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23-year old Laura Kaeppeler, Miss Wisconsin 2011, bested a field of 53 competitors to be crowned Miss America 2012. It was a night featuring twists and turns in addition to the traditional pageant fare, including the non-finalist contestants choosing one more contestant to continue on to the evening wear competition. That pick was Miss Alabama Courtney Porter. The fifteen semi-finalists earning the chance to compete in the pageant with Miss Alabama included the America's Choice pick, chosen by fans online: Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson. The remaining 14 top scoring delegates: Contestants were eliminated after doing battle in Swimsuit, Evening-wear, Talent, and Interview competitions. Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler was asked by Lara Spencer whether Miss America should declare her political affiliation. To which Laura responded, "Miss America represents everyone ... Miss America represents all." With 5 remaining contestants, the four runner-ups and winner were announced. Fourth Runner-up: Miss California Noelle Freeman And the New Miss America for 2012: Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler. [updated 01/14/12] Pageantry PodCastPageantry Exit Interview:
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Designer Catherine Potgieter, and featured writer for Pageantry magazine, introduces us to MsBellezza Jewelry; a high fashion, couture jewelry line that offers luxurious style at an affordable price. Created for the sophisticated woman who might find herself in a competitive spotlight with the world's (or even just the room's) eye on her, MsBellezza Jewelry has felt the growing warmth of the limelight recently, creating a buzz in the pageant and celebrity world where detail and uniqueness are everything. MsBellezza pieces have graced the lobes, delicate wrists and necklines of the leading ladies of "ABC's Dancing with the Stars", beauties vying for the crown in top US pageants, and from the epicenter of the red carpet. Designer Catherine Potgieter's pieces complete a perfect pas de deux with elaborate and showy costumes; careful to never upstage, yet intricate enough to stand out.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 01/10/12]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Exit Interview:
Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan
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SCANNING THE HORIZON: After a year of unparalleled service and philanthropic efforts, Miss America Teresa Scanlan is ready to hand off her title and embrace the path before her. One might think that the reason no 17-year old had won the Miss America crown in 73 years was because all of the new fame, celebrity and daily responsibilities that come with the reign are too much for a teenager to handle. But Teresa simply laughs at that notion. Not only could she handle everything that came with her new title, but like the many women crowned before her, she took the title and fame to a new level, reaching out to not only the people who admire and aspire to gain her level of ability and grace, but also to the millions of people with eating disorders, who she strives to protect and enable every day through her personal platform.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 01/09/12]
Marriage Announcement
Amber Seyer
Miss Missouri USA 2007 will marry
San Francisco Giants pitcher, Barry Zito
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Amber Marie Seyer, representing the Show-Me State as Miss Missouri USA 2007, is marrying San Fransisco Giants pitcher and former Cy Young winner Barry Zito.
Barry Zito, 33 is mid-way through a seven year $126 million contract and has been described as the John Mayer of baseball, with a string of high profile celebrity romances including Alyssa Milano, Hillary Duff and Paris Hilton.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the wedding will take place in a private ceremony in Marin County, which is just north of San Francisco.
Amber grew up in Oran and graduated from Lindenwood University, in St. Charles. She currently a model and an actress, with credits including a 2010 episode of the Bold and the Beautiful.
Barry Zito, once the highest paid pitcher in the MLB history, is a five time all-star and has pitched for the San Francisco Giants since 2007 including their 2010 World Series Championship season.
[updated 12/05/11]
In Memory
GRANT GRAVITT
November 28, 1934 to November 12, 2011
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Television, sound and recording industry icon Grant Gravitt passed away on Saturday, November 12th.
Mr. Gravitt was synonymous with the early days of broadcast television in Miami and was one of the early pioneers that brought WTVJ to live broadcast television – on March 21, 1949.
A Miami native, Mr. Gravitt was born on November 28, 1934 at Jackson Hospital and was raised in the Lemon City neighborhood of Miami. He graduated from Edison High School.
In 1949, he met Colonel Mitchell Wolfson and applied for an audio engineer position at a fledgling television station, WTVJ in downtown Miami. He began at the station working on the first remote broadcasts of television shows. In these early years of television broadcast Mr. Gravitt worked on the Arthur Godfrey show, the Jackie Gleason Show and the Ed Sullivan shows broadcasted from Miami.
Mr. Gravitt ran the audio for the second performance of the Beatles at the Deauville Hotel, produced a broad range of shows, documentary films and much more involving some of the biggest stars of the period.
In 1954 he met his wife, Mary Lou (Coleman) Gravitt at WTVJ during a Florida pageant interview on the station. Another girl competing in the pageant had a boyfriend at the station who introduced them. Their first date was to a radio interview. She needed a ride, she said. Gravitt swooned her and eventually won her heart. The two wed on February 16, 1958 by eloping to Georgia “and they said it wouldn’t last,” she said.
