Media Week Interview: Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst is Miss Universe Ready

The newly crowned Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst, of North Carolina is already securing her place for the Miss Universe crown. Yes, we know. It's only her media week, but she's been doing an incredible job as Miss USA.

When Your Favorite Didn't Make the Cut at Miss USA, Is 'Robbed' The Right Term?

Go on nearly every poll and prediction site and Miss Texas USA was declared the clear winner of Miss USA by fans from day one. Connecticut was also overhyped along with California, as well as a slew of other Miss USA contenders. The sad (but true) reality is that none of these contestants made the finals during the Miss USA competition, and die-hard fans were not having it. 

So, what happened at Miss USA this year?

TOP 10 Miss USA 2019 Swimwear Preliminary Competition

Miss USA 2019 preliminary competition was held on April 29 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino’s Grand Theatre in Reno Tahoe in Nevada, hosted by KOLO Chief Meteorologist Jeff Thompson and Miss USA 2018, Sarah Rose Summers.

 The final competition will be aired LIVE on FOX on Thursday,  May 2 at 8 pm ET.

TOP 10 Favorites

1. Miss Arizona - Savanah Wix. Savannah sang the nation's National Anthem at the Reno Aces game during the Miss USA Competition week.

TOP 10 Miss USA 2019 Evening Gown Preliminary Competition

Miss USA 2019 preliminary competition was held on April 29 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino’s Grand Theatre in Reno Tahoe in Nevada, hosted by KOLO Chief Meteorologist Jeff Thompson and Miss USA 2018, Sarah Rose Summers.

Evening gown persuades highly mannered sophistication, how well does the individual carry herself, and the wearer should honestly feed the audience's fairytale dreams.

The final competition will be aired LIVE on FOX on Thursday,  May 2 at 8 pm ET.

TOP 10 Favorites

1. Miss New Mexico - Alejandra Gonzalez. WOW, Miss New Mexico is bringing in the A+ game! Will she be the next Miss USA? Miss New Mexico's mixture of honey and canary yellow gown is giving us the Angelina Jolie vibe. Remember the infamous Angie side-slit legs at the Golden Globes?  Accentuating the piece with an emerald green chandelier earrings is a standout, and the way she presented during the competition screams Miss Universe ready.

Miss USA 2019 Pre-Pageant Predictions

It's official! The 2019 MISS USA Competition and the 2019 MISS TEEN USA Competition is heading to Reno Tahoe!

Miss USA airs LIVE Thursday, May 2nd at 8 pm on FOX while Miss Teen USA streams LIVE April 28th on www.missteenusa.com.

Miss USA 2019 Pre-pageant Predictions

PageantLIVE's People's Choice Winner

Cover photo from Getty Images. Top 10 headshots are from Miss USA.  PageantLIVE is officially listed at IMG/MUO media lists.

Spotlight on Miriah Ludtke, Miss Missouri USA 2019

Miriah Ludtke is not only Miss Missouri USA 2019, but she is also a bonafide boss babe and young professional making strides in the sales recruiter industry. After years of hard work, sweat and tears, Miriah has nabbed the title and is ready to prove to the world you can have it all - beauty, brains, a title, and a fulltime career.

Claim to fame

Miss Missouri USA

Fun fact about you

My name is Miriah Jo. Miriah is my Mother’s middle name. Jo(e) is my father’s first name. I don’t think it’s a coincidence either that my initials ended up as MJ since my dad is the biggest Michael Jordan fan ever. 

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018 what is it and why?

That the University of Illinois cheerleaders beat Mizzou in the annual Liberty Battle at The Braggin’ Rights Game in late December, this game has been a long time family affair, and the Liberty Battle is my favorite part. I know I’m a Missouri girl now, but Fighting Illini Basketball will always hold my heart!

When did you start getting involved in pageants?

I learned about the USA system after receiving a postcard in my mailbox. At that time, the organization was partnered with Lindenwood University and offered a large scholarship just for competing. The higher you placed, the more scholarship money you won. That year I went on to place 1stRunner Up at Miss Illinois Teen USA. A few years later I attended Lindenwood and graduated debt free! Who knew one postcard would be able to give me so much!

