A current title holder's impressions of Miss America 2014:
- Over the years of being around pageant competitions I always thought Miss America was less "glamorous" than Miss USA... but not this year! I thought that overall, they had definitely "Glammed-it-up!" I was impressed and enjoyed the show! (So did a 10 and 7 year old I know)
- Every little girl watching exploded off their couches and sang along with Miss Alabama's beautiful ballet to "Let It Go"....while personally I was loving Miss Ohio's duet "Supercalifragilistic" while being the first ventriloquist on Miss America....call me corny, but I was impressed! I loved the unique talents....including the "cup" song.
- The top 5 nailed their questions and I cringed with every one if them, being in their shoes a few times, it's an extremely intense moment! I personally love the on-stage interview, but we all know what can happen in this moment....our brains go to mush and the pressure can often get the best of us!
- Finally, watching Miss America at this phase in my life, makes me grateful for all of my experiences within pageant competitions. I am reminded me how brave these women are to compete, compete well and represent themselves so gracefully! Not to mention the incredible people I have the honor of knowing and sharing these moments with. The directors, coach's, make-up artists, hair stylists, choreographers and the "sisters" that I am blessed to have shared the years with! It's cliche' I know....but so true!
With all that being said....
The Miss America aftermath....has brought on yet another "rant" so here goes nothing....
Unfortunately, it's never about the winner...but about the mishaps. The newly crowned Miss America isn't given more than a second to enjoy her walk on the runway, before the show is dissected and nit-picked to death....every contestant at the mercy of those doing the nit-picking! Seeing the winner called "ugly", her talent disappointing, the list goes on and on. And, she WON!!!! Needless to say...I am sad...heck, I am mad! And almost ashamed...
Everyone has their favorites; favorite dress, favorite talent, favorite girl. And although she's your favorite, she may not be the favorite of the panel of judges. Thus the controversy of pageants... Knowing that a different set of judges would crown a different girl any day of the week. It's what we refer to as a "crapshoot".
I am simply appalled with what took place on Facebook among comments from those I respect, call friends or have worked/competed with being broadcasted nation wide. I am just shocked! Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but to publicly insult and pass judgement on those who just graced the stage of Miss America, is truly sad! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, "If you can't be nice, be quiet!" The new Miss America deserves better!!!
After competing at Mrs. United States, and not "winning", of course I walked away disappointed, evaluating and questioning myself and the judges. Don't get me wrong, Mrs. Texas, is amazing, beautiful, smart, witty, funny....the perfect fit for Mrs. United States. And looking back at the success of being named 2nd runner-up and the experience itself with my family by my side was pretty amazing. Besides, my 3 biggest fans tell me how I "should've won!" They're opinions are all I care about! I love my boys! :-)
Although I may have had some disappointment and even my own opinions on the competition, I would never blast it all over social media...disrespecting those that had worked so hard. Again....can we think about our youth and lead by example?!?!?!
It's the next day, and still very minimal praise or excitement for the newly crowned Miss America...only crotch-shots and red solo cups being discussed. *SMH* These are the days when I wish FB would add the dislike button!
Read more about the controversies....Pageant Junkies hit it spot on!
http://pageantjunkies.
Stepping off my soap box now,
Kristie
Mrs. Kansas United States 2014
