Miss USA, Erin Brady, Is Officially Off the Market: Engagement Ring Pictures

Source: http://www.thepageantplanet.com

Miss USA 2013, Erin Brady recently posted a picture on her Instagram of her engagement ring with the caption, “Cheers to finally putting together the details on our wedding. Well, one day.”

Erin Brady entered the Miss Connecticut USA pageant in 2011, seeking to represent CT in the Miss USA 2012 competition. The East Hampton, Conn. Native placed first runner-up; not bad considering it was her first pageant, ever. About a month after the October 2011 event, Brady’s boyfriend Tony Capasso proposed, and she said yes.“He had it planned and he said, ‘Thank God you didn’t win because it totally would’ve blown our plans,’” Brady recalled in an interview with “The Ralphie Show.” “After the first Miss Connecticut USA Pageant we left for Italy, about three weeks later.”

The current titleholder revealed that she and Capasso discussed the idea of another try for the crown before she entered in 2012. “It was, ‘If this is something you want to do, by all means,” Brady noted of her fiancé’s response to her idea. “Obviously not knowing that I’d become Miss USA!”

Before competing on the USA stage, Brady had her wedding date set as the 9th of November, which we all know, was the date of the Miss Universe Pageant. “I wanted to live out my dream,” Brady told PEOPLE Magazine. She and her very understanding fiancé, Tony Capasso, discussed moving the date to a later time considering, pageant rules clearly state that titleholders are required to remain single throughout their reign.
Do you think Brady should be focusing on her big day right now or should she put it on the back burner and focus on the time left of her reign?

San Diego State University student crowned Miss California USA 2014

(source ABC 10 News, CA)

LONG BEACH - Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA for 2014 were crowned Saturday during a pageant at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach.

Beverly Hills native Cassandra Kunze, 20, is the new Miss California USA. She is a student at San Diego State University. UCLA student Bianca Vierra, 18, who was born and reared in San Francisco, is the new Miss California Teen USA.

Kunze previously served as Miss Teen San Diego County and Miss Teenage California in 2012. Her interests include international law, politics and film studies. She is a 2011 graduate of Grossmont College in El Cajon.

Vierra is a model who previously served as Miss Teenage California in 2011 and Miss High School America in 2012. She describes herself as a "gym bunny" and has done volunteer work against bullying and on behalf of Angelman Syndrome awareness and the Cancer Prevention Institute of California and several other organizations. 

Miss Congeniality was Kristina Blum of Eastern Sierra, the pageant's first blind contestant; Miss Photogenic was Lauren York of Carlsbad; and the Producer's Choice recipient was Chanelle Tuck of Santa Cruz. The runners-up for Miss California USA were Natasha Martinez of Malibu, first runner-up; Amanda Delgado of North Orange County, second; Alexis Swanstrom of Pacific Beach, third; and York, fourth.

Runners-up for Miss California Teen USA were Gigi Gauthier of San Diego, first runner-up; Madison Day-Robinson of Carmel Valley, second; Toneata Morgan of Malibu, third; and Melanie Mitchell of Corona, fourth. Two teen contests were named Miss Teen Congeniality: Caitlin Jusay of Santa Barbara and Tiffany Cooper of Antioch. The Teen Producer's Choice award went to India Williams of Lafayette.

The first Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants were held in Long Beach in 1952. The first Miss Teen USA pageant was held in Florida in 1983.

Miss California pageants head to Long Beach where CSULB student will pass on her crown

From left, Sasha Ulysse (Miss Long Beach), Chloe Hatfield (Miss California Teen USA) and Taylor Cassady
 (Miss Teen Long Beach) gather in front of the Terrace Theatre in Long Beach. The Miss
California Teen and Miss California pageants will be held at the theatre Jan. 3-4.