How does it feel to be the new Miss Missouri USA?

Unreal. If you haven’t seen my crowning video, I encourage you to watch it. When you chase something for as long as I did, it’s hard not to let yourself start to believe it may never happen. When it finally did, years of emotion and heartache from failure poured out of me. It was the most emotional moment of my life. A true blessing…

What's your plan or platform you will work on as Miss Missouri USA?

Big Brothers Big Sisters. My mother spent a part of her childhood in foster care and always taught me how important it is to take care of kids in your community. I have been matched with my Little Jyshyra for three years. She is an amazing young woman and a true blessing to my life.

Tell us something people don't know about you?

I have a serious obsession with romantic tragedies. I may or may not have cried for 48 hours after watching A Star is Born...

Any piece of advice to girls who are planning to join a pageant?

Invest in professional help for stage makeup and wardrobe selection. I can’t stress this enough. What looks good for Prom doesn’t always work on the pageant stage. I highly recommend Ashley Tribble for guidance. Ashley is a makeup business owner and a former gown store owner.

What's the best piece of advice you ever received in your life?

"Good things come to those that grind." 

What's your passion or interest outside pageantry?

I love animals! I had a really hard time as a kid making friends, but luckily I had a pet kitten who was always there for me to cry on. That cat passed in December and was one of the greatest blessings to my life. 

How do you define women empowerment?

For me, it’s about loving yourself and all your failures. Share your failures with the world. There are women out there facing the same struggles who need to know they aren’t alone.

What is something you can't live without and why?

Starbursts. Silly but serious! I am a sugar fiend! 

Social Media

Instagram Personal handle: @miriahl  Official Miss Missouri USA: @missmousa 

Facebook Personal page: Miriah Ludtke  Official Miss Missouri USA page: Miss Missouri USA 


By: Natalie Mc Govern
Photos: Georgina Vaughan (Cover Headshot), 2nd photo byTrey Saxon

PageantLIVE and Ask The Crown Exclusives. PageantLIVE is known for exclusive interviews, and we pride to have and maintains on publishing our original contents. 

Spotlight On Miss Nebraska USA 2018, Bree Coffey

Imagine her surprise when Miss Nebraska USA Sarah Rose Summer was called as the new Miss USA 2018, and suddenly she realized -- she would be taking her place! 

We caught up with Bree Coffey, the newly crowned Miss Nebraska USA 2018 who was obliged to take over the duties of Sarah Rose Summers as the first runner-up to the Miss Nebraska USA pageant.

She is honored and excited to hold this title and forever be a part of the close-knit Vanbros sisterhood.

Up Close And Personal  

Claim to fame.

I have yet to discover my claim to fame, but I do make great Guacamole!

Fun fact about you.

I played Badminton for my Junior College, and we ended up going to State!   

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018 what is it and why?

I wish that anyone waiting for a life-saving organ would get one so that they have a second chance at life.

Tell us something that people don't know about you.

Coffey hasn’t always been my last name, I was blessed with this last name at the age of 21 when my stepdad adopted me.

Bree As The Newest Member Of The Miss Universe Organization Sisterhood

What was your first thought when you heard that Miss Nebraska is Miss USA 2018?

My first thought was holy cow did that just happen as I screamed out loud “OH MY GOSH SARAH!!!” I mean, honestly how cool is it that Sarah Rose Summers is the first ever to win Miss USA from Nebraska?!

How does it feel to be the new Miss Nebraska USA 2018?

To be crowned the New Miss Nebraska USA is a blessing, and I am so honored and humbled to take over for Sarah Rose Summers.

What's your mission or plan as Miss Nebraska USA?

I plan to bring awareness to many different causes that are close to my heart. My platform is Organ and Tissue donation, but I would love to get involved with places like Open Door Mission, Rainbow House, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Hospital, and many more great organizations.  

Life And Pageants 

When did you start getting involved in pageants? 

