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Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Newly Crowned Miss America Goes On Defense After Her Talent Gets Bashed On Social Media
Source: Ass. Press
America got a new Miss America Sunday night, but it hasn’t been completely “Happy” for Miss New York’s Kira Kazantsev, who has faced an onslaught of criticism following the talent performance which helped land her the crown. The beaming blonde sat cross-legged on the stage and sang Pharrell’s hit song “Happy,” while rhythmically beating and flipping a red cup in time with the music.
The Associated Press reports that her performance immediately set off a “furor” from social network users, who were displeased that this was the talent of the eventual winner: Kazantsev told the AP she was inspired by the movie “Pitch Perfect” when developing her talent. In the movie, Anna Kendrick’s character auditions for an a capella group by doing the same routine with a cup while singing “When I’m Gone.” She said she also wanted to inspire others to do what they enjoy doing, and not worry what others think. AP reports:
“The reason why I chose to do that talent is I wanted every single little girl in America to be able to see that you can do that talent – you can do whatever talent you want on national television – even with a red cup – and still be Miss America and have the time of your life.”
“I literally in that minute and 30 seconds had the most fun I’ve ever had. And that’s because I stayed true to myself and I did what I wanted to do for my talent, no matter what everybody else told me, and it paid off. I’m very happy about it.” While some may not feel her performance was crown-worthy, Kazantsev’s talent was not the only reason she was named Miss America. Many who criticized the judges’ decision seemed to miss the fact that the 23-year-old triple majored in Political Science, Global Studies and Geography, and she has already been accepted into law school.
Her official platform is preventing domestic violence, which she was inspired to pursue after going through an abusive relationship in college. Plus, she’s fluent in three languages: English, Russian and Spanish. After looking at the big picture, the fact that she was crowned Miss America makes sense.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Miss New York named Miss America for third year in a row
BY BILL HUTCHINSON | NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
New York’s cup runneth over — again.
Miss New York was crowned Miss America 2015 Sunday night, marking the third year in a row that the nation’s pageant winner hails from the Empire State. Kira Kazantsev, 23, of Manhattan, won the beauty pageant in Atlantic City after singing Pharrell Williams’ hit “Happy” while banging a plastic red cup and seated on the stage cross-legged. Outgoing Miss America Nina Davuluri sealed the New York three-peat by passing on her jeweled crown to the emotional Kazantsev, who strutted the stage to the iconic tune, “There she is, Miss America.”
Kazantsev, a graduate of Hofstra University, scored the victory with brains, beauty and her unusual talent.
MEL EVANS/APKazantsev walks the stage in her swimsuit during Sunday's pageant. In the all-important question category, which counted for 30% of the total score, Kazantsev was asked what issue women in the U.S. Senate should press upon their male colleagues. “I really believe that sexual assault in our military is an issue these women have got to fight for,” answered Kazantsev, whose platform is raising awareness of domestic violence. She beat out Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett for the crown and a $50,000 scholarship. The pageant was broadcast live on ABC from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.
Kazantsev may be the first contestant to win the contest by playing a plastic cup on stage, topping rivals who sang, dance, played the piano, and even one, Miss Ohio, who performed ventriloquism while singing. This year’s outcome was a replay of last year’s, when Davuluri was presented the crown from Miss America 2013, the former Miss New York Mallory Hagan. Hagan, who was raised in Alabama, was living in Brooklyn when she won.
Prior to Hagan’s victory, a Miss New York hadn’t won the contest since Vanessa Williams was crowned in 1984. But Williams was forced to give up her title when Penthouse magazine published nude photos of her.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Nina Davuluri Looks Back at Her Year as Miss America 2014
Nina Davuluri made history last year as the first Indian American to win the Miss America pageant. Born in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of Indian immigrants, Davuluri beat out 52 contestants for the 2014 title with a Bollywood-inspired dance performance and a platform of "Celebrating Diversity through Cultural Competency." Though her win was marred with an online barrage of racist tweets and social comments -- questioning Davuluri's American identity and incorrectly calling her Arab and Muslim -- the 24-year-old met her first challenge wearing the crown with grace and aplomb, rising above fray and focusing on her year ahead.