Mr. Gravitt incorporated his own production company in 1960, Tel-Air Interests. Today, it is the oldest television production company in the South. He was quoted about those early days of television this past January when the company’s web site was being updated - "When we started Tel-Air, there were no local television producers," Mr. Gravitt said back in January, "so we put together a group to produce commercials, film, and record independently."
In 1960, Mr. Gravitt produced the first televised Miss Universe Pageant, held on Miami Beach.
Mr. Gravitt’s first clients at Tel-Air Interests included the Miss Universe and Miss USA Pageants for CBS, documentaries for NASCAR and Sears, and commercial work for General Motors and the classic "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking" for Timex. Some of his favorite clients were NBC, CBS, Trans World International, EDS, IBM, The Orange Bowl Committee, The Breeders' Cup, Warner Bros. Music, and Julio Iglesias.
He created filmed entertainment development projects well before such mainstream partnerships came to existence. The first of which included "Spring Break Reunion II" with Frankie Avalon and Connie Stevens; the Emmy Award winning "Jockey" with William Conrad. Current development projects still produced by Tel-Air Interests include the annual Miss Florida USA and Miss Florida Teen USA Pageants, and "Speed" - a co-production with National Geographic for their Explorer Series, among others.
Gravitt worked with all the legends, including Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, Elvis, Jackie Gleason, Perry Como and many more. He worked every major concert that took place at the Miami Beach Convention Center as part of sound engineering. Mr. Gravitt also produced all of the television shows for Gulfstream Park and Calder Race Course, befriending Rodney Dangerfield during a Calder shoot when Dangerfield was a Johnny Carson comedian.
Grant Gravitt is survived by wife Mary Lou Gravitt, daughter Katherine Marie Gravitt and sons Charles Myers and Grant Gravitt Jr.
[updated 11/16/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Interview: Fadil Berisha
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AN EYE FOR TALENT: Fadil… one name that invokes images of celebrity, grace, and beauty. Fadil Berisha has already carved out quite the reputation for himself in the fashion industry. Having moved to the U.S. at a young age, Fadil learned about beauty and style right away, working random jobs in small stores and boutiques in New York City. A few decades later, he already has one of the most incredible portfolios most of us will ever see, as he’s photographed superstars like Halle Berry and global icons like Bill Clinton. It was only fitting that he took some time recently to tell us how it all began for him and his camera, seeing as so many of Pageantry’s covers and pages are filled by his incredible work.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 11/09/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Interview: Ché White
of Beauties of America
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AMERICAN BEAUTIES: At the Beauties of America Pageant has a positive message to share, as they celebrate a woman's inner and outer beauty and recognize the achievements of the American woman - at every age. The Beauties of America Pageant began nearly 27 years ago with the purpose of celebrating beauty and achievement at every age. Their philosophy has always been that women are fabulous and unique at every age, and pageants should reflect that. Through the years, the Beauties of America Pageant has been fortunate to see many beautiful and accomplished women go on to achieve their goals and dreams. The Beauties of America pageant is proud to have played a part in many of those successes.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 11/07/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Interview: Danielle Doty
Miss Teen USA 2011
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THE TOAST OF TEXAS: Danielle Doty traded in her small town origins for a Big Apple life when she was crowned the newest Miss Teen USA in front of a wild audience and 51 of her peers at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Of course with that comes a huge, spectacular life change that begins with a move to New York City. Hailing from a small town in Texas, that’s easier said than done for Danielle. Luckily, those famous friends are Miss Universe Leila Lopes and Miss USA Alyssa Campanella, who were more than willing to welcome their new sister and show her the ropes.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 11/04/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Interview: Elizabeth Fechtel
Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2012
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TO SERVE AND PROJECT: Elizabeth Fechtel borrowed a page from her sister by competing for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen before re-writing the book on winning. Elizabeth has started her senior year at First Academy - Leesburg. She is a busy young lady serving as the President of her student body, the Treasurer of the Debate Club, and Editor of the yearbook in addition to her duties as Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2012. Fortunately, she found some time to talk about her expectations for the coming year.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 11/02/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Interview:
Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes
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ANGOLA'S NEW JEWEL: The Universe is a very large and encompassing concept. The Miss Universe Pageant is no exception. From the largest city in South America and the fourth largest city in the world, São Paulo, Brazil, a record setting 89 of the most beautiful and universe conscious Miss Universe delegates from the four corners of our humble globe, an estimated worldwide audience of 1 billion people, the Miss Universe 2011 Pageant presented a distinctly Latin flavored production during its 60th Anniversary crowning. Leila Lopes, Miss Angola, would forever be known as Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011 becoming the first woman from her African nation to capture the crown of Miss Universe.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 10/31/11]
Miss Universe Organization
Miss Angola, Leila Lopes
is crowned Miss Universe 2011
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Leila Lopes, the reigning Miss Angola 2011 was crowned Miss Universe 2011 at the 60th annual international pageant, held in São Paulo, Brazil.
Born in Benguela, Angola, to parents of Cape Verdean background, Lopes is a business management student in Great Britain, where she was crowned Miss Angola UK on October 8, 2010, the official representative of the Angolan community in the United Kingdom to the 2011 Miss Angola pageant.
