DETROIT – Some may say, "Once a Miss Michigan, always a Miss Michigan." While others may consider me an old washed up "has been,"but either way I understand what it feels like to vie for the most coveted title in pageant history.
In the words of Bert Parks, "There she is…Miss America." It's Miss America week on the Vegas strip and 53 contestants have come together in what is known as the Super Bowl for young women. This is no Miss Congeniality contest. Rich in tradition, September marked the 90th anniversary for the oldest and largest scholarship program for college-aged women and they are not holding back punches this week as each contestant has brought her A-game. Speaking from experience, it is exhilarating to walk the red carpet at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to kick off pageant week, knowing that in a matter of days you could be the next Miss America.
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The majority of grown women remember watching the pageant as a child. It was a family tradition where most households would gather around the television and watch each state representative take the stage and only one was ultimately crowned and took her first walk down the long runway in Atlantic City. Now most young girls look at a titleholder like a princess, not fully grasping the idea of pageantry, but knowing there is something very special about the crown on her head.
The four points of the Miss America crown stand for: scholarship, service, style and success. Which contestant this year embodies those four points more than any other? Every day this week, I am going to give you the inside scoop on what the contestants are up to and how they are faring throughout the preliminary and final night on Saturday, January 14th in Las Vegas.
Will the next Miss America be our very own Miss Michigan? You can help her capture the crown! The Miss America Organization has given viewers the opportunity to vote for a finalist in this year's pageant. Check out Miss Michigan, Elizabeth Wertenberger of Dundee, MI, as she shows off her style and personality and explains why she should be chosen as the next Miss America and place your vote!
The rest of the voting comes down to seven judges:
· From the Field of Performing Arts- Mark Ballas of Dancing with the Stars.
· From the Field of Communications – Raúl de Molina, Emmy award-winning television host.
· From the Field of Star Power – Mike Fleiss, founder of Next Entertainment and executive producer of The Bachelor franchise.
· From the Field of Beauty – Kris Jenner, Star, Creator, and Executive Producer, along with Ryan Seacrest, of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
· From the Field of Talent – Teri Polo who stars as Theresa Hayden Keen on ABC's Man Up!
· From the Field of Fitness – Chris Powell, host and transformation specialist on Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition
· From the Field of News and Entertainment - Lara Spencer, lifestyle anchor for Good Morning America and host of The Insider.
Yesterday and today those judges have been sitting in private interviews with each contestant and tonight marks the first night of onstage competition. Miss Michigan will be competing in talent. Check back to see how she does!
-Ashlee
Photo courtesy: Sam T'ang Productions