So many choices, but only one crown.
With less than a month to go before Miss USA 2016 is crowned, this is a good time to sit back and speculate on who might be wearing the rhinestone-studded crown when the winner is chosen in Las Vegas on Sunday, June 5.
With so many photos and videos already on the internet, it's easier than ever to narrow it down somewhat even before the preliminary panel of judges select 15 or 16 semifinalists to compete on the live Fox telecast of the Pageant.
Keeping in mind that the Pageant has come up with a gimmicky twist this year (Umm. I'll save my opinion on that one for my post-pageant review.) and is allowing a 52nd contestant to compete via an online contest that recently concluded, this list is in no way gospel. Rather, it's simply my compilation of the state delegates who I think have the best chance at becoming the 65th Miss USA. I tried to keep it to 20, but went with 22 cuz the field is so strong this year, reminiscent to me of only four other years in my memory, 2011, 1995, 1980 and the strongest year ever, I think, which would be 1978.
The Absolute Contenders -
These are the ones, pre-arrival, who I think have the strongest shot at the crown. All of my lists are in alphabetical order.
DC - Not only is she gorgeous, but she's in the military to boot and since the Pageant is putting a lot of emphasis on videos and stories since moving to Fox, I think she's a strong possibility.
HAWAII - Every year I choose someone as soon as they win their title as having the look and Hawaii is it for me this year. Killer body and even though she's now put blonde streaks in that black hair, it hasn't swayed my opinion of her in the least.
NEW JERSEY - A blonde bombshell with possibly the best body of all heading into Vegas.
OHIO - A stunning redhead among a sea of blondes and brunettes, she will definitely stand out. Plus, I love her perseverance she displayed as it took her nine years to win her state crown.
PENNSYLVANIA - See Hawaii and DC for comments that put her on my contention list. Loved her from the start and has a definite story since she is hearing impaired. Also, just being gorgeous doesn't hurt.
TEXAS - Didn't put her up there because of the sash, tho being from the state that has produced the most Miss USA winners doesn't necessarily hurt, either.
UTAH - Love her first name - Teale - but beyond that she's beautiful and at 26 very mature, which should help her with the final question.
VIRGINIA - Another one of my absolute faves with a toned body to die for, this firmer Miss America contestant has really glammed it up since her MAO days and may be the best speaker of them all.
STRONG POSSIBILITIES -
The following could definiteky take the title, IMHO.
ALABAMA - It's hard to leave out a state that's placed consecutively the past six years and she is one of the most improved since winning her state title.
GEORGIA - Another state with a great track record, although they've never won the crown. Wholesome and down to earth and liked her personality in her video.
IDAHO - Definitely not from a pageant state, but like her look a lot, nonetheless.
MICHIGAN - Very strong possibility, so much so I seriously considered putting her in my contender tier.
MISSOURI - Another great speaker who always looks confident and poised on stage.
NEVADA - Another state with a good recent track record - and a former Miss USA - as its director, this year's titleholder should be just as strong as recent winners from the Silver State.
THOSE WITH A DEFINITE SHOT -
The last list are those who I've gone back and forth on in the past few months, but who's stock I think is definitely on the rise heading into Vegas. While they may not have always been consistent in photos, interviews and such since their state crownings, they have definitely impressed me enough to at least give them a solid chance at the 16 and even a possibility of winning the crown.
CONNECTICUT
IOWA
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
SOUTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE (My photogenic winner for sure, but once I hear her speak, I immediately drop her lower on my list. But since this is unequivocally a beauty pageant, that may not matter.)
WEST VIRGINIA (Another strong Photogenic possibility.)
WISCONSIN (My sleeper pick, just something I really like about her.)
Of course, this list could - and probably will - change once the preliminary presentation show is held June 1 and they all compete in swimsuit and evening gown, but for now I feel this is a pretty comprehensive prediction of those I expect to see in the semi-finals come June 5.