Leila, who stands 1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in) tall, competed as one of 21 finalists in her country's national beauty pageant, Miss Angola, held in Luanda on December 18, 2010, where she obtained the Photogenic Award and became the eventual winner of the crown, and went on to capture the Miss Universe 2011 title.
Hosted by Andy Cohen and Natalie Morales, the live event was broadcast by NBC and showcased a brazilian carnival atmosphere and high production value.
- 1st Runner-up: Ukraine - Olesia Stefanko
- 2nd Runner-up: Brazil - Priscila Machado
- 3rd Runner-up: Philippines - Shamcey Supsup
- 4th Runner-up: China - Luo Zilin
[updated 09/12/11]
Miss Universe Organization
Judges Announced for Miss Universe Pageant
Televised LIVE September 12th, 9 PM on NBC
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NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, announce the celebrities and experts who will judge at the 60th Annual “Miss Universe® Pageant,” which will be broadcast live from Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil on Monday, September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. A live Spanish simulcast will air on Telemundo Network.
The list of judges includes:
- Helios Castroneves, Three-time Winner of the Indianapolis 500
- Connie Chung, U.S. Broadcast Legend
- Isabeli Fontana, Brazilian Supermodel
- Vivica Fox, Actress & Television Producer
- Adrienne Maloof, From Bravo’s hit series “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
- Lea Salonga, Tony Award Winner and Actress
- Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Bebel Gilberto, daughter of Brazilian legend Joao Gilberto, will perform her electronic bossa nova single “Close Your Eyes” during the evening gown portion of the competition. Meanwhile, Brazilian native pop singer Claudia Leitte will turn the heat up when she performs her new single “Locomotion” during the swimsuit competition.
As previously announced, Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens: Live,” and Natalie Morales, news anchor of NBC’s “Today” will host the “2011 Miss Universe® Pageant.” Joining them will be host of Style Network’s “How Do I Look” Jeannie Mai and Shandi Finnessy, Miss USA 2004, who will provide skybox fashion commentary throughout the LIVE telecast.
For the first time ever, fans in represented countries have been able to vote for their favorite contestant for an automatic spot into the semifinals at the 2011 Miss Universe® Competition. Fans can vote online at www.missuniverse.com or www.NBC.com. Online voting is taking place now through September 11 (9 p.m. ET).
The 2011 MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant kicks off a series of worldwide events hosted by Brazil. In addition to this global beauty event, Brazil is host to the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. With the city of São Paulo at center stage, the pageant will take place at Credicard Hall, a prominent music theater for the city.
The two-hour television event, comprised of contestants representing approximately 90 countries around the world, will compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. In past years, worldwide distribution of the competition has topped nearly 190 countries and territories.
[updated 09/08/11]
MAOTeen Organization
FLORIDA'S ELIZABETH FECHTEL CROWNED
MISS AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN 2012
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Orlando, FL- August 20, 2010- Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen 2011 Elizabeth Fechtel was crowned Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2012. Elizabeth preformed a musical theater jazz routine to "I Am What I Am" and spoke of her platform S.E.R.V.E.; Students Everywhere Recognizing Volunteer Efforts in order to win the hearts of the audience and judges.
Elizabeth will be starting her senior year at First Academy-Leesburg. She is a busy young lady serving as the President of her student body, the Treasurer of the Debate Club and Editor of the yearbook.
[updated 08/22/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Interview:
Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete
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PRIDE OF A NATION: As only the second woman from Mexico to wear the crown of Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrete has established herself as a global icon. Ximena’s path to stardom was paved just 7 years ago in her hometown of Guadalajara, when she began her career as a model. In 2009, after studying nutrition in college, Ximena turned her attention to the pageant world. On the advice of a friend—Karla Carillo—Ximena participated in the Nuestra Belleza México competition against 33 other women. Magic struck for Ximena as Karla crowned her that night, and the rest is Miss Mexico... correct that—Miss Universe history. As her title reign comes to a close, Ximena is already looking ahead at a long, successful career in television, modeling and possibly even personal branding.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 08/12/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Interview: Lacey Russ
Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011
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To Serve and Inflect: As a child, Lacey Russ had a very simple, yet important dream—she wanted to be her high school’s valedictorian. While most kids aspire for stardom, Lacey simply wanted to make sure that she was the best person and influence to her peers that she could possibly be. In the past year, though, she managed to go above and beyond even her own expectations. Of course Lacey accomplished her childhood goal as she was indeed her class’ valedictorian at her recent graduation. Miss America's Outstanding Teen Lacey Russ may come from a small town in Oklahoma, but she was more than prepared to inspire an entire nation during her reign.
Visit the Pageantry PodCast to download or play the full interview, or download the Pageantry PodCast on iTunes.