As she prepares to hand over that crown at the Miss America 2015 pageant this weekend, Davuluri looks back at what she was able to accomplish in the last year, and hints at what could be ahead. Below, five things to know about Nina Davuluri before she adds "former" to her title.
1. She doesn't actually remember the most memorable moment of her Miss America pageant.Before she was even named the winner, Davuluri seemed to know the significance ahead as she stood with fellow contestant and finalist Miss California, Crystal Lee. At the time, she said "We're both so proud. We're making history right here, standing as Asian Americans." But as she thinks back to "The Moment" -- as her name was called, as a sea of faces celebrated her, as the crown was placed on her head? "I honestly don't remember the actual crowning moment," said Davuluri. "It was such a blur!"
"Unfortunately, I was prepared," said Davuluri. "However, I can honestly say that for every one negative tweet, comment, or post, there were hundreds if not thousands of people who had positive words of encouragement and support all across the country and world for that matter."
2. Davuluri wasn't completely surprised by the torrent of negative tweets and nasty social media comments following her win.
3. She won the title by celebrating, not playing down, her Indian heritage, with the hope of sending a message to other young, minority women.
"I came into this organization wanting to change the face of who Miss America was," said Davuluri. "It was so timely for this organization to finally reach out to a new demographic of young women that is representative of America today. I hope this encourages young women to embrace their ethnicities and cultural heritage."
4. Born and raised in New York, Davuluri spent two early years of her life in India, and believes finding balance between both cultures is a lifelong process.
"I'm very blessed to have a family that was always supportive and encouraging of my dreams," said Davuluri. "The biggest thing I've learned through this experience is that assimilation has to happen from both sides. It has been a constantly evoloving journey in my household."
5. She once had designs on becoming a doctor, but now plans on pursuing her MBA. Her advice for the next woman to wear the crown?
"I will always say that becoming Miss America was something I have worked for my entire life," said Davuluri. "My biggest advice is to know who you are, love who you are, and stand up for who you are."
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
First Miss Universe Turns 80 This Week
She became a businesswoman and good will ambassador. When her husband died in 1975, Williams took over management of the family hotel properties in Manila. She has served as an honorary counsel for Finland, and was knighted by the Finnish government two years ago, earning the Order of the White Rose.
In 1978, she married American diplomat Al Williams. After living in Barcelona and Turkey, they settled in La Jolla in 1991. Here she has supported cancer research and numerous cultural and arts organizations, including co-chairing San Diego Youth Symphony’s program for disadvantaged youth. In fact, many who meet Williams today remain unaware of the international spotlight she commanded at age 17 when actress Piper Laurie crowned the 108-pound beauty queen. Williams just celebrated her 80th birthday at her family’s home in Finland. She is delighted to have made it there and back without word leaking out to the media.
Miss Alabama Caitlin Brunell's dad, NFL quarterback Mark Brunell, calls Miss America 'her Super Bowl'
Miss Alabama 2014 Caitlin Brunell's journey to Miss America is a big deal, according to her dad.
"A lot people would say this is basically her Super Bowl, and they're right," he said. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime and a moment she's been hoping for since she was a little girl. Yeah, this is pretty exciting." He should know. He's Mark Brunell, a former NFL quarterback who has played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints and the New York Jets. He, along with Caitlin's mother, Stacy, and her three brothers, will head to Atlantic City next week to cheer Caitlin on in her bid for the Miss America crown. The pageant finale will air live on ABC Sunday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m., preceded by "The Road To Miss America" at 7 p.m. "I'm very proud of all the work she's put into this," he said. "I mean, it has been for the last three years a dream come true for her to represent Alabama as Miss Alabama and now to go on to Miss America, she's wanted to be Miss America since she was twelve years old. We're about ten days out and she's really close to fulfilling her dream."
Brunell said he was overcome with emotion when his daughter was crowned Miss Alabama in June, calling it a "proud father moment." "It was her third go at it," he said. "She put so much time into it and was disappointed the first go-round. The second go-round, she was so close and she didn't quit. She wanted to be Miss Alabama. She didn't give up, she worked very hard and I was just so proud that she stuck to it." One thing that she didn't stick with is sports, despite coming from an athletic family, according to Brunell. He said Caitlin briefly dabbled in basketball and soccer, but ultimately chose dance. She went on to study dance at the University of Alabama and will also be displaying that talent during the pageant as she performs to the hit "Let It Go" from the hit Disney movie, "Frozen."
