Look Out Pageant Season 2012...

Miss America Junkies is about to raise the stakes...

In fact, I'm about to do what I've never done during a pageant season before...

With great fervor, a lot of laptop time, and a secret stash of chocolate ice cream, I'm about to begin researching the State pageants and making predictions the way Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso go after their college football Bowl Game selections on ESPN (well, at least Herbstreit).

Yes - it's my intention to give you the complete low-down on who the front runners are for each state title along with some predictions (big apologies to all my personal friends who graciously put up with this mini-obsession once a year and are now rolling their eyes realizing I'm about to do this 53 more times a year. Yes, I do believe I've officially crossed the line).

Because this is my first year doing so, I'm going to ask for some grace initially... I'm honestly not sure how accurate my predictions are going to be (then again, Corso pretty much goes less than 50/50 most weekends during College Game Day in the Fall). And, because this is an opinion blog, it's entirely possible that I may post something unfavorable about a certain contestant - or at the very least, not even mention a contestant that you think is the foregone winner. For a full disclaimer on this kind of research and my blog... please read this post here...You'll come to see where and why Miss America Junkies began and learn where I'm coming from. :)

Unfortunately, I'm afraid this decision is already one state behind!!!  I owe the Miss New Hampshire contestants an apology!  Megan Lyman, a 2 time first runner up and former Miss NH IMOT was crowned in April and is the first contestant for Miss America 2013 (Pictures here at MissNH.org).

While watching the preliminary results for Miss New Hampshire, it dawned on me that I could of/should of put my thoughts on in writing regarding the Miss NH contestants for anyone who wished to keep me honest. After all, the web has given us all priority access to pertinent pageant info... and i for one, am not afraid to use it! So, with apologies to the lovely ladies in Miss New Hampshire (and the 1st through 4th runner ups surrounding the winner in the photo above), please know, I'll catch you next year. :)

For everyone else, it's about to get nuts! Starting with this weekend! That's right - 2 more state queens will be named this weekend... Miss Pennsylvania and Miss Rhode Island. Which means, I need to stock the freezer with my favorite flavors asap if we hope to get this done in time!  Lots of research between now and then... my brain is about to absorb more pageant info in the next 2 months than Lou Holtz has speech teachers (another ESPN reference... sorry). 

Let the Games Begin!!! :)

MAJ

Wanna See the Junkies in Your State???

Can you believe it? It's almost time for State Pageant Season again! Hundreds of girls will compete, but only 53 will be chosen to represent their coveted state title and compete for the honor of being named Miss America 2013!

At Miss America Junkies, we're especially looking forward to the upcoming State Pageant summer season. Unfortunately, because so many State Pageants are held on the same weekend, we're not able to be in multiple places at once. However, we do consider every invitation to attend a 'Miss State' and enjoy the chance to meet "Junkies From Across the Country".

Because of a great deal of interest and excitement regarding Miss America Junkies, we thought we'd outline how you can bring the Junkies to your State Pageant.

If you're interested in hosting Miss America Junkies at your State Pageant, here's how:

- Please send an official invitation via email (MissAmericaJunkies@gmail.com) or Facebook message from a member of the Miss State Board of Directors. While flattering, invitations from non-board members can also be problematic. To ensure "The Junkies" are wanted, we ask that a board member extend the invitation.

- 2 Press Credentials to all official Miss State events during pageant week, including Preliminary and/or Finals competition

- 2 tickets to any additional events of interest during pageant week (parade, gala, crowning celebrations, etc)

- Additional items such as hotel accommodations or transportation are certainly not necessary, however they are appreciated when deciding which state pageant to attend (especially when multiple invitations have been extended for state pageants held on the same weekend)

Finally, while we will arrive in the capacity of 'press', please know that first and foremost, we're pageant fans! True Junkies! That means we get our kicks out of seeing girls grow, mature and succeed, during their quest to become the next Miss America! Trust me, we've 'played-the-game' before and won't be pursuing any 'gotcha' moments - that's not our style. Rather, our desire is to continue to show our support for the Miss America Organization and its numerous volunteers who give so much of themselves to see young women achieve more than they ever imagined. If you prefer we attend any of the events during your State Pageant as guests rather than press, then you got it - no questions asked. :)

It would be our honor and pleasure to meet you, watch your State Pageant, and report the good news back to the "Junkie Family". Once again, if interested please send your requests to:

MissAmericaJunkies@gmail.com
Private message us on Facebook
or Catch us on Twitter (MAJunkies).