[updated 08/09/11]
Miss Teen USA 2011
PodCast: Kamie Crawford
Miss Teen USA 2010 Exit Interview
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Kamie Crawford Miss Teen USA 2010
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Staying the Course: For 17-year old Kamie Crawford, it all came down to a decision—should she or shouldn’t she? Opting with the former choice, Kamie took a friend’s advice and decided to compete in the 2010 Miss Maryland Teen USA Pageant. On that advice, Kamie trained for 5 months and wouldn’t you know it—she won. First time’s the charm. From there she went on to compete for the Miss Teen USA title, something that she probably figured would be a much tougher feat. But just over a year later, 18-year old Kamie has been living a dream, having won both her state title and the national crown in what most girls would call a Cinderella story. Kamie never imagined that she’d even be involved with the pageant circuit, but it took just one shot to create an entirely new dream for herself and to make it come true. Kamie Crawford’s year as Miss Teen USA has come to a close, but that’s not stopping her from working to change the world one day at a time.
[updated 07/16/11]
Miss Teen USA 2011
Danielle Doty of Texas wins
Miss Teen USA 2011 Pageant Crown
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Miss Teen Texas Danielle Doty is the new Miss Teen USA 2011
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Danielle Doty, the 18-year-old of Harlingen Texas, captured the Miss Teen USA crown at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
The blonde beauty beat out first runner-up Audra Mari of North Dakota to win the title and will take over from predecessor Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford. Hosts Miss Teen USA 2005 Allie LeForce and Chet Buchanan, a Las Vegas radio and TV host, announced the winner and the other finalists; Alexis Swanstrom (California, second runner-up), Taylor Clark (Kansas, third runner-up) and Sydnee Stottlemyre (Missouri, fourth runner-up).
[updated 07/16/11]
Miss America Organization
Miss America Pageant to be held at
Planet Hollywood on January 14, 2012
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The Vegas DeLuxe has confirmed that the 91st Miss America Pageant will take place at Planet Hollywood on January 14th. The Pageant kicks off with three nights of preliminaries starting January 10th.
Miss America Chairman Sam Haskell III made the Las Vegas date a firm go ahead with the official announcement. Miss America has called Planet Hollywood home since moving here from Atlantic City in 2006. Teresa Scanlan, 17, of Nebraska was crowned the 90th anniversary Miss America there early this year.
[updated 06/30/11]
Miss USA 2011
Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella
Press Conference
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Miss California Alyssa Campanella isintroduced as Miss USA 2011at the Press conference immediately following the Miss USA Pageant telecast.
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Alyssa Campanella of Los Angeles, California conquered a competitive field of 51 beauty queens to win the title of Miss USA 2011.
Watch a clip of her press conference here.
[updated 06/23/11]
Miss USA 2011
Alyssa Campanella of California wins
Miss USA 2011 Pageant Crown
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Miss California Alyssa Campanella is the new Miss USA 2011
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The 21-year-old California red-head won the Miss USA crown in Las Vegas and will go on to represent the nation in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant.
Alyssa Campanella of Los Angeles conquered a competitive field of 51 beauty queens to take the title Sunday night at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Alyssa won after stunning the judges and commanding the stage in a blue bikini with white polka dots and a dark turquoise evening gown with a beaded top and a bold flared bottom.
She also answered a question about legalizing marijuana by saying she didn't think it should be fully legalized but it should be available to those who need it for medical purposes.
Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham was the first runner-up.
Madeline Mitchell of Alabama and Ana Christina Rodriguez of Texas placed third and fourth repectively.
[updated 06/19/11]
Miss USA 2011
Miss USA Names Judges for
Pageant Telecast
NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, announce the celebrities and experts who will judge the 60th Annual “Miss USA® Pageant,” which will be broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday, June 19 at 9 p.m. ET.
The line-up of judges includes:
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Rocco DiSpirito |
• Tyson Chandler, Center for Dallas Mavericks and 2011 NBA Champion
• Rocco DiSpirito, Celebrity chef
• Mariel Hemingway, Oscar-nominated American actress and writer
• Penn Jillette, The larger, louder half of comedy magic duo Penn & Teller
• Lil Jon, American rapper, music producer and “Celebrity Apprentice” finalist
• Caroline Manzo, From Bravo’s hit series “The Real Housewives of New Jersey”
• Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Co-Founder of OPI Products
British rapper Tinie Tempah will be performing his hit song “Written in the Stars” alongside featured artist Eric Turner during the evening gown portion of the live telecast. Tinie’s debut album “Disc-Overy” debuted at number one on the British charts and has gone platinum in record sales.
As previously announced, Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens: Live,” and Giuliana Rancic, co-anchor of “E! News,” will host the “2011 Miss USA® Pageant.” Joining them will be one of the hosts of “Fashion Police,” Kelly Osbourne and Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003, who will provide skybox color commentary throughout the LIVE telecast.
For the first time ever, fans have been able to vote their favorite contestant into the semifinals at the 2011 Miss USA® Competition. Fans can vote online at www.missusa.com or www.NBC.com. Online voting is taking place now through June 18 (9 p.m. ET).
