-called rival pageant!

Miss America 2011: Wardrobe!



It's confirmed! The silver dress a couple contestants were wearing at Sundays rehearsal is indeed the opening number outfit. But don't despair, no one will be looking at those dreadful dresses since the ladies will have these on their feet:

This year the swimsuit sponsor is Swim 'n Sport. I'm told the ladies had a choice of two solid black bikinis, one of which is a classic triangle top, the other is gathered at the bust with this embellishment:
DSW provided tan peep-toe pumps to be worn during swimusit; rumor has it they're a bit clunky and many contestants are having trouble walking in them:

And what is the trend for interview this year? Only a few images have surfaced:

Miss Ohio

Miss Washington

Miss Virginia

Miss Georgia

Miss Arkansas

Miss Alabama

If I can locate Evening Gown photos after each preliminary night, I plan to post everyones favorite, best gown polls!

Monday, January 10, 2011

UPDATED: Miss America 2011: Photos & Videos

Updated! The newest links are bold.


Videos!

Fashion Show Part 1 * Part 2 * Part 3

Photos!



More Resources

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Miss America 2011: Rehearsal

This morning the Miss America organization posted rehearsal photos on facebook. Click here for the album.

Some online fans are criticizing the contestants for already looking extremely tired in these photos; I think that's a bit harsh since they're in day makeup under unflattering conference room lighting. However, these photos make me appreciate Miss Ohio's practice of giving all the contestants matching rehearsal t-shirts and a dress code for the bottom half. I understand they're rehearsing, but I wouldn't be caught dead anywhere doing anything in half of what they're wearing! I'm just sayin'... I think I saw some jeggings or pajama jeans or something and it was scary! Of course, so is what appears to be the opening number dress, which two of the contestants were wearing:
I find the silver, supposed opening number dresses very unimpressive. What do you think?

Miss America 2011: Fashion Show

Tonight in Las Vegas the Miss America contestants rocked the runway in a non-competitive fashion show featuring designs by sponsor Joseph Ribkoff. Go to the 15 minute mark to find Miss Ohio, Becky Minger!

After the catwalk, the ladies refueled
at Bucca di Peppo!
See more contestants HERE.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Miss America 2011: On the Red Carpet

On the Red Carpet posted only ten interviews with the 2011 Miss America contestants, including one with Ohio's own Becky Minger!

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Pageant Press: Hard at Work

by Matt Desmond
January 4, 2011

Becky Minger isn’t the typical beauty queen. The Sylvania resident and Bowling Green State University graduate may have been crowned 2010’s Miss Ohio, and be on her way to Las Vegas for the 2011 Miss America Pageant, but she’s more than a stereotypical “beauty queen.” Minger remembers where she came from, and she has a job to do.

...The whirlwind of competition has taken over Minger’s life, for now—she’s already traveled 20,000 miles just in the state of Ohio. “Miss Ohio is my full-time job,” she says. But she wouldn’t trade it. “I’ve had a lot of experiences most people just out of college never would.”

Perhaps nothing has effected Minger more than the people she’s been able to meet and touch. And of those people, no one has been more important than Chris Curtis. Minger met Curtis on a visit to Walter Reed Hospital as a spokesperson for the Thank You Foundation.

“I was there to show support for our wounded warriors, but I was afraid to go in,” she says. “People told me it would be difficult.” But when she met Curtis, an Iraq war veteran badly injured in a plane crash, she was inspired by his courage. “He told me ‘I’m going to walk through the doors of my squadron again,’” she says. “I nicknamed him ‘Rocky,’ which was my nickname growing up.” The two stayed in touch. And a month ago, she found out that Curtis had indeed returned to his unit. “He didn’t even need crutches,” she says. And he’s going to repay her for her support. “He’ll actually be walking me as my escort at Miss America,” she says. “Rocky and Rocky will be there together.”

CLICK HERE to read the entire article.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Miss America 2011: Arrival Ceremony!

This arrival ceremony is a bit amateur, so if you're like me, you'll want to skip ahead to the 20 minute mark to see Miss Ohio, Becky Minger!


The Las Vegas Sun has several fantastic photos from the arrival ceremony:

Click here for all of the LV Sun photos.

I'll also be updating an album on my facebook page (Abby Bollen-blogger) as the week progresses with photos I find all over the internet. Click here!