And Junkies Unite! :)

Miss America 2012 is Miss Wisconsin, LAURA KAEPPELER!!!!

Whoooooooooo Hooooooooooooo!!!! Time for a wrap-up summary of Miss America 2012 and a few final thoughts as this year's event closes one chapter for Teresa Scanlan and opens a new chapter for Miss America 2012, Laura Kaeppeler!

Here's what we know! From Kenosha, WI, Laura is a graduate of Carthage University - a Vocal Performance Major. Her platform is "Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents" as her father was convicted of a white collar crime when she was younger. Now, she wants to go to law school and become a family law attorney representing and defending children of incarcerated parents.

During the Press Conference, Laura shared about their family's decision to change her platform issue - knowing that they needed to all be 'on board' with the decision (she finished as the 2nd Runner Up in Wisconsin in 2010 with a platform of promoting the arts in schools). She called her Dad her 'best friend' and that the two of them grew deeper in their faith during the journey.

She's elegant, classy and articulate. Earlier in the week, I posted that she has a 'calm, inner strength' about her and it shows. Her experience will allow her to be such a mentor to the 2 million children in the US who have a parent in prison. I don't yet know if Laura has a connection to one of my favorite prison ministries, Angel Tree/Prison Fellowship

http://www.prisonfellowship.org/why-pf/history-of-pf

but if so, I'm even more impressed. I've actually been involved in this ministry for years and thoroughly believe in its redemptive, healing message of reconciliation and hope. Sounds like there may be a connection, but no confirmation yet.

Her vocal abilities should open doors for her to sing all across the country (Star Spangled Banner and/or God Bless America at sporting events and other appearances), her age allows her to sign all of her own paperwork (Teresa's parents actually had to approve her contracts prior to her turning 18), and I can see her being a Queen who comes back and is a part of Miss America for years and years to come.




Beyond the Queen herself, here are a few other random thoughts about the show... in random order...

1. I ended up with 11 of the Top 15, 7 out of the Top 10, and 4 out of the Top 5 (see previous post). Not a bad year - even though I didn't originally pick the winner.

2. I wanted to 'go on record' that I would be more than happy to see Wisconsin as the Winner (again, see previous post)... but frankly, I just didn't think the judges would crown her. Not because she didn't deserve it (she most certainly does deserve it) - but because of the 'bold, new direction' everyone kept talking about. Laura is EXACTLY the kind of Queen who we will love to follow... She fits in with the Miss America sisterhood beautifully --- I just kept believing Miss America wanted something different this year (and obviously, they did not).

3. Next year, I'm going out for more preliminaries. I usually catch the Thursday night prelims and then the final show, but that leaves me unable to accurately assess everyone. Had I heard New York and Wisconsin sing, I think I would've recognized Laura's Talent was stronger than New York's and picked accordingly. Gotta see prelims to get a good feel for who really has 'it' vs. who looks like they have 'it' in the pictures!

4. Honestly, I hated the opening number. I appreciate what they were trying to do, but I wasn't impressed. I think it played a role in the audience being a bit more 'laid back' and not as 'excited' to begin the live broadcast. Additionally, natural lighting isn't that great for girls who are used to 'stage makeup' (and I mean that in the nicest way possible). My vote for 2013 is to go back to a regular opening number... glamorous, spunky and fun!

5. Group #3 (Sigma) was the clear winner in the judges books... Group #1 (Mu) only had 2 girls make the Top 15!!! ONLY 2!!! Group #3 had 7 girls advance... That RARELY happens. Usually it's much more balanced.

Otherwise, once again, I'm happy with the judges decision. Laura may not be the 'quirky' girl, or the 'bold' girl, or the 'girl with a colorful personality', but I thoroughly believe she is the right girl. I look forward to becoming more familiar with her as the year goes on...

Speaking of - she'll be on the TV circuit tomorrow morning (Good Morning America, of course) and on Fox and Friends with Gretchen Carlson on Tuesday. My DVR is already set! :)

Special Thanks to those "New Junkies" who joined me this year in my Miss America obsession... it's a pleasure to know I'm not alone! (lol) :) We're already thinking of ways to expand Miss America Junkies - and who knows where we may be by the time we crown Miss America 2013??? One thing I can guarantee... it's bound to be a fun ride!

Until next year... when we all gather around again to play... I'll be humming that famous tune in my head and practicing my pageant wave...