Throughout the Miss USA competition, each contestant representing the 50 United States and the District of Columbia competes in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Worldwide distribution of the competition now reaches approximately 90 countries and territories.
[updated 06/17/11]
Miss Universe Organization
Miss USA Names Hosts for
Pageant Telecast
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The 2011 Miss USA Pageant, to be aired live by NBC on June 19, has named the co-hosts for the ceremony. The Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino event, will be hosted by Bravo's Andy Cohen and E! personality Giuliana Rancic.
Andy Cohen is the host and Executive Producer of "Watch What Happens: Live", Bravo’s late night, interactive, weekly talk show that features guests from some of Bravo's most popular series, as well as from the world of entertainment, politics and pop culture. The series includes lively debates on everything from fashion, the latest Housewives drama, to what celebrity is making headlines that week. Cohen received an Emmy award when Season 6 of Top Chef won the Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the 2010 primetime Emmy awards and has been nominated for nine additional Emmy Awards as Executive Producer of Project Greenlight, Project Runway, Top Chef and Queer Eye.
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Giuliana Rancic is a host on E! News, the E! Network's flagship entertainment news program. She has been anchor and managing editor of E! News since January 2005. She joined E! News as a correspondent in 2002, handling a variety of stories and events for E! News. In addition to her news anchoring duties, Rancic often co-hosts red carpet events for award shows, such as the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. She currently stars in the television reality series "Giuliana and Bill" with her husband former "The Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic on the Style network.
According to a press release, Kelly Osbourne will provide "skybox color commentary" throughout the pageant's live telecast.
[updated 06/10/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry PodCast: American Spirit Pageant's
Dennis VanDerGinst
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The essence of the American Spirit Pageant is the “AMERICAN SPIRIT”, and innate in the “American Spirit” is the desire to help one another. American Spirit Pageants are relative newcomers to the Pageantry world, but their outstanding staff and volunteer base have given them enough confidence to make a big splash on the national pageant scene.
American Spirit Pageants is proud to be the only national pageant system to incorporate charitable fundraising into the judged competition. Money that is raised goes to American Spirit Charities, a 501(c) (3) company. The fundraising category of the competition accounts for 10% of a Contestant’s total score.
American Spirit Pageants are huge believers in what they do. They feel that pageants are an incredible way for young women to gain self confidence, meet interesting and influential people, and gain a greater social awareness. They truly believe in the “American Spirit” and intend to do what they can to keep that spirit alive and vibrant in pageantry.
[updated 06/03/11]
Television
-Ashton Kutcher Will Replace
Charlie Sheen On "Two And A Half Men"
In a deal inked overnight: Ashton Kutcher is the new star of CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men."
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Former IMTA winner Ashton Kutcher, who previously starred on the hit TV show "That '70s Show," replaces the embattled Charlie Sheen. Sheen was fired from the show in March after spending two weeks making the rounds of media outlets trashing show creator and Executive Producer, Chuck Lorre. Sheen sued Lorre and the studio for $100 million for terminating his contract.
Kutcher cleverly hinted at the breaking news earlier in the evening by tweeting his nearly 7 million fans, "What's the square root of 6.25?"
The answer is 2½.
President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Corporation, Les Moonves, has already signed off and he will announce the show is coming back for Season 9.
He'll be earning less than Sheen's $2.5 million per episode, sources have said and the remaining cast -- including Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones -- will be coming back.
Chuck Lorre, is "really happy" that Kutcher is set to come aboard reports the Hollywood Reporter. Ashton spent time with Chuck and the two got along great -- something that was essential for Lorre, who was at war with Charlie.
Ashton will NOT be playing the Charlie Harper character. He'll be playing someone new, who comes into "Men" Malibu house.
The 33-year-old Ashton began negotiations after talks with actor Hugh Grant fell apart. This will be Ashton's first return to a starring role on the silver screen since "That '70s Show" concluded with the 200th episode on May 18, 2006.
[updated 05/13/11]
Miss USA
Miss USA 2011 Pageant
YOU CHOOSE A SEMIFINALIST
For the first time in pageant history, YOU help decide one of the semifinalists!
Be sure to watch the live stream of the preliminary competition on June 15th and keep voting.
Then tune-in to NBC to watch the Miss USA Pageant live on Sunday, June 19th at 9:00 p.m. ET and find out if your favorite makes it all the way to the crown.
CommerceTel Corporation (OTCBB: MFON), an award-winning provider of proprietary mobile marketing technologies and solutions, announced a partnership with Miss Universe Organization to facilitate voting aggregation through Mobile, and Online channels to pick a fan favorite semifinalist for the Miss USA 2011 Pageant.
For the first time, the Miss Universe Organization will leverage online, social, and mobile audiences to influence the outcome of the event. A semifinalist will be selected exclusively by fans via online voting and SMS messaging leading up to the live broadcast from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Fans can also log online at NBC.com to vote for their favorite contestant.