Miss America 2011: Quality of Life Award

Since 1988 Miss America has recognized a handful of its delegate for their community service work with the Quality of Life Award! The following semifinalists were selected based on essays they wrote about their platform work:


Miss Delaware Kayla Martell -
Alopecia Areata Support & Awareness

Miss Florida Jaclyn Raulerson -
Stop Bullying Now!

Miss Georgia Christina McCauley -
"Let's Get it Straight" - Scoliosis Awareness

Miss Maryland Lindsay Staniszewski -
Beyond Beauty: Building Self-Esteem and Positive Body Image in Girls

Miss Michigan Katie Lynn LaRoche -
Bringin Awareness to Human Trafficking

Miss Minnesota Kathryn Knuttila -
Inspiring America

Miss New Jersey Ashleigh Udalovas -
Read to Succeed: Improving America's Future through Literacy

Miss Virginia Caitlin Uze -
Uniquely You - Building Positive Self-Image

The Quality of Life winner and recipient of a $6000 scholarship will be announced Friday January 14th at 3p.m. Two runners-up to the award will receive $4000 and $2000. I'm calling my Las Vegas booky and putting money on Miss Delaware who has been all over national media talking about her baldness caused by the disease on which her platform is based.

The last time Ohio was recognized with a Quality of Life award was in 2003 Tiffany Haas when was 2nd Runner-up. I found the following stats online showing how recent QoL winners did at the pageant finale:

2010
QOL: Miss OK Taylor Treat - Top 12
1ST RU: Miss NH Lindsey Graham - Non-finalist
2ND RU: Miss NV Christina Keegan - Non-finalist

2009
QOL: Miss KY Emily Cox - Top 12
1ST RU:Miss MI Ashlee Baracy - Top 10
2ND RU: Miss AL Amanda Tapley - Top 15

2008
QOL: Miss NV Caleche Manos - Non-finalist
1ST RU: Miss FL Kylie Williams - Top 16
2ND RU: Miss OK Makenna Smith - Non-finalist

2007
QOL: Miss RI Allison Rogers - Non-finalist
1ST RU: Miss AZ Hilary Griffith - Non-finalist
2ND RU: Miss AL Melinda Toole - 4th Runner-up

2006
QOL: Miss ID Tracey Brown - Non-finalist
1ST RU: Miss OK Jennifer Berry - Miss America
2ND RU: Miss AL Alexa Jones - 2nd Runner-up

2005
QOL: Miss AL Deidre Downs Miss America
1ST RU: Miss ID Elizabeth Barchas Non-finalist
2ND RU: Miss NV Elizabeth Muto Non-finalist

2004
QOL: Miss AL Catherine Crosby - Top 15
1ST RU: Miss KY MacKenzie Mayes - Non-finalist
2ND RU: Miss NC Dana Reason - Non-finalist

2003
QOL: Miss NV Teresa Benitez - 3rd Runner-up
1ST RU: Miss AL Scarlotte Deupree - 1st Runner-up
2ND RU: Miss OH Tiffany Haas - Non-finalist

2002
QOL: Miss UT Jaclyn Hunt - Top 10
1ST RU: Miss MD Kelly Glorioso - Non-finalist
2ND RU: Miss MS Becky Pruett - Non-finalist

2001
QOL: Miss LA Faith Jenkins - 1st Runner-up
1ST RU: Miss IA Theresa Uchytil - Non-finalist
2ND RU: Miss NJ Jill Horner - Top 10

Miss America 2011: Four Teens to Miss!


Miss America's Outstanding Teen wishes Miss Vermont 2010 Caroline Bright (Miss VT's OT 2007), Miss California 2010 Arianna Afsar ( former Miss CA's OT and first runner-up at MAOTeen 2005), Miss New Mexico 2010 Madison Tabet (Miss NM's OT 2007) and Miss Hawaii 2010 Jalee Fuselier (Miss HI's OT 2005) all the best at the Miss America Pageant 2011 on Saturday, January 15, 2011. Watch them LIVE on ABC at 9 p.m. EST as all 53 contestants compete to win the honor of being crowned Miss America 2011.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Miss America 2011 Schedule of Events

*Note, Miss Ohio, Becky Minger, is first in the Sigma group.