She still rooted for him and her athletically inclined brothers. Caitlin told AL.com in a previous interview that she never viewed her father as a professional athlete. "With my relationship with my father, that was just his job," she said. "My family and I never looked at my dad as 'Oh, he's in the NFL, he's a quarterback.' He was just my dad who went to work every day." "He also kept football and family very separate. This time, he said her family and friends will be the ones cheering her on.
"She's a special girl, she's touched a lot of people," he said. "I know a lot of family and friends that are cheering for her. This is an incredible opportunity. They're thinking about her and praying for her." Brunell said he's also proud of his daughter for being candid about some of the family's most difficult moments during her continuing reign as Miss Alabama, including a devastating house fire and a public bankruptcy. "Her story is our story," he said. "Families go through difficult times, and we have found that the things that we've gone through in our lives have made us closer as a family, have strengthened our faith, gave us perspective and helped us to understand really what's most important and that is family."
Brunell said that while next week will be exciting, it will also be trying-- adding that he will be a nervous wreck. "I've played in the Super Bowl. I've played in front of thousands of thousands of people at one time, it doesn't compare to when I'm watching my daughter in a pageant. Those are the moments in my life where I have gotten the most nervous. Nothing comes close."
Miss America contestants arrive in Atlantic City
Preliminary competition will begin next Tuesday. This is the second year that the pageant, which began in Atlantic City, has returned to its roots after six years in Las Vegas. The ceremony came hours after the first of 5,000 casino workers who lost their jobs over the holiday weekend began filing for unemployment, health insurance and food stamps. The Showboast and Revel shut down over the weekend; Trump Plaza, next door to Boardwalk Hall, where the winner will be crowned Sept. 14, is shutting down two days after that. And the Atlantic Club closed in January. All told, about 8,000 workers will have lost their jobs.
"I look at Miss America as the jewel in the crown of Atlantic City," said Sam Haskell, CEO of the Miss America Organization. "My heart breaks for the people losing their jobs. But I am confident that the economic boost Miss America brings to Atlantic City will create some calm to sooth the disappointment of these closures." John Palmieri, executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, said at the ceremony that Miss America should generate about $30 million worth of economic activity in the region.
Fresh off a visit to the White House a day earlier, where they met with some of President Barack Obama's advisers, the contestants crossed the Boardwalk and walked onto a stage where they signed a map of their home state, introduced themselves and detailed their career plans. Among the would-be Miss Americas are aspiring doctors, veterinarians, meteorologists, broadcast journalists, music therapists and a future sports agent. As usual, Miss New Jersey got the loudest cheers from the hometown crowd. Cierra Kaler-Jones said she's excited to represent her state, given her family ties to Atlantic City. "As the child of two casino workers," she said, "it is historic for me to be participating in this."
Monday, September 8, 2014
A Letter From Texas State Guard Soldier to Miss Texas USA
LAREDO, Texas – As members of the Texas State Guard, soldiers take an oath to serve Texas and often sacrifice a great deal to do so. For TXSG Sgt. Lauren Guzman, she wears two hats for Texas – her ACU patterned patrol cap and a crown. Guzman was crowned Miss Texas USA 2014 on Sept. 1, 2013, representing the Lone Star State and serving the citizens of Texas as both Sgt. Guzman and as Miss Texas all year.
"In the community, being a role model with high standards is expected when being in and out of uniform," Guzman said, speaking of the TXSG contributing to her success in the pageants. "The TXSG taught me to be on time for events, meetings, and how to network, but it also takes a lot of discipline, commitment and self-motivation when there is no monetary compensation involved."
Guzman is currently assigned to 1st Regiment, TXSG, in the operations section in San Antonio and served with the regiment's Quick Reaction Team before it disbanded. “We've given her the latitude to attend required Miss Texas USA functions without penalty or adverse perception for not being able to attend scheduled unit training assemblies,” stated State Guard Col. Vincent Carag, 1st Regiment commander. "We, the Soldiers of the 1st Regiment, stand behind her efforts 100 percent."
