By Allan Brown
It's a go.
After being postponed from its usual late Spring date due to the pandemic, the 2020 Miss USA Pageant is set to go with preliminary presentation for both the Teen and Miss set for Friday at 6:45 p.m. The Miss USA finals will air on the FYI Network at 8 p.m. on Monday, November 9.
With less than a week to go until a new Miss USA is crowned, I thought I'd blog on the contenders, the pretenders and everything in between.
Having watched each contestant's individual video found on the Miss USA website, app and Facebook page, and also by viewing literally hundreds of photos (thank you good friend, Harold C. Brown, for always keeping me updated on the latest pictures posted!) in the past few months, here are who I think you should look out for in prelims and, of course, on finals night.
THE TOP TIER:
These are the ones, listed alphabetically, who I think have the best chance at taking home the crown:
FLORIDA : Not being a homer here, as I had my doubts on whether Monique could transform from a Miss America state titleholder (former Miss Texas in that program) to USA glam. She has done that, and more. Certainly worthy of giving the Sunshine State its first outright Miss USA winner. Note: Cheryl Patton of Florida became Miss USA in 1967 after the original winner, Sylvia Hitchcock, became Miss Universe. Exotic, well spoken and dressed to the nines in all her photos, Monique is certainly one of the standouts.
GEORGIA: Another former MAO girl, Alyssa, has sharpened her speaking skills since her time as Miss Georgia in that system and despite being a tad on the short side (Actually a trend among USA state winners this year), she could easily be the first Miss USA from the Peach State. I have never seen her in a bad evening gown in all her years of competing and definitely pushes the envelope in a good way in almost all of her fashion choices.
IDAHO: Another state that has never won the crown outright (Brandi Sherwood became Miss USA in 1997 when Brook Lee won Miss Universe), Kimberly Layne has it all, facial beauty, pageant savvy and intellect. Some of her wardrobe choices have under whelmed me, though I still think she's an upper tier contestant and one to watch.
MARYLAND: She may be the #1 one to watch right now, as she has brought her A game to Memphis, site of this year's pageant. For a while, she was in the middle status of my choices, but has definitely catapulted to my top 5 with her height, style and glamour in every picture she has posted.
MASSACHUSETTS: Also near my top, if not the top, and my clear favorite based solely on the video she posted. It wasn't even close. Wishing she could wear her state pageant-winning gown, which was killer, however, each contestant must wear a gown designed by Sherri Hill for the pageant (don't get me started on that.) Not worried, though, because this girl clearly has great taste when it comes to choosing wardrobe.
NEW YORK: Has been on fire in every photo I've seen. Top-notch interview outfit, terrific video and great wardrobe selections starting at state and going into events in Memphis. Certainly a strong possibility to give New York its fifth Miss USA and first since 1999.
OKLAHOMA: Just drop-dead gorgeous, with a great sense of fashion to match a terrific video and, obviously strong interpersonal communication skills. Could be the second Sooner in five years to win the title.
TEXAS: The most photogenic of all to me (Oklahoma is a close second), her interview suit was my absolute favorite of the bunch and she never disappoints in her fashion choices. Even when she is strictly casual, it works. Texas has always sent strong contestants and Taylor is definitely no exception. The Lone Star State hasn't won since 2008, is long overdue and this year could give the state its record 10th national winner.
DEFINITE POSSIBILITIES, THE MIDDLE TIER:
ALASKA: Hannah has pulled off the impossible, she's made an also-ran state (only 3 placements since 1972) a contender. One of my top three videos (that has to translate into a strong interview) and a great interview outfit to go with her speaking prowess, only two things make me put her in this tier instead of the top one, a few questionable fashion choices of late, and, quite frankly the state's poor track record of sending actual contenders.
CONNECTICUT: Has turned it on with both her interview attire, video and wardrobe in Memphis, she has been on my radar since her crowning, though admittedly she sort of dropped some since her state crowning, but now that it's show time, she has emerged strong once more.
HAWAII: Definitely a strong possibility as a winner and Hawaii's first Miss USA in 23 years, my only thing holding me back from putting her into the Upper Tier is her youth, as she comes across a tad teen in her videos. Certainly one of the most glamorous women competing, though.
MISSISSIPPI: One of the most beautiful and one of my favorites, who I want to place in upper tier. What has made me put her here is only her conservative wardrobe choices, which may (or may not) hurt her. I feel like someone has forgotten to mention this is Miss USA and not Miss America (a pageant she competed in two years ago.) Very strong story and video, though.
NEW JERSEY: The only thing that underwhelmed me was her actual headshot, however, in candids, on video and in various social media postings, Gina has stood out. And as a judge in many systems, I'd rather see the contestant look more glamorous in person that in her photos anyway.
ON THE BUBBLE:
CALIFORNIA: Go back and forth with Allyshia more so than almost any contestant, one thing that works for her is her age and maturity, along with a great video and strong interview outfit, working against her is that sometimes she can look and style like she's 40, rather than 25.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Another former winner in the Miss America system, Cierra may have the most bubbly personality of all and is clearly a strong speaker. A preliminary swimsuit winner at MAO, has one of the best bodies in one of the tiniest frames. If height isn't a problem, she could easily be up there.
ILLINOIS: Breathtakingly beautiful, Olivia fits the mold if the pageant were in another era. Needs more maturity and better fashion choices, though, to be a serious contender. Have said all along, Illinois sent her too soon, and I feel this is hurting her. Could still be in top 16 on straight beauty, tho, just mesmerizing.
MICHIGAN: Probably my #2 favorite video, she might get it done in interview, though her lack of all out glamour and fashion might make her fade into the woodwork in what is an extremely competitive year.
NEBRASKA: Another former MAO state titleholder, not the most glamorous, though something about her makes me think she could get in there. Great speaking skills and personality. Likeability factor is through the roof.
VIRGINIA: A former teen winner, Susie is a great speaker who waited the right amount of time to go to Miss USA at age 27. (see Illinois), not totally sold on her, though, based on recent photos, though do think she's articulate and was well put together for interview.
WASHINGTON: Was once in my top tier, tho she has sort of fallen off recently and is in the middling range. Great video and speaking skills could work in her favor if she pulls off a great presentation show.
Also of note: North Carolina (who could be a contender, though, who leaves for Miss USA in unironed jeans?) Clearly looks not interested, which is a shame, because originally she was a definite top 10 for me; Kansas (coming on strong so far in Memphis), Ohio (only because my friend, Harold, likes her and I trust his judgment and pageant savvy); Wisconsin (something about her I definitely like.)
So you can plainly see, with so many strong contestants, this year's pageant is a virtual dead heat and certainly worth the wait.
My Top 4 Videos:
1. MASSACHUSETTS
2 MICHIGAN
3. ALASKA
4. MISSISSIPPI
TOP 5 INTERVIEW Outfits:
1. Texas
2. New York
3 . New Mexico
4 . Connecticut
5. Alaska
Top 5 departure and overall wardrobe in Memphis and Beyond.
1. Maryland
2 . New York
3. Florida
4. Oklahoma
5. Massachusetts
For more information, download the Miss USA app or go to www.MissUSA.com