Thursday, January 6, 2011
All Day Contestants arrive in Las Vegas by 2:00 pm
4:00 PM Arrival Ceremony & Photos at Planet Hollywood - * (Event is open to the public and outside on Las Vegas Blvd)

Friday, January 7, 2011
7:00 AM IHOP Pancake Breakfast and Press Event (Open to Press only)
7:30 PM Barry Manilow Show at Paris Hotel - (Open Event)

Saturday, January 8, 2011
6:00 PM Fashion Show Mall Appearance - Joseph Ribkoff Attire, Sash & Crown, Photo Pads for Autograph Signing (Open)

Sunday, January 9, 2011
7:00 PM Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel - (Open Event)
Private Interviews - first half of Mu group*

Monday, January 10, 2011
8:00 AM Rehearsal in PH Theater of Performing Arts - (Open Event)
Private Interviews - second half of Mu group, all of Alpha and first half of Sigma*

Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Private Interviews - last half of Sigma group*
9:00 AM Rehearsal, (Open Event)
Alpha Group Talent Rehearsal On-Stage
Sigma Group Evening Gown & Swimwear Rehearsal On-Stage
8:00 PM Preliminary Show
10:00 PM Visitation - (Open to Badge-holders & contestants only)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011
9:00 AM Rehearsal, (Open Event)
Sigma Group Talent Rehearsal On-Stage
Mu Group Evening Gown & Swimwear Rehearsal On-Stage
8:00 PM Preliminary Show
10:00 PM Visitation - (Open to Badge-holders & contestants only)

Thursday, January 13, 2011
8:00 AM Rehearsal, (Open Event)
Mu Group Talent Rehearsal On-Stage
Alpha Group Evening Gown & Swimwear Rehearsal On-Stage
10:00 AM Quality of Life Winners at MAO Press Conference
8:00 PM Preliminary Show
10:00 PM Visitation - (Open to Badge-holders & contestants only)

Friday, January 14, 2011
12:00 PM DSW Show Us Your Shoes Parade, Paris Hotel - (Open Event)
8:00 PM Planet Hollywood/Harrah’s VIP Reception - Cocktail Dress, Crown & Sash (Open)
8:30 PM Contestants Arrive at MAO’s Decades of Dreams 2011 Gala – same as above (Open)

Saturday, January 15, 2011
Noon Miss America 2010 Luncheon
5:00 PM 2011 Miss America Final Night Show - Preshow Begins
8:00 PM Immediately Following Show - Designated ED’s/Parents pick-up contestant’s wardrobe from the dressing room
8:15 PM Visitation & Awards - (Open to Badge-holders & contestants only)

*Note, the interview times were changed from those originally slated during the placement draft. Half of Mu and half of Sigma Groups, including Miss Ohio were forced to make the unfair adjustment.
*All events are subject to change*

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Becky's Miss America Send-off!


"An Evening with Miss Ohio, Becky Minger" was held December 18th in Sylvania. 175 guests were welcomed by Mayor, Craig Stough; Maumee's Mayor Tim Wagener also spoke and Ohio Congresswoman Barbara Sears, Sylvania Counsilwoman Mary Westphal, Chamber President Kevin Lent, sponsors, friends, family and Miss Ohio Board members and local E.D.s were in attendance. Miss Ohio's booking manager and Board member Holly Campbell-Bradley emceed the evening, with performances by 3rd Runner-up Marisa Buccheit, 2nd Runner-up Ellen Bryan and 1st Runner-up Shannon O'Neill.



Former Miss Ohio, Roberta Camp-Albert dedicated her Miss America talent, "Blessed" to Becky, followed by Leslie Minger singing her sister Katy Perry's "Firework."

The talented siblings then entertained the audience with "Sisters" from White Christmas.

Becky closed the evening with several of her favorite holiday songs.


Usually send-offs include the modeling of some competition wardrobe peices and sometimes the performance of the competition talent selection. I have no idea if either of these things happened at Becky's send-off. Leave a comment if you know!

The evening was sponsored by Sylvania Orthodontics. Special thanks to the MOSP for sending me the events press release and these photos, most of which were taken by Miss Lake Festival's Jerry Deitsch, seen on the right.




Visiting Titleholders:
Miss All*American City Meggie Wittman, Miss Clayland Ellen Bryan, Maumee Valley's Outstanding Teen Sarah Eash, Former Miss Ohio Roberta Albert-Camp, unidentified man, Miss Ohio Becky Minger, Miss Crystal Lake Shannon O'Neill, Miss Central Ohio Sarah Hider, Miss Greater Cleveland Marisa Buccheit and Miss West Central Ohio Cayla Hellwarth

Miss Crystal Lake Shannon O'Neill, Miss Greater Cleveland Marisa Buccheit and Miss Clayland Ellen Bryan with Board member Ami Boley's daughter, Logan.