Guzman agreed, stating the troops and command, her “extended second family,” have been very supportive. Guzman joined the TXSG in 2007 and holds a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from St. Mary’s University, which she earned while serving in the Guard and is looking to the future. As her reign comes to an end, she is considering several career options and looking to attend Officer Candidate School. "She was a soldier before she became Miss Texas USA, and I could tell she was a ‘squared away soldier' when I first came on board," said 1st Regiment Command Sgt. Maj. Mario Zuniga, giving accolades to Guzman. "As a leader, she is a coach and mentor and is not afraid to get dirty or ask questions," he said, "and when she won Miss Texas USA, both the colonel and I thought she'd be a great spokesperson and recruiter for the TXSG."
A pageant veteran, Guzman started in 2005, where she won the Miss Laredo Top Model Pageant. In 2006, she was first runner-up in the Miss Laredo Teen USA but claimed the title in 2008. Persevering, she competed for Miss Texas USA, being third runner-up in 2011, first runner-up in 2012 and fourth runner-up in 2013 before winning the title in 2014. Guzman followed her father’s and grandfather's footsteps into the TXSG. Both served several years with 1st Regiment; her father, a major in the medical corps, and her grandfather, an education professor posthumously promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Guzman looks to her family for inspiration to do well and set an example for others.
“My mom has always been there and pushed me to do well while I also try to do right to be a role model for my sister,” she said. As Miss Texas USA, Guzman traveled throughout the state and nation addressing issues such as breast and ovarian cancer awareness, attended charity events, parades and visited hospitals and schools to help educate children regarding the dangers of drugs and the importance of education. She also volunteers with numerous nonprofit organizations on top of her work with the Guard. As Guzman relinquishes her crown to the next Miss Texas USA, she leaves us with this advice: "If you have a goal, push for it and ask yourself why you want it,” said Guzman. “Keep your head up till you achieve what you want and accomplish it. I kept competing till I won Miss Texas USA.”
Friday, September 5, 2014
Family experience with pageants helps many Miss America contestants
Five minutes before Miss Nevada Ellie Smith was crowned, her younger sister and best friend, Amy Smith, 15, was crowned Miss Nevada Outstanding Teen. “When she won I think I was crying harder than she was,” Ellie Smith said. She is the youngest Miss America 2014 contestant at 17-years-old. “I was on the other side of the stage freaking out. I run over to her, give her a hug, and then right in my mind, I’m like, ‘Oh, what if I don’t win?’” Fortunately, it worked out for the Smith sisters. Ellie was crowned immediately after Amy, whose turn it was to freak out.
“It was the best night of our lives by far,” Ellie Smith said. “Just such a magical moment to be able to share that with my sister, my best friend, and now to be able to share a whole year with her is really, really, truly great.” While Ellie Smith paved the way into pageantry ahead of her sister, many of this year’s Miss America contestants follow in family members’ footsteps. Miss Mississippi Jasmine Murray, 22, has two older sisters who inspired her to pursue a crown. They both competed in the MAO at local and state levels, but Murray is the only one in her family to win the title of Miss Mississippi.
Still, she said, she couldn’t have won it without her sisters’ direction and good example. Miss Maryland Jade Kenny competed for Miss Maryland three times before she won the title. Likewise, her mother competed for the state title when she was 17 years old, and won the preliminary swimsuit award. A fact, Kenny said, her mother has on occasion, “rubbed in her face.” “It’s kind of funny because my first two years I never won swimsuit, and she won swimsuit. She would always kind of rub that in my face like, ‘Your momma’s still got it,’” Kenny joked. “So I definitely pushed through so I could win the swimsuit preliminary my third year.”
Although her mother may have goaded her a bit while she was competing, Kenny said her mother never pushed her to do pageants. The 23-year-old found the hobby independently. When she was 13 years old, Kenny said, she had trouble grieving the loss of her best friend and grandparents. When a guidance counselor told her to develop a thicker skin, she was furious.