Hugs and Kisses to all my new Junkie Friends!!! Junkies Unite!!! :)

Thursday Results and PICKS FOR THE WINNER!!!

Junkies - oh Junkies. How I have let you down... I apologize for not getting a post up yesterday. Just one of those days when one thing turned into another and it didn't happen. My Bad.

In summary, what I would've said yesterday - is that I have redeemed myself and went 2 for 2 on Thursday night preliminary picks, allowing me to finish 4/6 this year! All is not lost after all!!! Here are the results!

Swimsuit = New York.
If my theory holds true about final night swimsuit winners (see previous post), you'll see New York finish in the Top 5 tonight. Frankly, she looked good enough to win it all Thursday night!

Talent = Hawaii.
This means 3 girls who were first in their preliminary group all won Preliminary awards this year (Hawaii, Wisconsin, Utah). I've never seen that happen before - but I can't say for sure that this is THE FIRST time. The routine itself was pretty entertaining... jumping to 'Hawaii 5.0' in the background. Certainly impressive - I'm guessing you'll get to see it for yourself on TV tonight.

That leads us to today... and my additional thoughts before the show tonight...

1. You won't see a full-on opening number. Yes, there's some dancing and such, but the girls will all be introducing themselves from various locations around Vegas including the Hoover Dam as well as The Strip. I kinda miss it, personally.

2. These judges are torn (in my humble opinion). By this point, you can usually see someone emerging as the front runner, but I really think it's more 'open' this year and several girls have a viable shot at the crown. I think half the judges want someone's who's genuine, relate-able, touchable, and real (Teri Polo, Lara Spencer, Chris Powell). I think the other half want someone who's Hot, who's 'got it' and is a little more Holly-wood, camera ready, grab-your-attention-when-you-walk-in-the-door gorgeous and aren't really sure how talented she needs to be (Kris Jenner, Mike Fleiss, Mark Ballas. And for the record, I have no idea who Raul Molina wants). Let's be honest - these 2 ideals are REALLY difficult to find in the same person. I'm not sure which of these theories is going to win out.

3. Since 2005, someone who won a preliminary has won Miss America. 2005 was the last queen crowned in Atlantic City, Deidra Downs. If you remember, that was the year they competed in every category and at the very end had a Talent-Off. In theory, the girl with the best Talent would win. In reality, 2 very poor Talents were shown on National TV and they never tried it again. Normally, I'd be VERY SURPRISED if we crown a non-preliminary winner tonight, but given this group of judges (again, who have no direction from a former Miss America within their group), nothing's impossible.

Ok - here's how I see it.

Favorites to Win = New York, Wisconsin.

Potential Dark Horses out of Nowhere = Missouri, Washington, California

Girls who should still do well = Oklahoma, South Carolina, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas.

And there you have my Top 10. I'm not saying the first 5 names will all be in the Top 5... I think it's closer to NY, WI, OK, CA, SC... but we shall see.

Finally, I see NY and Wisconsin as the favorites for the crown - and the epitome of these 'deuling beliefs'. WI beat NY on Talent night, but it's entirely possible NY beat WI in interview. I see WI as the 'relate-able, genuine girl' and NY as the 'Hot Mama'. Conventional wisdom tells me NY will win it this year (given Claire Buffie's success paving the way in 2011... see Brittany Jeffers in 2010 paving the way for Teresa in 2011...see Hanna Kiefer in 2008 paving the way for Caressa Cameron in 2010)... but let me go on record that I would more than happy to have Wisconsin named the winner as well.

As always, we shall see!!! Pictures are on the Miss America Junkies Facebook page! Promise to update you with final thoughts after a new queen is crowned TONIGHT!!!

In the meantime, tell me who's in your Top 10! I'd love to compare notes!!! :)

Good Luck Everyone!!!

Wed Results and Picks for Thursday!!! :)

Whoooooooo Hooooooo for Preliminary Night #2!!!! Even though results weren’t posted until nearly 10:20pm Pacific (that’s nearly 1:30 for you East Coasters!), we do have ourselves another round of winners from last night! Let’s get right to it!

Swimsuit = TEXAS!
A correct pick! Trust me – I saw Texas walk during the fashion show and thought, ‘WOW’. She could be ugly and still have a shot at winning Swimsuit – her walk is THAT GOOD! Fortunately, she’s not even close to ugly – she’s, as judge Mike Fleiss would say, “HOT”!!! Texas is also the first former MAOTeen to win a Preliminary this year (Hawaii won swimsuit last year as a former MAOTeen) and she deserved it! Gorgeous!

