Miss America
January 16, 2012
The competition for the 2012 crown for Miss America concluded Saturday night when Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler was awarded the title.
Although watching these competitions is not my cup of tea, I tuned in because so many of the designers featured at A L’Amour dressed the contestants. A L’Amour and A L’Amour Party proudly showcase designs by Tony Bowls, Jovani, MacDuggal, Terani, and Sherri Hill, all of whom have a strong presence in the pageant industry and were represented Saturday night. In addition, what is seen on stage in pageant competitions often influences the Prom collections from the designers as well. Last night I watched the competition not only as entertainment, but also as part of my job.
I must admit that I grew up watching Miss America. As a teen I watched the pageant every year, and dreamed of one day being crowned. Over the years I lost interest, but the buzz this year, by the designers we carry, encouraged me to tune in.
I have always been acutely aware of the wonderful scholarship awards that the pageant provides to the competitors as well as the winners. It is a wonderful opportunity for young women. I have never been a fan of the swimsuit completion, however, Saturday night I was blown away by the poise that these young women exhibited when parading on stage in their swimsuits.
The talent of the finalists was amazing as well—almost professional in the quality and the presentation.
I was equally impressed by the way the finalists answered the difficult questions posed by the judges…not an easy feat for the most accomplished of speakers especially when in the spotlight of millions of people.
What did not impress me was the way the competition was presented. Major changes were apparent to me, although I must admit I have not watched in a number of years. It seemed to me that the production was fashioned so that we were focused more on the reaction of the “loser” than of the winner.
I have since read online that the aim of this year’s production was to be more relevant and “hip”, with new elements of surprise. Tony Eaton, the producer, also teased that there would be one “squirmy” moment in the show that’s never before been attempted on live television. Tony relayed, “I was debating whether to do it or drop it, but I’ve decided it will go in. You’ll have to watch to see who squirms more — the audience or the contestants. It’s so radically new, you’ll be glued to it as it unfolds. I can only hope it goes well, as it’s never been tried before.”
On with the show…We were introduced to 53 contestants. Those girls were quickly reduced to 15 semi-finalists. In a classic reality-show twist, Brooke Burke announced that the 38 who were not moving on, would be able to vote later to save an eliminated contestant.
After the swimsuit competition the field was narrowed to 12—who quickly left the stage to change, leaving 3 girls in swimsuits on stage…the backdrop being all of the other 38 contestants.
I think the new feature was the “Save”. The final 12 were announced. As a “Surprise” the remaining 38 contestants were offered the chance to “Save” one of the 3 remaining girls left onstage by running and lining up behind the girl they wanted to “Save”. How “grade school” and childish—not at all what I thought the pageant represented. I could not help but feel sorry for the girls who stood on stage with not so many supporters behind them. “Squirm”. On top of that, Brooke Burke runs to interview the “Saved” Miss Alabama as she leaves the stage to get changed for the next part of the competition. You know…the “How does it feel to think you lost, but now you have a second chance” interview. Give me a break.
Then there was the final talent competition. All of the 13 finalists were to be ready and waiting to perform on stage—but some would not have the opportunity, only 10 would perform.
All costumed and prepared, again the audience watched as the finalists were told “in no particular order”, that they were “out”.
Reality TV—Idol, Project Runway, DWTS, The Apprentice—now too much a part of what should be a class act.
I watched the contestants—poised, accomplished, polished, talented women who aspire to make themselves and the world a better place. These are women who aren’t afraid to use the Miss America platform to pursue their dreams. A platform often criticized by the public.
The contestants were a class act……the production missed the mark. Hopefully there will be enough feedback across the country that the pageant organizers will step in and create a more sophisticated event that represents the caliber of women participating.