“I found the Rainbows Organization and it helped me through a very difficult time,” Kenny said. “Ever since then I needed to make sure that no child is ever told to get over something like that.” Pageantry, she said, gave her a “microphone” to support the Rainbows Organization. On the road to Miss America, Kenny’s platform is Healing the Hurt, Restoring the Hope – the Rainbows Organization. Kenny said competing in her mother’s footsteps and finally winning Miss Maryland is kind of like a relay race, “We’ve finally hit that mark,” she said. Although Miss Hawaii Stephanie Steuri’s mother was Miss Maui 1977, her parents were not immediately onboard with her participation in pageants, Steuri said. They were worried she was sacrificing the years she had dedicated to her education.
“That local title was my chance to show them that I can do both, I can be that beauty and brains figure,” Steuri said. “I can continue my education with a title in the Miss America system and earn scholarship money.” After winning a local title, Miss Paradise Kauai, and continuing on to compete in Miss Hawaii, Stueri said her mother’s attitude toward pageants shifted. “She was super-excited, almost living vicariously through me,” Stueri joked. “She was just so excited that I had grown so much as a person both academically and as a woman.” Three of the women received valuable advice from their predecessors, “be yourself,” while Smith had some advice for her younger sister. “If you believe you can do it, you can do it,” Smith said.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Friday, August 29, 2014
Donald Trump Completes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge With the Help of Miss Universe and Miss USA
You know Donald Trump isn't one to back down from a challenge. The business mogul is the latest celeb to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and did so with the help of the beautiful Miss Universe and Miss USA on top of one of his famous towers.
"I've been called out by everybody for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge—Homer Simpson, Mike Tyson, Vince McMahon—like everybody is going crazy over this thing," Trump says in the video. "I guess they wanna see if whether or not this is my real hair. Which it is. So here's what I'm gonna do…Miss Universe and Miss USA, I own it, so they're here and they're really gonna do a number on me. I'm challenging President Obama, my son Donald, my son Eric. Let's go ladies."
And that's when two huge buckets of ice (Trump) water gets dumped on Donald's head. And guess what? His hair stayed on his head. Apparently, the 68-year-old didn't get the memo on Barack Obama and the challenge. After being called out by Ethel Kennedy, the oldest living member of the famous political family, the President of the United States opted to pass on getting soaked for the #IceBucketChallenge.
"The President appreciates Mrs. Kennedy thinking of him for the challenge," the White House said in a statement. "The President will be making a donation to an ALS charity this week."
Burmese beauty queen 'vanishes with tiara' from pageant
A Burmese beauty queen who was stripped of her title for allegedly being rude and dishonest has run off with the £60,000 jewelled crown from a South Korea-based pageant, according to organizers.
May Myat Noe is said to have vanished from the competition after officials were adamant that she have breast enhancement surgery.
Burma, which only recently emerged from a half-century military rule and self-imposed isolation, started sending contestants to international beauty contests again in 2012.
May Myat Noe was crowned Miss Asia Pacific World in Seoul in May 2014. But, according to David Kim, director of media for the Seoul-based pageant, the 18-year-old was a disappointment from the start.
Attempts to reach May Myat Noe for comment were unsuccessful on Friday and her Burmese phone was switched off. According to the online edition of Eleven Media, a Burmese newspaper, she was back in the country and would address a news conference soon, although it was not clear when.
Following her success, the organizers said they were arranging singing and video deals for her. But they also wanted to change the teenager's looks, Kim said.
"We thought she should be more beautiful ... so as soon as she arrived we sent her to the hospital to operate on her breasts," he said.
"It's our responsibility," he said, adding that sponsors picked up the tab, which came to the equivalent of £6,000, as they have for past winners. "If she has no good nose, then maybe, if she likes, we can operate on her nose. If it's breasts, then breasts."
Kim said that troubles started from there. The beauty queen took her mother with her to Seoul for what was supposed to be a 10-day visit, but that quickly turned into three months, incurring extra cost to the organisers, he said.
She "lied" and "never had respect for the main organisation, the national director, the manager, media or fans who made her the winner", organisers said in a statement.
May Myat Noe was notified this week that she would have to give up her title and the crown, Kim said. She was also given a plane ticket back to Rangoon, but never turned up, with Eleven Media reporting that she got on an earlier flight.
Kim said she had absconded with the bejewelled Swarovski tiara – valued between £60,000 and £120,000.
"Everyone knows she is no longer the queen, but she thinks as long as she keeps this crown she's the winner," he said. "She's not."
Friday, August 22, 2014
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