Talent = OKLAHOMA!
Another correct pick – Bringing me back to 50/50 overall (Whew! Trying to redeem myself!) Oklahoma is one of 4 Irish step dancers this year – and if one of them was going to win a prelim, it outta be her! She’s a Championship Step Dancer and very ‘midwest’. She has that ‘girl next door’ appeal with a touch of glam. We like her a lot!

Now – Tonight’s picks are TOUGH!!! I’m afraid points might split all over the place and the girl who finished 2nd on everyone’s ballots might be the Talent winner… Here’s where I’m going…

Swimsuit = New York, Virginia, Arizona, Tennessee
I have a theory on Final Night swimsuit winners. The other 2 nights, the judges are looking at who is THE BEST in swimsuit. However, on the final night, the judges usually give the swimsuit award to a girl who looks great in a swimsuit AND also scored really high interview. It’s like a secret way of telling the girl, ‘We know you’re here… and we really like you’. If New York wins – she’s a Top 5’er in my book for sure.

Talent = Missouri, Georgia, Washington, Hawaii
DC might surprise me – but I’m going with the thought that this is only DC’s third pageant of her life and it’s a pretty big stage to be singing all alone on it. Look at me with the diversity of this Talent Pick! MO = Vocals, GA = Ballet, WA = Fiddle, Hi = Jump Rope! Like I said, points could split all over the place! Oh – and the same theory holds true with final Talent prelims… Teresa Scanlan won on Talent on her final night last year… If Missouri wins, watch out. I gotta feeling about that girl…

Otherwise, the Miss America Junkies contingency arrived in Vegas today!!! Super excited to have 8 of us traveling together this weekend!!! We’ll all see tonight’s preliminaries LIVE and then put our final thoughts together on our winners.

So – here’s your assignment! Make your picks for tonight, but be thinking about your Top 15! I’ll post my list before the finals begin on Saturday, but you’re welcome to post them at any time! It’s getting down to the wire… we’re only days away from knowing who will be our new Miss America 2012!!! BRING IT ON!!!

Results from Night One and Preliminary Night Two Picks!!!

Whoooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooo! First night of Prelims down and 2 more nights to go!!! What a rush to finally begin the on-stage competition for Miss America 2012!!!

Couple of items to note before we get to results and tonight's picks...

1. FINALLY - WE HAVE COLORFUL SWIMSUITS! It seems like it's been a thousand years since Miss America had colorful swimsuits - and we're grateful for Komplique's contributions to this year's contestants. Yay!

2. Joseph Ribkoff opening number gowns! Express may be a 'new' clothing sponsor, but Joseph Ribkoff still has an enduring style about him and we love his clothing line! The silver gowns look great on stage for the opening number!

3. If you're not on Twitter yet, go sign up right now. If you're on Twitter but not yet following @MrDelaware2008, go add him right now. I've yet to uncover exactly who Chris Saltalamacchio is, but he's tweeting live from the prelims and has a great eye. Lots of pageant girls already following him... don't get left out of the loop!

Ok - in regards to the winners last night, here's where we stand!



Swimsuit Winner = UTAH!
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW! This girl was the FIRST contestant to show her swimsuit last night and the judges didn't like anything else better. In fact, several people are saying Utah had the best swimsuit they'd EVER SEEN on the Vegas stage!!! Katie Stam (Miss America 2009) said she didn't just have a 6 pack, she has an 8 pack!!! I didn't pick Utah last night (even though she won swimsuit at her state) because in the past, Utah tends to have very conservative girls from religious backgrounds and they don't always live up to the 'Swimsuit' portion of show. Shame on me for letting my past impressions dictate my future choices. This is a miss for me.

Talent Winner = WISCONSIN!
Another girl I considered, but didn't choose because she was also the very first person to perform her Talent last night, and again - the judges didn't like anything else better than her. Wisconsin ALWAYS produces quality Talent and I should've known better. Plus, I really like WI this year (not just for the Packers)... her father was incarcerated for a white collar crime when she was young and she has a true 'calmness' and inner-strength about her. Kinda like, "I've been through junk in my life and trust me, this is nothing to get worked up about." Another miss for me.

Which brings us to tonight's picks! You do realize, I have to go 4/4 with tonight's winners and tomorrow's winners in order to finish 4/6... geez... guess the pressure of a bigger audience is starting to get to me.