Miss West Central Ohio Cayla Hellwarth, Miss Lima Square Fair Elissa McCracken, Miss Crystal Lake Shannon O'Neill and their mothers!

Becky leaves for Las Vegas on January 3rd; festivities begin on the 6th with her first competition, the private interview taking place January 8th. On Tuesday night she will compete in preliminary Swimsuit and Evening Gown, Talent Wednesday and On-stage Question Thursday before the Finale Saturday January 15th. The pageant airs live on ABC at 8 p.m.!

In addition to Miss America preparations and platform work, Becky has been partnering with Cincinnati's The Thank You Foundation. They believe that "the words “thank you” could transcend political, religious, and ideological differences and could provide an opportunity so that every citizen could express their appreciation for those that serve. As the National Spokesman and Honorary Board Member of the Thank You Foundation, Becky appreciates every opportunity she has to serve our troops, active duty and retired, their families and especially their children."

Sunday, December 19, 2010

More Miss Mansfield Photos!

Be sure to check out Timothy Russell's photos of Miss Mansfield, North Central Ohio and Teen and Ohio's Outstanding Teen on the following sites:

Also, pictures from their Dial-a-Santa charity event, featuring the new Miss North Central Ohio, Heather Waterman are HERE!



Monday, December 13, 2010

VOTE FOR BECKY!

This year at the finale of Miss America one contestant will be "America's Choice!" She is determined by votes on her YouTube video; here's Miss Ohio, Becky Mingers:


You can vote for Becky four different ways:

* Go to http://missamerica.org/videocontest/, select Becky's picture and vote for her!

* Using your cell phone, text message "MAOH" to 24470. (Charges may apply.)

* If you have a YouTube account, sign in and "like" this video on YouTube.

* If you have Facebook, sign in and "like" this video at http://www.facebook.com/MissAmericaOrganization.

You may vote for one contestant per voting method; but actually... you can vote once per YouTube and Facebook account you have access to and endlessly at Miss America's website just by hopping on a different computer! It's also one text message per phone number, so ask everyone you know to text. Voting ends at 11:59 PST on January 13th.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Waterman Assumes Miss North Central Ohio

I received an email from a pageant official tonight confirming that Courtney Crain relinquished the title, Miss North Central Ohio, which she won last weekend at a double crown pageant in Mansfield. Crain instead accepted a marriage proposal from her boyfriend and plans to wed in Cancun, Mexico.

It is MY assumption that the nuptials will be happening soon, as there is no rule against engaged women competing. In fact, the woman now taking the title announced her engagement to Facebook on November 27th. Heather Waterman is a vocalist who has competed at Miss Ohio 3 times; she was 2nd Runner-up at Miss Mansfield/NCO.

Why didn't 1st Runner-up Amber Bussa take the title? Because she was Miss North Central Ohio last year... Had she been one of the top two at last weekends pageant, she would had to have been crowned Miss Mansfield. If the reigning Miss Mansfield would resign she could take that title, but she can not be Miss North Central Ohio two years in a row. If I were her I'd probably be pretty irritated, but she was one of my favorites at Miss Ohio and I have no doubt she will win another local pageant.

Just to be clear, at multi-crown pageants, one title isn't better than another. A value of highest, second highest and third highest score is not supposed to be assigned to the titles. For example, earlier this fall Shannon O'Neill was not given Miss Crystal Lake because of how her score compared to the other two winners; rather, she'd already held the other two titles so Miss Crystal Lake was the only option. Becky Minger as Miss All*American City is the exact same.

While this situation certainly is uncommon and a bit sorted, congratulations are still in order for both the new Miss North Central Ohio, Heather Waterman as well as Courtney Crain on her upcoming ceremony in Cancun!

*Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone*

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Miss Mansfield, NCO and Teen Results

* Update - Courtney Crain relinquished her title a few days after the pageant. 2nd Runner-up, Heather Waterman became Miss North Central Ohio, as 1st Runner-up, Amber Bussa, held that title last year and could have only been named Miss Mansfield.

Miss Mansfield - Ashley Warholic
Miss North Central Ohio - Courtney Crain

1st RU - Amber Bussa
2nd RU - Heather Waterman
3rd RU - Katie Jackson

Interview - Ashley Warholic
Talent - Amber Bussa
Evening Gown - Ashley Warholic
Swimsuit - Amber Bussa

Congeniality - Alyssa Phillips

Miss Mansfield's Outstanding Teen - Morgan Kindred

1st RU - Brittany Adams
2nd RU - Melanie Dress

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Best of Luck to the Miss Mansfield, North Central Ohio & Teen Program!