Scott Varley — Staff photographer

By Richard Guzman, Press-Telegram

She knew it was inevitable, but it will still be a sad day for Cal State Long Beach freshman Chloe Hatfield when she has to give up her crown. The current Miss California Teen USA will pass on the title here in her hometown when the pageant, along with the Miss California USA competition, come to Long Beach’s Terrace Theater Friday and Saturday. But there’s a good chance her Miss California Teen crown, and the Miss California title too, will stay right here in the city. “It’s been a whirlwind,” said the energetic, blond 18-year-old of her experience as Miss California Teen USA as she stood outside the Long Beach Convention Center on a recent Wednesday morning. “It’s been so much fun and I’ve loved it. It’s going to be a bitter sweet moment to know that I’m going to be done being Miss Teen,” she said. Next to her were the two local hopefuls who will be going after their crowns — 18-year-old Taylor Cassady, who is a fellow Cal State Long Beach student and will be representing Long Beach in the teen pageant, and 23-year-old Sasha Ulysse, who will represent the city in the Miss California pageant. “I’m so honored and fortunate to be able to represent the city,” said Cassady, who, like Hatfield, studies nursing and has been competing in pageants since she was a child. For Ulysse, who just graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a bachelor’s in consumer affairs and has lived in Long Beach for six years, the event will be her first pageant and she’s understandably nervous but happy to be fulfilling a dream. “It’s really exciting for me. I’ve been wanting to do this since I was 12 but I didn’t have the means,” she said. With the cost of buying outfits, makeup and other expenses, Ulysse has spent about $3,000 preparing for the show. Her family and friends have helped her with sponsorships, and if she wins, the investment will pay off.

The Teen and Miss pageants are part of the Miss Universe Organization, which also produces the Miss USA pageant. Besides the crown and title, the winners of the Long Beach shows will go on to compete in the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants. The winners also get a modeling contract, scholarships, jewelry and other prizes. Getting there isn’t going to be easy though with more than 100 women competing in the Miss California pageant and more than 60 in the Miss Teen portion. The preliminary competition takes place Jan. 3 and dress rehearsal and the final coronation shows take place Jan. 4. Tickets are available to the public for all events.

“Becoming a state title holder has a lot of wonderful benefits. It’s huge exposure for them and it’s definitely going to be a lot of fun,” said Alex Kuty, the event’s associate producer. Long Beach has a long history with beauty pageants. The first Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants were held concurrently in Long Beach in 1952. The Miss Teen USA was first held in 1983 in Lakeland, Fla. But the Teen and Miss California pageants haven’t been back in the city since 1995 and it was a good time for the events to return, Kuty said.

“We wanted to come back for several reasons. The (Terrace Theater) and the hotels nearby worked out perfect for us, in addition to that there’s the harbor with the pier and all the things to do with family by the water, it was perfect for us,” she said. It also turned out to be fun for the contestants when they all came to Long Beach in November for the pageant orientation. They went to the Queen Mary and got to ride the Ferris wheel at The Pike as well as the hydro-bikes at Alamitos Bay. The outings were filmed and will be broadcast at the theater on the day of the event and online at pageantvision.com. For the local hopefuls it was a chance to show off their city and also try out some things they hadn’t done in Long Beach.

“I’m still getting to know this city myself and finding my little places, and being able to welcome all the girls to the city I now consider my home is really such an honor,” said Cassady, who is originally from Murietta. The contestants got a lot of attention when they were walking around the city, with people stopping to snap pictures of them, Ulysse said. “It felt like paparazzi almost; it was pretty nice,” she said. “And I got to ride the Ferris wheel. Even though I’ve lived out here in Long Beach that was my first time on the Ferris wheel and I was happy about that.” The pageants aren’t huge moneymakers for the city in terms of dollars spent by visitors who come to the event, with an approximate $360,000 impact for Long Beach. It’s a modest figure compared with some conventions, said Steve Goodling, president and CEO of the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. “But it’s another opportunity to showcase all of the great development that has occurred downtown,” he said. Meanwhile, Hatfield is happy another teen will get a chance to wear her crown, which she usually keeps in the trunk of her car in case she needs it for an impromptu appearance. After the pageant is over and a new winner is selected she plans to continue with her nursing studies at Cal State Long Beach, where not too many students know she is the reigning Miss California Teen USA, at least for a few more days.