But without further adieu, here's my picks for tonight!

Swimsuit = Missouri, Washington, Georgia, Texas Don't get me wrong - I really like Arkansas, Hawaii and Florida, but I think my picks have a better shot at winning this award tonight.

Talent = Illinois, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Iowa Two dancers, and two vocalists tonight... Iowa is fresh and has a LOVELY voice, Oklahoma is a championship Irish Step Dancer, Illinois had a beautiful video and SC has a musical theater background.

For the record, I feel much more confident about these picks than I did last night... And because both girls were first in their group to perform, I'm no longer concerned about placement. As Claire Buffe, Miss New York 2011 said in her Twitter Feed, "I love when short girls win swimsuit, controversial girls win interview & contestant #1 wins talent. Never doubt your placement-or yourself."

Oh - and here's a couple of "Didya Know's"... 1. Teri Polo's mom was a Miss Dover and finished as a runner up to Miss America? 2. "Jersey Knit" is the new 'liquid beading on evening gowns this year (super tough to wear unless you're in GREAT shape... and 3. Quality of Life finalists were judged by 3 former Miss Americas and the winners will be announced Friday (so THAT'S what the former Queens are judging this year). :)

Who are your picks for tonight's preliminaries???

Prelminary Night Number One!!!

HERE WE GO!!!! IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!! We're SO EXCITED because TUESDAY means we actually get to see On-Stage Competitions now!!!

Here's where the fun of this blog began... Several years ago, i started guessing who would win the preliminaries each night and much like a stupid-human-trick, I could 'wow' my friends and family with my predictions. This year is no different, just more people holding me accountable! :)

Here are the rules:
1. Two awards are given each night... one for Swimsuit and one for Talent (no on-stage awards for Evening Gown or On-Stage Question). Three nights of prelims means 6 awards total.
2. I'll select 4 states out of the 17-18 girls who could possibly win. I usually give commentary as well (but of course).
3. The last few years, I've pushed myself to see if I can finish 5/6, but it hasn't happened. A good year is 4/6 and I'm completely annoyed when I finish 3/6. I mean, nearly anyone can do that! :)

Before we begin, I need a small soapbox moment.

I'm really, really surprised to see SO MANY DANCERS at Miss America this year! Out of 53 girls (50 states plus Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and DC), there are 25 dancers! Six are ballet dancers, 4 are Irish Step Dancers, 2 Tap Dancers, 1 Jump Roper (I know, not really dance, but where else are you gonna classify the girl?) and the rest are 'lyrical dancers' or 'jazz dancers' or 'theater dancers' or 'contemporary dancers'. For the record, I'm VERY GLAD Mark Ballas is judging for this reason... I think he'll be able to separate the wannabies from the girls with actual dancing Talent. But honestly, unless your dance looks like this one from Miss Michigan 2011 Katie LaRoche, I'm not super confident in your ability to become Miss America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8CresiwuBE&feature=related

Katie won the Preliminary Talent Award last year and in my humble opinion, this is probably the best non-ballet dance I've ever seen. Yes, there are LOTS AND LOTS of talented dancers in the Miss America system... I hope we see more of them. I credit Sierra Minott (Florida 2008 and 4th runner up) with bringing 'non-ballet dance' back as a viable Talent for Miss America contestants. Prior to that, I could tell you numerous girls who 'danced' for their Talent because they had nothing else they could do (and plenty of them finished in the Top 5 because they were fabulous in interview, swimsuit and evening gown, but had little to no Talent... Molly Hazlett TX, Jennifer Dupont LA, Amanda Kozak GA)!

We need a Miss America with true Talent (dancing or otherwise). To have a Miss America without any Talent means we've given up on one of the biggest distinctions between Miss USA and Miss America. Talent Counts.

Whew! Glad that's over. Now, on to tonight's picks!

Swimsuit = Mississippi, South Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma
LOTS of girls won Preliminary Swimsuit at their own state competitions this summer... I could easily miss this one... guess we'll see...

Talent = Tennessee, New York, Virginia, Alabama
I'm going with 3 vocalists and a Tap Dancer... Indiana may surprise me as well... hmmm...

Once we hear the results, we'll update the results on our Facebook page first, then tomorrow we'll give you the results of Tuesday's winners along with our picks for Wednesday's winners.

You're welcome to give us your picks too! Who do you think will win Swimsuit and Talent tonight?