My first pageant was in June of 2014 when I competed for Miss Hollywood USA. Ever since that pageant, I've fallen in love with what pageantry is all about, and I haven’t been able to stop since.

Any piece of advice to girls who are planning to join a pageant?

The advice I would love to give girls who are planning to compete in a pageant is to have fun and be you. If the outcome isn’t what you wanted that’s okay because I always say everything happens for a reason. If you win, that’s amazing and if you don’t, try again. Every year there are different judges, and you never know what they’re looking for. 

Always stay positive because what you put out into this world will come right back to you, and I believe that your positivity will show on that stage or an interview.

Also, if you’re the first runner-up remember you can end up filling the winner's shoes so be ready and get ready for your life to change for the better.

The best piece of advice you have ever received in your life?

Always go with the choice that scares you the most because that’s the one that is going to help you grow.

What's your passion aside from pageantry?

One of my passions is to travel. I love to meet new people, experience new places, and I enjoy getting to eat foods I’ve never had and be around different cultures.  

Tell us something you can't live without and why?

The one thing I can't live without is my family. Family means everything to me, and I’m not sure what I would ever do without them. Friends are equally as important as they are family you choose, and with, that you gain an extended family.

Bree On Women Empowerment

I believe Sarah Rose said it best in her onstage answer, “Speak your voice.” Your voice is the most powerful thing you have, your ideas, beliefs, and those are what empower you.

Social Media

Facebook: Miss Nebraska USA

Instagram: @Missneusa

Twitter: @RealMissNEusa

By: Natalie McGovern

PageantLIVE and Ask The Crown Exclusives. PageantLIVE is known for exclusive interviews and we pride to have and maintains on publishing our original contents.

Five Amazing Things We Love About Miss USA 2018

Miss USA 2018 is NEBRASKA!

Let's imagine for a moment the excitement on location, in her home state and on-stage when Miss Summers heard she is MISS USA!

Sarah Rose Summers is set to compete at Miss Universe in the rumoured host country The Philippines or Macau in November 2018, she was crowned Miss USA on May 21, 2018, in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana. 

Here are FIVE amazing things we love about Miss USA 

1. She is charming. Her charming wit and bubbly personality made her stand out! Sarah just magically changed the perspectives in the beauty pageant's on-stage Q&A department. Usually, we see the contestants looking very serious or tensed but with Sarah, she was cheerful, she seems like she was enjoying every second of the Top 3 Q&A and she delivered! 

2. She is the first Miss USA from Nebraska. It's for the books!

3. She loves her body. Her platform "eating disorder" is a serious issue especially with Instagram perfect posts all over the internet. Sarah partners with National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) to bring awareness of this issue; where she acknowledged the severity it causes through personal experiences she witnessed within her inner circle. According to National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that cause severe disturbances to a person's eating behaviours. Obsessions with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

4. She graduated Cum Laude and got double degrees. Sarah graduated with Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Communications and Child Development from Texas Christian University, and have recently completed her clinical rotations as a certified child life specialist which she referenced during the Top 5 Q&A round.

5. She gives credits. Sarah is very vocal about her faith and gratefulness to people who helped her grow --- is genuine. Who does that? Well, we all know that humility makes the great becomes greater. 

Hat's off to the newly crowned Miss USA!

By: Joyce Cortez

Disclaimer: Photo credit to MUO official photographer Frank L. Szelwach and Miss USA Facebook photo by Noam Galai.

TOP 10 Miss USA 2018 Evening Gown Preliminary Competition

Miss USA preliminary competition was held on May 17th at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana. The final competition will be aired LIVE on FOX on Monday, May 21st at 8 pm ET.

Like we always say here on PageantLIVE, the presentation is the key when it comes to evening gown. Here are our TOP 10 who we thought delivered elegance, gracefulness and, ladies who are ready to represent Miss USA at any given time.

TOP 10 Favorites

1. Miss Oklahoma - Cheyene Darling. Miss Oklahoma is a breath of fresh air whenever she hits the stage. Her fluid flowing, high slit red beaded gown is giving us a hint of mystery and the way she carried herself sealed the deal.