Miss California USA: Pageant contestants want to dispel stereotypes

BY GREG MELLEN / THE REGISTER

Their answers are nearly as polished as their appearances.

Not a “world peace,” “end world hunger” or “create education better” answer to be found. Nor any other gaffes, real or imagined. The four local contestants entered in the upcoming Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA pageants and outgoing Miss Teen, all from Long Beach, wanted to dispel the stereotypes and misconceptions they say others have about their endeavor. All seemed eager to hone their skills on a reporter. Though they have practiced their pageant walks and turns and sculpted their bodies for competition, nothing quite prepares a beauty queen for “the question” posed to her on stage in the final portion of competition. It is always the big unknown, the one thing you can't really ever prepare for.

And nothing threatens to unravel all that carefully constructed confidence and wholly undermine the preparation quite so much as a botched answer to a question about global or domestic issues.

And few things do more to cement the perception some have of beauty queens as vapid mannequins or Stepford wives. The image is still fresh of this year's Miss Utah staggering through a televised answer about ongoing wage disparities between men and women and famously uttering her “create education better” line. That relegated her to an also-ran and went viral online. It also landed her a spot on the “Today” show.

“I've been following the headlines. I don't want to be Miss Utah,” said Saby Ramirez, 18, a Cal State Long Beach freshman from Long Beach who's representing Signal Hill in the teen pageant. “People get the wrong stereotypes and negative views of pageantry,” said Taylor Cassady, 18, a freshman nursing student at CSULB. “Everyone jokes about world peace as an answer.”

“The biggest misconception is that it's only about beauty, said Sasha Ulysse, 23, a recent CSULB grad. “It's about determination and stamina. The pageant isn't all (we) do.” “I think pageant girls are the most focused and ambitious women, who just happen to look good,” said Nelly Umeh, 22, a Lakewood native in her junior year at UC Riverside. Chloe Hope Hatfield, 18, who will hand over the crown she earned four months ago when the standing Miss Teen California advanced to a different level of competition, said the notion of crazy and ruthless beauty queens is also overstated. Hatfield, a second-generation beauty contestant, said: “The pageants are where my best friends come from. I've never had a bad experience.”

The local Long Beach women competing in the pageants come from diverse backgrounds. Some are pageant veterans; several are trying it for the first time. Some have moms who were contestants and have passed it along. Others have come into it by pure happenstance. Some have gained sponsorship or help to pay the many thousands of dollars it costs to be in a pageant, and others have pulled extra work shifts and scrimped and borrowed.

Miss Universe Malaysia 2014 Results

SHAH ALAM: Christmas came early for the silver state as Perak-born Sabrina Beneett was crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2014 by reigning Miss Universe Malaysia 2013 Carey Ng at Setia City Convention Centre last Thursday.

Hosted by Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation, the 23-year-old psychology and communications student proved to be the top choice among 16 finalists who were then narrowed down to the top four.

“I’m on top of the world. Winning this means a lot to me and I am proud to be given the chance to represent Malaysia,” said Beneett. “I’ll make sure that I’ll shine even brighter.

“I believe beauty is something people are inclined towards and in a way receptive to. It can make a difference in the right way.”

Beneett clinched the title with her heart-warming smile and candid answers.

The first runner-up was Lalitha Monisha while the second runner-up was Kausalya Ida. Lyn Lim emerged as the third runner-up.

Beneett will represent Malaysia in the 63rd annual Miss Universe International Pageant in Fortaleza, Brazil, in October next year.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: The 22 Most Influential Former Beauty Queens

by JENNIFER MICHALSKI

Last month, Maria Gabriela Isler of Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe — the 62nd woman to be crowned with the prestigious title since the competition was founded in 1952.