[updated 05/13/11]
Miss USA 2010
Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih
Eliminated from WWE's "Tough Enough"
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Despite her elimination from the WWE's Tough Enough on the USA Network, current and reigning Miss USA, Rima Fakih was said to have a future in the wrestling business if she wanted to continue to be a professional wrestler. Though she lacked the technical in-ring skills to perform and the physical toughness to withstand the daily beatings her body underwent during the competition, the judges never questioned the toughness of her heart and her will to win.
Speaking to Diva-Dirt, Rima discussed her elimination from the show, the rib injury she suffered on the show as well as her personal thoughts on Michelle Deighton, who quit earlier in this season of WWE Tough Enough.
Rima said that her rib fracture was something that nobody was aware of and that she never told anyone about it. Rima revealed when she had her late night training session with Bill DeMott, she was called back in to the ring at around 10.30pm and was in the ring for approximately 2 hours "taking bumps" [training] but not complaining. When Bill asked her to "give him a roll", he landed on Rima on the same spot where her ribs had been fractured the week before. Rima said that she screamed really loud and started crying, but she never notified that trainers of her injury saying she did not want the trainers and the fans to think that Miss USA was like Michelle Deighton who quit and went home from the show. She said she didnt want the audience to think that Miss USA couldn’t take it or that she wasn't tough enough to compete.
After leaving the show, she realized that Tough Enough host, judge, and WWE Hall of Famer, Stone Cold Steve Austin was only looking out for her best interests. She also revealed Bill DeMott had approached her on the training night regarding her pain and that she never told him that she was injured. She said that Bill told her that there was a difference between being tough and being stupid and that she needed to take care of herself, however she noted that she would have rather stayed in the house, broke a lot more of her ribs than she originally did and battle it out to be the winner of Tough Enough.
Listen to the full interview available at this link.
[updated 05/11/11]
In Memory
George Scarborough Sr. (1934 - 2011)
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George Francis Scarborough was born on Good Friday, March 30, 1934 in Lexington, KY. The son of George Buskie and Ada Wheat Buskie, George spent his early years in Miami, FL and San Diego, CA. He moved to Milton, FL in 1946 when his family was transferred to Whiting Field.
George attended Milton High School and remained close to many of his classmates, hosting Milton High reunion events over the past 20 years. After graduating, he returned to Lexington where he attended the University of Kentucky from 1952-1956. There he fell in love with Kentucky basketball and his future wife, Mary Joanna Clark. George and Mary Jo were married on August 14, 1955 at Second Avenue Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. George graduated from the University of Kentucky the next year with a B.S. degree in Business.
George Scarborough served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957, and was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Polk, LA. Carolyn Elizabeth Scarborough was born to George and Mary Jo in 1957 while they were stationed at Ft. Benning. They went on to have two more children, George Clark Scarborough was born in Rome, GA in 1960 and Charles Joseph Scarborough was born in Atlanta, GA in 1963.
While in Atlanta, George worked as a manufacturing engineer for Lockheed. He was proud to work on the C-5A, the C-130, and the L-1011 projects. He often said his work at Lockheed was the favorite of all his jobs. George was transferred to Lockheed's Meridian, MS plant in 1969 after the L-1011 assembly line was moved to Meridian. In 1973, he began work at National Homes as a purchasing agent and was soon transferred to Elmira, NY. During his time in Upstate New York, he took a job at American LaFrance as an Industrial Engineer.
In 1978, George and his family had the opportunity to move to Pensacola, FL where he began working with Mary Jo, who at that time was a director for the Miss National Teenage pageant. In 1983, the Scarboroughs and Carolyn Hawkins founded the Miss American Coed Pageant. George was named the national director.
George Scarborough took great pride in the fact that the organization consistently promoted patriotism, community service and a strong academic record. Through extraordinary focus and hard work, George and Mary Jo Scarborough's pageant organization became one of the largest in the United States within a few years. He enjoyed meeting families across America throughout the year and going to the national pageant each summer in Hawaii.
Faith has always played a great role in George's life. In 1978, he and his family joined First Baptist Church in Pensacola where George was a deacon, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. His greatest joy came from his volunteer work at Samaritan Hands.
George Francis Scarborough, 77, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 4, 2011 surrounded by his family.
[updated 05/10/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Exit Interview:
Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih
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Heart of the Story: With unparalleled confidence, Miss USA Rima Fakih proved that she is above labels and is truly one-of-a-kind. Gifted with her own sense of determination and strong will, and not to mention the supportive force that is the Miss Universe Organization, Rima dodged the nonsense and gripped her fate by embracing the causes that Miss USA has become synonymous with and showed the entire world that this Miss USA is more than just a headline. She’s the top story.
[updated 04/29/11]
Pageantry PodCast
Pageantry Interview:
Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan
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Pride of the Plains: Nebraska’s Teresa Scanlan might have captured the crown at only 17 but she’s already the pride of her state and years ahead of her peers as Miss America 2011. As the nation welcomed her newest Miss America, the youngest Miss America in decades, and first from the state of Nebraska, Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan joined a sisterhood that has been celebrated for 90 years. With Miss America’s return to the ABC network with an estimated 7 million plus viewers by night’s end—an increase of approximately 50 percent—America responded in droves following a six-year absence of the pageant on live network television.