2. Miss Nevada - Carolina Adriana Urrea. Miss Nevada's jeweled, nude underlay gown by Alfredo Barraza with cut-out neckline, vertical lines following her toned statuesque and long sleeves made her look like she is ready to take over the Miss Universe stage.

3. Miss New Jersey - Alexa Noone. Miss New Jersey perfected her overall stage performance wearing a Sherri Hill strapped nude gown with iridescent gold leaf appliqué, paired with Stephanie Somer's diamond-shaped dangle earrings. 

4. Miss California - Kelley Johnson. Miss California is giving us a combination of classic and modern Hollywood glam, which is true to her state! Her Renè Atelier beaded deep V-neck, black lace bodice with a high slit and chic messy bun made her stand out!

5. Miss Texas - Logan Lester. Miss Texas is a shimmering golden goddess! She wore a sheer, body fitting, bustier and unconventional gold gown by New York-based fashion designer Naeem Khan.

6. Miss Mississippi - Laine Alden Mansour. Miss Mississippi's Lainey Berry couture gown looked heavenly. Her golden nude sheer gown with aquamarine beads and attached flowy aquamarine sky bluish hue chiffon reminds us of Elsa and Ariel in one. A fairytale on the Miss USA stage!

7. Miss Georgia - Marianny Egurrola. Miss Georgia is wearing a bohemian-blue-rhapsody inspired gown by Sherri Hill. Her beaded, regal blue, fringe gown with sheer paneling complemented with her natural black hair is a match made for elegance and charismatic persona.

8. Miss Virginia. Ashley Vollrath. Miss Virginia looked stunning! Her classic volumized combed back hair matched with exotic hybrid cheetah inspired, electric pleated gown she designed with Sherri Hill made her look like the Miss USA total package.

9. Miss Tennessee - Alexandra Harper. Miss Tennesse looked ethereal in her Jovani champagne gown with rose gold applique that complements her skin perfectly. Her presence on the stage looked effortless and could easily get the Miss USA crown.

10. Miss Nebraska - Sarah Rose Summers. Miss Nebraska is delivering a glamorous yet girl next door persona. Her classic black gown and bustling train by Sherri Hill, against her blonde hair and flawless skin look exquisite.

By: Joyce Cortez and Natalie Mc Govern

Disclaimer: Photos are from Miss Universe Organization and credits to official photographers Patrick Prather and Alex Mertz.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Ashley Vollrath, Miss Virginia USA 2018

Ashley Vollrath, Miss Virginia USA 2018

Claim to Fame:

I would say my ‘claim to fame’ would be my Instagram handle @AshweeAmanda. Many people know me from social media so they will refer to me as @AshweeAmanda when I see them out and about.

Fun fact about you:

My nickname growing up was “Girashley” because I was so tall and lanky.

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I would wish that no child in this world would endure a life full of suffering. From hunger, neglect, abuse, illness or disability, I would wish that a solution was established to eliminate it.

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

My platform involves being a cheerleader, and my job is to encourage and motivate teenagers, and young adults, to never give up, and to “Spread Your Wings and (F)orever, (L)ove, (Y)ourself.”

I hope by telling my own personal story of the struggles I faced growing up, and how I was able to overcome them, I am able to motivate young people that may be facing the same type of struggles, to never give up and dream big. As a product of teenage pregnancy, my mom and I were forced to grow up together. I lived in 3 different States before I had turned 4 years old due to my mom’s military responsibilities and experienced divorce first hand.  My struggle with academics began in kindergarten. It’s hard to understand how one might fail finger painting, and basic addition, but I was not up to par with all of my peers.  I failed kindergarten and experienced defeat at just five years old. I was diagnosed with a mild learning disability and graduated in the bottom 25% of my high school class.

Shortly after high school, I started believing in myself, and everything changed. I am now a senior at Virginia Tech and after interviewing with all the top media outlets in the country, this past summer, I chose to intern for Comcast Sports Net, in Boston, reporting at the regional level because of my love for the Boston Red Sox. I love my story and I want to share it while encouraging others to “Spread Your Wings and F-L-Y.” 