And while the Miss Universe crown represents one of the most honorable of all beauty titles, hundreds of pageants take place all over the world each year.

Throughout the past 60 years of Miss Universe and Miss USA competitions, former beauty queens have gone on to have successful careers — journalists such as Oprah Winfrey and Diane Sawyer, Oscar winners like Halle Berry, many leaders in philanthropy, and more.

Check out the former beauty queens who are doing their parts to change the world.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/beauty-pageant-queens-where-are-they-now-2013-12?op=1#ixzz2nxetbYs1

10 Things You Didn't Know About Gabriela Isler

Photos from the 53rd Miss International Beauty Pageant

Japan Miss International

Newly-crowned Miss International Bea Rose Santiago of Philippines, left, is congratulated by former Miss International 2008 Alejandra Andreu of Spain during the final of the Miss International 2013 Beauty Pageant in Tokyo Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

(source: http://www.komonews.com/news/entertainment/Photos--236222601.html?tab=gallery&c=y&img=11)

"Happy Holidays" clip from the Miss Universe Organization

Marymount Grad, Entrepreneur Named Miss District of Columbia 2014

Ciera Nicole Butts, a Marymount University graduate and entrepreneur, is the newest Miss District of Colombia.

Butts, 23, was selected Miss District of Columbia 2014 Dec. 2 at the 60th Annual Miss District of Columbia USA Pageant at the Renaissance Hotel in Northwest Washington, D.C. She was one of 43 contestants who competed in the contest, which included interview, swimwear, and evening wear categories. Butts, who also has worked as a anti-violence advocate for young people, was a standout in the field from the beginning of the competition. In the interview section of the program, she wore a white chiffon gown with a thick gold beaded sash, which glistened under the stage lights as she took her stand in the center of the stage, awaiting the judges’ questions. She told the judges her mother was her role model and inspiration and that her dream is to own a public relations firm.

When asked how people in society should assist the FDA officials in their effort to decrease the number of Americans who are afflicted by heart disease and obesity, she responded that the FDA had gone a long way in banning trans-fat in foods. “It is important that parents teach their children to eat healthy and consume foods in moderation, she added. “For instance, after working so hard throughout this pageant, I plan on going home and eating a cupcake to celebrate my hard work.”

During her undergrad years at Marymount University, Butts was a member of the Black Student Alliance, and also founded and served as the president and vice president of a program called Ladies Inspiring Strength for Tomorrow, or LIST. In the District, Butts has participated in various projects and assisted organizations such as St. Jude's Research Hospital, Becky's Fund and Key to the Cure. Along with the title, Butts received $50,000 in scholarship money and cash, clothing and other prizes. She will compete on behalf of the District of Columbia in the Miss USA Pageant and will represent the District of Columbia in local and national charitable events. Carla Crawford, executive state director of the Miss District of Columbia USA Pageant and the Miss District of Columbia Teen USA Pageant, said the competition helps young women realize their dreams.

Entertainment was provided by Bowie native and “X Factor” finalist Marcus Canty, an R&B singer with Epic Records. His single “Won't Make A Fool Out of You” was featured on the “Think Like a Man” movie soundtrack.

Miss Nevada USA Hopefuls Get Tips from Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella

Written by SUSAN STAPLETON

 | Published in EVENTS, HAUTE TV, NEWS

Anticipation was running high on Saturday as pageant hopefuls gathered for the official 2014 Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA pageant orientation at Life Time Athletic Summerlin. Former Miss USA and executive state director of the Miss Nevada USA organization, Shanna Moakler was accompanied by current Miss Nevada USA Chelsea Caswell and Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella.

The pageant contestants had the exciting opportunity to gain insight and advice about the pageant, taking place on Sunday, Jan. 12, from reigning Nevada beauty Caswell and former queens Moakler and Campanella. The beauty queens mingled and posed for photos, before stopping by LifeSpa + Salon by Michael Boychuck, the official hair sponsor for the Miss Nevada USA organization, located inside Life Time Athletic. To conclude the fun-filled day, the contestants enjoyed a dynamic course in women’s self-defense taught by Life Time Athletic instructors Matt Hodges and Eric Watts.

Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA to be Crowned this January

Miss Nevada USA Chelsea Caswell and Miss Nevada Teen USA Amanda Jenkins will crown their successors at the Miss Nevada USA 2014 pageant at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014(Pictured: Miss Nevada USA Chelsea Caswell and Miss Nevada Teen USA Amanda Jenkins). Hosted by Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella and Chet Buchanan of 98.5 KLUC, the2014 Miss Nevada USA pageant will name the next state royalty to represent Nevada at the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions in 2014. Singer and songwriter Brett Young will entertain guests with live performances throughout the competition.

The gorgeous contestants will be judged in three areas of competition including interview, swimsuit and evening gown. The competition’s judges include famed surgeon Dr. Aaron Rollins, lead designer for OmniPeace by Double Zero, Jason Hee Chul Kim, celebrity columnist Robin Leach, former Miss USA Gretchen Polhemus, former international model Nicole Murphy, Las Vegas entertainer Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie, co-founder of WOW! Creations Matthew Harris, former Miss Nevada USA 2012 Jade Kelsall, talent agent Nick Roses and renowned television personality Faye Resnick. The star-studded judging panel will assess each contestant by their character, poise, confidence and personality.

Throughout their reign, the beauty queens will make their mark on the community with charitable endeavors, will become style icons on the red carpet and will bring pride and joy to their state while competing at Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. Miss Nevada USA 2014 and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2014 will win a prize package full of cash prizes, exquisite attire, shoes, travel and scholarships while enjoying a year in the spotlight.

UNT Graduate Student Crowned Miss Black Texas USA 2014

By NDG Staff Writer

DALLAS – Sultry, soulful, and sincere are what audiences have said of up and coming vocalist Ashleigh Smith. From the small town of LaGrange, this Georgia Peach is new to Texas soil; however, she is no stranger to the stage. Ashleigh Smith is a graduate student majoring in Vocal Jazz Performance at The University of North Texas. Music and Community Service has always been Ashleigh’s passion and first love.

As the newly crowned Miss Black Texas USA 2014, Ashleigh is ecstatic to promote her own platform, Music to my Ears: Preserving Music in Education for which she has already raised over $40,000 to help keep music programs alive in public schools. Ashleigh has always had a passion for volunteerism and service in her community holding other titles as Miss Troup County’s Outstanding Teen 2006, Miss Columbus 2007 and more recently, Miss Black Texas USA 2014!

Ashleigh will be representing the Lone Star State at the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant in August 2014. The Miss Black USA Pageant is a community driven organization and is committed to addressing health and education, two leading social issues in the African American community. Miss Black Texas USA is excited to promote “I Love My Brown Skin” which is being launched by Miss Black USA in 2014 to instill pride and self-esteem in our young African-American girls.

Miss Black Texas USA State Director, DeLisha Huff mentions “…working with Ashleigh is Music To My Ears…she is a very talented young lady who is about to take Texas and Miss Black USA nationals by storm.” Ashleigh has also been awarded the opportunity to do background studio work for Grammy award winning artist Chrisette Michele. The Miss Black Texas USA Organization is on the search for a Talented Teen to become a part of the Miss Black Texas USA family.

More Content Pages designed for the Miss District Of Columbia USA & Teen USA 2014 official Program Book | MISS DC USA

Content pages designed for the Miss DC USA & Teen USA 2014 official Program Book • We offer graphic design solutions for all your pageantry needs! ALL STATES, ALL AGES, ALL PAGEANT SYSTEMS WELCOME!

Ten questions for Miss Universe 2013, Gabriela Isler

Life is moving very fast these days for 25-year-old Gabriela Isler of Venezuela. Last month, during ceremonies in Moscow, Isler (a popular TV personality back home) was crowned Miss Universe - the seventh time a Venezuelan has taken that honor in the pageant’s 61-year history.   