[updated 04/26/11]
Miss USA 2010
Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih
to prove she's "Tough Enough"
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Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih is entering the ring. The pageant winner will be a featured contestant on the USA Network's 10-episode reality TV show “WWE Tough Enough.” A non-scripted series in collaboration with World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Shed Media US., “WWE Tough Enough” is slated to debut April 4, 2011, and will feature a group of 11 individuals looking for a once-in-a-lifetime shot to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. The grand prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE, joining its roster of talent.
The 25-year-old beauty queen says growing up in Jackson Heights, Queens, helped prepare her to compete in the new WWE reality competition.
"I was in and out of different high schools -- Martin Luther King, where 50 Cent got kicked out of, and Flushing Meadow, where we would have fights and shootings every day," she says.
"Over there, you have to be tough morning to night someone can just stab you because they like your sneakers. She continued, "I had a few incidents walking home from school. Someone wanted my book bag one time and pulled out a knife."
Stone Cold Steve Austin will host the reality show. One of the contestants will win a World Wrestling Entertainment contract. Trish Stratus, Bill DeMott, and Booker T will act as trainers on the show with various appearances of WWE superstars popping in during the season.
The MISS USA® Pageant will celebrate its 60th anniversary at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas with a LIVE broadcast on Sunday, June 19 (9-11 p.m. ET.) in which Rima Fakih will pass on her crown to the next Miss USA.
[updated 03/25/11]
Miss Teen USA
Miss Teen USA Enters Relief Effort
for Earthquake and Tsunami Stricken Japan
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The Miss Teen USA pageant announced it will donate proceeds from sales at its online store to help people in Japan deal with the devastating aftermath of the earthquakes and tsunami.
“We're donating $10 from every purchase on our online store to the American Red Cross,” Miss Teen USA 2010 Kamie Crawford posted on her Twitter account.
Among items for sale on the site are collectibles such as DVDs, program books, official photos of contestants and swimsuit posters.
The Miss Teen USA pageant is a division of the Miss Universe Organization, a joint venture of Donald Trump and NBC Universal.
[updated 03/14/11]
Miss Universe Organization
Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall are Engaged
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Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall have celebrated their engagement with an intimate party at a mansion at Sydney's Palm Beach.
"We are thrilled to share our engagement with close family and friends," the Australian beauty queen said through her agent, Sean Anderson.
The Sun-Herald reports police were called after complaints the paparazzi were getting too close to the property.
Security then erected an umbrella outside the front of the mansion to stop pictures being taken.
The Moroccan-themed party was held at the holiday home of former Myer chairman Bill Wavish, according to the paper.
[updated 03/14/11]
Miss America Organization
Miss America 1943 Jean Bartel Passes On
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Miss America 1943 Jean Bartel and Pageantry CEO Carl Dunn |
Miss California and Miss America 1943 Jean Bartel died Sunday, March 6, 2011. She won the talent and swimsuit awards at the national pageant at 19 years old. At 5 feet 8 inches tall, Jean was the tallest pageant winner at the time.
She worked for many years on Broadway and in television. She starred in her own travel series It's a Woman's World as well as performing for seven months in South America.
After being crowned Miss California 1943 she completed her college degree and became the first Miss America to have a college degree at the time of her crowning. In the following year she was instrumental in lobbying the Miss America Organization to award a scholarship to each Miss America winner. Today, the pageant awards more than $40 million in scholarships each year at the national, state and local pageant levels.
“We were so very proud and privileged to have Jean join us for our 90th anniversary celebration of the Miss America pageant in January and will cherish those moments that we had to spend with her,” Miss America officialswent on to say, "Over the years, Jean has continued to be a great supporter of The Miss America Organization. She was a remarkable Miss America and a dedicated individual— committed to our organization and has forever touched our hearts.”
[updated 03/08/11]
MAOTeen Organization
The Miss America's Outstanding Teen organization debuts Teens in Training Camp
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The Miss America's Outstanding Teen organization will debut its new program, Teens in Training Camp, at the national pageant in Orlando, Florida from August 16-21, 2011. This program is open to girls, ages 13 to 17, who are interested in competing in teen pageant systems or who are looking to improve upon skills that promote self-confidence and poise.
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Tawni Darby, Miss PA's Outstanding Teen 2006 and Teens In Training Founder |
Participants will have the opportunity to attend professional workshops in interview, on-camera and on-stage performance, makeup, style, walking and public relations, all taught by leaders in their fields! They'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of MAOTeen, sit through private rehearsals, participate in an exclusive photo session with the MAOTeen photographers and take the stage at the national competition.
Tawni Darby, a former Miss Pennsylvania's Outstanding Teen, is spearheading the event. Leaders from around the country will provide the workshops. The cost of participation in the 4-day event is $1000. Each participant will also receive tickets to each night of the pageant.
