Over the past 24 hours there have been articles posted, tweets tweeted, and pictures posted regarding the Miss USA 2018 competition. In a world of hashtags and click bait, many have taken full advantage (sometimes for the wrong reasons) of this extremely hot topic. Yes, I know I am late in addressing this topic, but I wanted to take my time to draft a piece that addresses my thoughts in an honest, clear and concise manner. I also want this post to offer an opportunity for further conversation regarding this topic. Well, enough of that! Here is my review of the Miss USA 2018 competition.
If you have not been living under a rock for the past 2 days, you are fully aware that the Miss USA 2018 competition took place on Monday, May 21, 2018, at 8:00 EST/7:00 CST at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport, Louisiana. Fifty-one contestants vied for the coveted title of Miss USA 2018. The competition opened up with a video and the song “Conqueror” by Estelle. Shortly after that, the first group of contestants made their way to the stage in order by state. This pattern continued until the final contestant made her way to the stage. Next, the top 15 finalists were announced by pageant hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey.
Top 15
South Dakota Georgia Maine Texas New Jersey Nebraska Florida Nevada Massachusetts Maryland Tennessee Oregon North Carolina Michigan California
The top 15 quickly prepared for the swimsuit competition. After the swimsuit competition ended, the following contestants were designated as the top 10.
Top 10
California Maine Nevada Tennessee New Jersey Nebraska North Carolina Georgia South Dakota Florida
The top 10 then competed in evening gown. The gowns ranged from very simple to over the top. After this portion of the competition ended, the top 5 were announced.
Top 5
Nevada Nebraska North Carolina South Dakota Georgia
The top 5 then had to compete in the on-stage question portion of the competition. The questions covered topics such as feeling unworthy, sexual assault, single parent households, boy scouts acceptance of girls into their organization, and 1/3 of women not voting in the last presidential election. Each contestant answered the question to the best of their knowledge and ability. Then the top 3 were announced.
Top 3
The top 3 then had to compete in the final word segment. They each were asked the same question regarding what message would they write with a marker on a blank sign if they were participating in a march. Interesting question, I might add.
After it was all said and done, Miss Nebraska USA Sarah Rose Summers walked away with the coveted crown while Miss North Carolina USA and Miss Nevada USA placed1st and 2nd runner up, respectively.
I have provided a chronological review of the pageant so now it is time for my Krystle Clear Pageant Review verdict. So was Miss USA 2018 Krystle Clear? Honestly: Not really. It was a bit translucent, and I will give you my reasons why.
- The opening number was rather boring.
I was hoping for energetic introductions from the contestants. They only walked the runway which was a bit too simple for my liking. I will say this I did love those Sherri Hill dresses.
- One very important contestant was missing from the top 10. Her name is Allissa Latham, Miss Massachusetts USA.
Allissa Latham, Miss Massachusetts USA
Yes, Allissa Latham, Miss Massachusetts USA should have been named to the top 10. She was beautiful, energetic, and confident on stage. Her walk alone at prelims and at finals gave me all of my life. I am not sure why the judges did not see fit for her to continue on in the competition.
- There was no formal introduction of the judges.
You only saw the judges’ names flash across the television screen, and the camera caught them a few times. Honestly, I think judge introductions are important so people can know who is judging and what qualifies them to be there.
- I was not impressed by the onstage question answers.
I felt the finalists did not truly answer the questions, and they seemed to ramble and talk around the questions. As a former competitor, I understand the pressure of having to answer a question in front of hundreds of people, but I still was hoping for stronger answers. I don’t think that is asking for much.
All in all, the competition left me rather confused and a little underwhelmed.
Well, I guess every competition has its highs and lows. Miss USA is still a great system, and I will continue to support them in any way I can. Congratulations to Sarah Rose Summers for winning the title of Miss USA 2018. I pray you have a successful reign and that you do well at the 67th Miss Universe pageant.
Even though I may not have been entirely pleased with the results, I am still a firm believer that pageants empower women and girls for success. I will continue to advocate for them in spite of the negative stereotypes and negative opinions from closed minded people who are keyboard bullies who have probably never competed on a stage in their entire life. They only speak from what they don’t know, and that my friend is called ignorance. I honestly don’t give any of their rhetoric residence in my mind or spirit. They only troll for click bait and attention. There is a way to have an opinion without being demeaning or negative. Only positive vibes are welcome in my little space on the Internet.
Well, that is all I have for now. Stay tuned for the next Krystle Clear Pageant Review.
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