Isler moved into a new apartment in New York City shortly before this interview was conducted. Although her command of English is impressive, Isler apologized throughout our conversation while searching for the words to best convey her thoughts.  

Dow: Living in New York City must be overwhelming if you’ve never been there before. How are you handling it so far? 

Isler: It’s very overwhelming. There have been a lot of changes in my life this year. Not only becoming Miss Universe but also in my personal life. It’s a big change to move to the big city – the city that never sleeps. I have a new life – a new apartment – a new roommate. It’s a big experience.   

Dow: You said that you have a roommate. Is that part of the rules of being Miss Universe? That someone must be there to watch over you?  

Isler: I don’t know if it’s a rule, but I do have a roommate. It’s Miss USA, Erin Brady.

Dow: I understand that you have a boyfriend back home in Venezuela. Is he a little nervous about the prospect of you traveling around the world?

Isler: He is a little nervous about that, but he supports me as Miss Universe and offers me lots of advice. He is not only my boyfriend but he’s a very good friend. I hope our relationship is still getting better after this year.  

Dow: What sorts of things do you do to stay in such good shape?  

Isler: I eat many times per day. Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack. That way you can regulate your metabolism. Recently, I haven’t had time to go to the gym. Usually I go four or five times a week - two hours of gym to keep the body in good form. I work the abs and the quads but I don’t do heavy weights. Lots of exercise but no diet – just healthy limitations.  

Dow: Is there a food that you consider to be your weakness?

Isler (laughing): Chocolate. Not a bar of chocolate but if you give me a brownie with ice cream or a chocolate cake, I will eat it, I swear.  

Dow: You are a strong advocate for AIDS research and education. How did you decide to adopt that as your platform?  

Isler: As Miss Universe, I think it’s important to not only be a role model for girls but for everyone. I hope that if people see me talk about the importance of HIV and AIDS awareness, they will do the same thing.  

Dow: Who makes you laugh? Who is the funniest person that you know? 

Isler: My niece. When I need to laugh, I think of her. She is 4 years old and a little princess. I have that picture of her in my head and she can always make me laugh when I need it.  

Dow: I read a story yesterday about the president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro. Is he OK? What do you know about him?

Isler: He is very proud of me. He took the time to go on Twitter after I was chosen as Miss Universe to wish me congratulations. He is proud of me and I feel honored.

Dow: The reason I ask is because over the weekend, he sent the Venezuelan national army to occupy and steal from electronics stores to give plasma TVs to people who want them. He doesn’t seem to be a very “business friendly” president if you know what I mean. 

Isler: I haven’t had time to read lately so I’m not sure about this, but I do know about some things happening in my country and I feel very sad. But as I told you before, I also feel happy because I give people there a reason to feel the same happiness. I just try to give happiness to my country in these difficult moments. 

Dow: After your year of being Miss Universe, what would you like to do? Where do you see yourself a year from now?  

Isler: I’m a businesswoman. I studied marketing and I would like to have my own company while also being part of the modeling world. I have time to think over the next year. I have a lot of goals in my head right now.  

Dow: Have you ever visited Maine? Do you know where we are? 

Isler (laughing): No; I know it is very far from New York.

Dow: We’re not that far. Bangor to New York City takes about seven hours on a good day.

Isler (laughing): Oh, you are close. I can go there tomorrow.  

Former Miss Universe Israel 2004 revealed as WONDER WOMAN!

The comic-book movie world finally found its Wonder Woman! Warner Bros. confirmed “Fast & Furious” star Gal Gadot will take on the iconic DC Comics role in director Zack Snyder’s upcoming “Man of Steel” sequel. Additionally, Gal is Miss Universe Israel 2004!

The as-yet-untitled movie, scheduled for release July 17, 2015, has Henry Cavill reprising his role Clark Kent/Superman, with Ben Affleck playing Bruce Wayne/Batman.