"Personally, as I move from a teen to an adult, I realize just how much I benefitted from the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization and how so many of the opportunities I was given were a result of my participation in MAOTeen." says Tawni Darby, Miss Pennsylvania's Outstanding Teen 2006 and the TNT Camp Founder, "Now, I am thrilled to be giving other girls the chance to experience some of the same life-changing opportunities that I did."
For more information visit: www.TeensInTrainingCamp.com.
[updated 03/02/11]
Miss America Organization
Miss America 1998 Kate Shindle to play the Mad Hatter in Broadway's new 'Wonderland'
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The Mad Hatter is a woman and played by former Miss America Kate Shindle. Her tea party includes gothic clubgoers—wearing a mix of Victorian couture and outfits Lady Gaga would envy—and an adult Alice, played by Janet Dacal, is seduced by a '90s boy band (led by Darren Ritchie) in the deconstructed and updated production "Wonderland - A New Alice. A New Musical."
The classic image of a goofy and graying older man in Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" just wasn't relevant to Frank Wildhorn as he puts his own spin on the classic children's novel. The Mad Hatter had always been a burlesque vixen in his mind.
"It just so happens that when you go to a place called Wonderland you can make your own rules and invent your own musical vocabularies," Wildhorn said during a pre-Broadway run in Tampa. The show is set to open April 17 at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway.
The musical's theme is significantly more whimsical than Wildhorn's previous dark productions of "Jekyll & Hyde," "The Civil War" and "The Scarlet Pimpernel".
“There are a lot of messages here,” Kate Shindle told Entertainment Weekly. “One is that there are forces at work within everybody and the question is what we want to let win. The Mad Hatter represents a part of Alice — I hesitate to say her dark side because she’s the fun, life-of-the-party side, but she’s also her insecurity, self-sabotage, and fear. The tea party is where Alice is introduced to the Hatter and realizes she has to reckon with that force.”
Wonderland begins previews at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway, March 21.
[updated 03/01/11]
Miss Universe Organization
Actress and former Miss Universe
Amparo Muñoz has passed away
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Amparo Muñoz, an actress and Miss Universe 1974, has died at the age of 56 after a long illness. Pedro Muñoz, her brother, announced that she died at her home in Málaga on February 27th, Sunday night, and requested on behalf of the family for ‘absolute privacy’ at his sister’s funeral.
Amparo Muñoz Quesada won the title of Miss Costa del Sol and then was crowned Miss Spain in 1973. She captured the Miss Universe title in July 1974, the first Spaniard to ever win the award, but renounced the title six months later over discrepancies with the pageant organizers.
She began her movie career in the 70s and, after a number of roles on the silver screen, met her first husband, Patxi Andion, while filming ‘La otra alcoba’ in 1976. Her success in Latin Cinema continued in the 1980s with roles in films such as Pilar Miró’s ‘Hablamos esta noche’, and Carlos Saura’s ‘Mama Cumple Cien Años’. She also had a role in the 1984 film, ‘El Balcón Abierto’, a homage to the poet Federico García Lorca.
[updated 02/28/11]
The Today Show
Julie France Body Shapers To Be On The Today Show
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Julie France Body Shapers will be seen on the #1 morning news show, NBC's Today Show, in a segment scheduled to be aired Monday January 31, 2011. Jill Martin, a Today Show fashion and entertainment contributor will be showing women how shapewear can help with their particular problem areas.
Julie France Body Shapers has recently been gaining notoriety by celebrities and in the news as a true shapewear choice for comfortably creating the perfect silhouette for everything from day to night. Julie France Body Shapers has recently been written up by Susan Campos and Holly Baril 's beauty and fashion blog, Beauty Undercover as well as part of their TMZ linked Too Fab Beauty Giveaway. Julie France Body Shapers has also been chosen to be a part of select Academy Award celebrity attendees SWAG gift baskets for the upcoming Oscars Awards Show February 27th, 2011.
For more information on Julie France Body Shapers, please visit: Juliefrance.com
[updated 01/28/11]
Miss America Organization
Miss Nebraska 2010
Teresa Scanlan is crowned
Miss America 2011
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Miss Nebraska 2010 Teresa Scanlan from Gerig, Nebraska was crowned Miss America 2011 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
The final night of the 90th Anniversary of the Miss America Pageant was broadcast live from Las Vegas on ABC and saw the 17-year old crowned as the youngest Miss America winner since 1921.
Teresa's triumphant walk across the stage was just the beginning of a journey that will take her to every corner of the country during her year of service as Miss America 2011. She will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her platform of Eating Disorders: A Generation at Risk, and acting as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.
The Winner:
Miss Nebraska - Teresa Scanlan
1st Runner-Up:
Miss Arkansas - Alyse Eady
2nd Runner-Up:
Miss Hawaii - Jalee Fuselier
3rd Runner-Up:
Miss Washington - Jacquie Brown
4th Runner-Up:
Miss Oklahoma - Emoly West
[updated 01/16/11]
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