It was an interesting pageant. I thought that Miss California's and Miss Hawai'i's questions were ridiculous-- one for being too challenging and the other for being too controversial. I do have to say that I gained some respect for Julianne Hough when Miss California stumbled on her question-- she comforted and encouraged her in a way that made me realize that she had genuine concern for her. Maybe she knows her as she comes from a famous LA-area family? But I have to say that the woman who was doing commentary about the women as they competed was horrible. She said things like, "Miss Missouri does not need any help walking. She's been doing it for a loooooong time." And during the evening gown competition, she told us a little bit about everybody's gown. Except for Miss Georgia's. For her, all she said was, "The contestants are not judged on their gown, but instead on their confidence and poise while walking in the gown." Miss Georgia's gown was a bit-- well, ugly, and that's how she covered it.
But I love the winner. She is great, and I would have been fine with Miss Hawai'i winning, too. I think that she would have fared better in Miss Universe than Miss District of Columbia, but who cares? I'm fine with the results.
A personal note-- during Miss Ohio's 'getting to know you' feature, they showed her teaching in the classroom. One of the kids was reading a book that I helped create here at my job. Made me root for her a little bit!
One last thing-- Ashley Wagner was one of the preliminary judges.