Tonight at the Mansfield High School, three local crowns will be given! The reigning Miss Mansfield is pageant veteran, Heather Wells. This vivacious dancer won a non-semifinalist Talent Award at Miss Ohio and has already secured her fourth title, Miss Maumee Valley. Her sister-titlholder, Miss North Central Ohio, Amber Bussa, was a Top 10 finalist at her second attempt at the Miss Ohio crown; she was also a favorite in my Missy Awards. Rather than giving up her title, Amber is competing tonight!

A Teen will also be crowned. The outgoing Miss Mansfield's Outstanding Teen, Chelsi Howman, has advanced to the Miss division and won Miss North Coast this fall.

Best of luck to the following contestants who will compete in this order:

McKenna Armstrong
Education: Ontario High School
Platform:
Talent:
Pageant Past:



Jessica Burdette
Education: Ontario High School
Platform:
Talent:
Pageant Past: Miss Ontario 2010 (non-MAO)


Priya Sharma
Education: Cleveland State / Health Sciences
Talent: dance
Platform: Promoting Cancer Research & Awareness
Pageant Past: 3rd RU at North Coast



Courtney Fraley
Education:
Ontario High School
Talent: dance? drums?
Platform: Make Life Your Natural High
Pageant Past: 1st RU to Miss Mansfield's Outstanding Teen last year; Miss Ontario 2009 (non-MAO)


Caity Jackson
Education:
Fairmont East High School
Talent: vocal ?
Platform: Cancer Prevention ?
Pageant Past: Top 5 in both 2010 and 2009 at Miss Ohio Teen USA; competed at Ohio's Outstanding Teen in 2009 at Miami Valley's Teen

Rebecca Ribley
Education: Ashland University / Theatre & Journalism
Talent: vocal
Platform: Raising Awareness of Hunger in America
Pageant Past: 3rd RU at Miss GC/CC; competed at North Coast

Alyssa Phillips
Age: 19
Education: Bowling Green State University / Apparel Merchandising
Talent: jazz dance "My New Philosophy"
Platform: Ending Domestic Violence
Pageant Past: 1st RU recently at Miss NWO; competed at Miss MV/AAC/FT


Allison Goodwin
Education: Ohio University
Talent: lyrical dance
Platform: Prevention of Childhood Obesity
Pageant Past: competed recently at Miss MV/AAC/FT, Miss Central Ohio and Miss Clayland; 1st RU this season at Miss GC/CC


Ashleigh Jarzenski
Eduction: Ashland University / Broadcast & Political Science
Talent: dance
Platform: REACH: The Benefits of Volunteering
Pageant Past: competed at Miss GC/CC & NC

Education: Baldwin-Wallace University / PR & Marketing
Talent: dance
Platform: FCCLA
Pageant Past: Awarded CMN Miracle-Maker, Non-Semifinalist Interview, Community Service and other awards as Miss Greater Cleveland at Miss Ohio 2010; Miss Heart of Ohio 2009

Courtney Crain
Education: Indiana Wesleyan University / Business & Health Care Administration
Talent: vocal
Platform: Preventing Child Abuse
Pageant Past: competed recently at Miss Miami Valley & Clayland; Miss Ohio International 2010

Amber Bussa
Education: Graduate of Ohio State University
Talent: vocal
Platform: Get in Gear to Volunteer
Pageant Past: 2nd RU & T at Miss Central Ohio; Top 10 at Miss Ohio 2010 as Miss North Central; Non-Semifinalist Talent as Miss Portsmouth in 09

Heather Waterman
Education: Graduate of Wright State University / Marketing
Talent: Vocal
Platform: Ready, Set, Motivate
Pageant Past: Miss Clayland 2009; Preliminary Swimsuit and Non-semifinalist Interview awards at Miss Ohio 2009 as Miss Northwestern Ohio; Miss Lake Festival 2008

Elizabeth Wong
Age: 20
Education: Oberlin College / Law & Society
Talent: dance
Platform: Cardiac Awareness
Pageant Past:
3rd RU recently at Miss NWO; competed at Miss North Coast; competed at Miss Ohio 2010 as Miss Huron County; Rhode Island's Junior Miss 2008


Teens
Brittany Abrams
Melanie Davis
Morgan Kindred