As Miss Virginia USA, I have been able to tell my story and pave a path for so many young adults guiding them to their own success story.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

Sports. I am a firm believer that sports make the world go round. I attribute sports for building me into the person I am today. Three adjectives that I use to describe myself; determined, hardworking and leader, are in my opinion, because of athletics. Additionally, my commitment to spectator sports formulated amazing friendships and taught me what good sportsmanship consisted of.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Personal accounts: 

Facebook: AshleyAmandaVollrath

Instagram: @ashweeamanda

Twitter: @AshweeAmanda

Snapchat: @Ashweeamanda

Miss Virginia accounts:

Facebook: @MissVirginiaUSA

Instagram: @missvausa

Twitter: @RealMissVAUSA 

Snapchat: @missvausa

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Teuila Lafi, Worlds Preteen Miss Tourism 2018

Claim to fame:

In my first 2 national pageants, I won 1st runner-up for the Little Miss United States. Then, I won my 3rd national pageant in 2017. I was also a principle extra in the feature film, “Aloha.”

Fun fact about you:

A fun fact about me is that I understand 3 languages and speak fluently in 2 of them: English, Hawaiian, and Samoan.

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I would love to be featured in New York Fashion Week 2018. I have always wanted to be a model and I enjoy being on the stage. This would be a great opportunity and experience to learn even more.

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

Operation Christmas Child is my platform. I love helping pack up shoe boxes to send to kids in Third World countries. For most of them, this is the first gift they have ever received in their life.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

I love reading, acting, singing, dancing, riding horses and spending time with my family playing games or go to the beach.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Teuila Desiree and Worlds Preteen Miss Tourism, both on Facebook.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Dani Walker, Miss Montana USA 2018

Dani Walker - Miss Montana USA 2018

Claim to Fame:

I am a pageant expert and creator of Youtube channel Pageant Access, which recently made the switch to youtube.com/daniwalker.

Fun fact about you:  

I am a huge UFC fan. If it weren’t for pageant expenses, I would be travelling the world to attend numerous fights. One of my bucket list goals is to watch one at Madison Square Garden. 

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

To be Miss Universe 2018. This is an obvious one, but it is at the top of my list because it would lead to the fulfilment of many other dreams, for myself and others. If this wish is granted, I will use my understanding of branding, and social media management, to bring relevancy to pageantry by strategically developing the Miss Universe title, into one of social influence. I have already successfully built a globally recognized Youtube channel, with the intention of making the skills, and benefits, of pageantry accessible to all women. I can, and will, do it for the Miss Universe organization, to begin a new era of growth and empowerment.

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

Many would not assume that I grew up with constant financial stress. My family struggled to afford food and rent. Experiencing living in a low-income, high-crime, neighborhood affected my worldview. When my mom had to ask friends for food, so I would not go hungry, I understood, and appreciated, basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and clothing. I recognized the need to help others living in similar situations, so I became an advocate for poverty. Since 2004 I have worked with over fifty non-profits to organize events, volunteer, or speak on behalf of our world’s poor. Poverty is a global issue, but progress is being made by coordination with communities and local non-profits, which offer services and resources. Whether I am selected as Miss USA or not, this is my life’s work, my true legacy. I will continue to champion this cause because loving one another is always worthwhile.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry? 

I am a person that is easy to please. A day filled with dogs, food, and dancing is ideal for me. If I could adopt every dog in the world, and give them a loving home to share my snacks with, I would do it. I also grew up dancing and performing in musical theatre. In high school, I was even enrolled in a local college’s dance program and received a scholarship. Till this day, dance brings me happiness, because it is something I can share with others that brings joy to us both. 

Where can we follow you on social media?

My official Miss Montana USA pages are Miss Montana USA on Facebook, @missmtusa on Instagram, and @realmissmtusa on Twitter. 

My personal Facebook and Instagram pages are @daniwalker and @pageantaccess. For bonus points you can subscribe to my Youtube channel youtube.com/daniwalker to watch my #roadtomissusa series, as well as a ton of personal and pageant related content, that is released every Wednesday!

Miss Nebraska USA Recap: Sarah Rose Summers Crowned!

Every now and then in theatre, things go awry, such as power outages during a show. Pageants are no different, especially when the production is being held in a ninety-one-year-old historic theatre building in downtown Omaha, Nebraska at the beautiful Rose Theatre. Sometimes they too, are faced with technical or in this case electrical difficulties.

A power outage occurred hours before the Miss Nebraska USA 2018 pageant on Sunday night. Contestants scrambled to get ready despite the mishap and made the best of the situation. Miss Nebraska USA, the final State pageant to the crown before the Vanbros 2018 class was complete.

Only a record seven contestants vied for the prestigious title to go on to compete at Miss USA on FOX, with returning 2016 second runner-up and Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2012 Sarah Rose Summers claiming the title. Even with very few girls competing nonetheless it was a tough competition. 

There was no announcement of a top 10, another first, as the audience anxiously awaited to see who would make the cut. Instead, all delegates went on to compete in swimsuit, and evening gown minus an intermission before they whittled it down to a final five. 

On stage question consisted of personality icebreakers and questions written by other contestants. Summers answer alluded to her advocacy of inspiration and motivation on social media, referencing "Mantra Mondays," she likes to post about. The eye-catching blonde wore a stunning red gown with a plunging neckline and floor-length train.

First Runner-up was Bree Coffey, who won the interview. Summers won the Swimsuit and Mentorship Awards. 

Composed, poised, and unabashedly confident, Summers took the title with ease and fulfilled one of her childhood dreams and adult goals- to be crowned Miss Nebraska USA. 

We are so excited to see what she does with the crown and look forward to following her journey to Miss USA!

By: Natalie Mc Govern

Disclaimer: Photo credit, Omaha World-Herald. www.omaha.com

Spotlight on Jasmine Fuelberth, Miss Nebraska USA 2017 By Natalie McGovern

Miss Nebraska USA Jasmine Fuelberth.

Okay, ladies and gents. We have final confirmation that Miss USA will be held in Las Vegas, so we are putting the spotlight on one of our noteworthy favorites to win the title this year, Miss Nebraska USA Jasmine Fuelberth.

Meeting Jasmine Fuelberth is like meeting your favorite Disney princess. You instantly feel warmth as she exudes a radiating love and kindness and her sweet personality is real and genuine. When I competed for Miss Nebraska USA 2014 she was the outgoing teen. Now at age 20, Jasmine has just as much heart and soul as she does beauty.

I had the privilege to conduct a little Q&A session when she made a stop in Omaha on Feb 4th at the sister franchise Three Eighteen

she works for in Norfolk. If you could sum up one thing about Jasmine, it is that she does not see the title as a fast way ticket to a glamorous and famous lifestyle. Rather she sees it as a vehicle to touch as many lives as she can and be an ambassador to people,
showing love and heartfelt kindness. “It’s not about the dresses and crowns but it’s about the people. For me, it is all about people, spreading love, giving encouragement, telling people they are valuable and loved, and that is my mission — not only this year but throughout my whole life.”

In every essence she is the perfect role model, embodying Miss USA with a lot of heart and desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Jasmine is as authentic as they come. We are hardcore fangirling over this beauty queen who is a stand out in this year’s competition, and also has an uncanny likeness to actress Margot Robie. We couldn’t also help but notice how stunning her super glam headshot is which won photogenic!

FUN FACTS:

 Jasmine is a theatre lover and when she was eleven she put on a backyard production of “High School Musical.” She even got local news coverage!

 This beauty queen is very skilled at doing her own makeup with tips and tricks she learned while professionally modeling. She had a flawless photograph ready look when she won Miss Nebraska USA. Some of her favorite brands she uses are Youngblood Cosmetics, and Sephora.

 Jasmine once had the opportunity to be a hired audience member for The Voice and Lip Sync Battle during her time in L.A.

 When asked about her opinion of the newly crowned Miss Universe, Jasmine said she loves Iris and would love to be able to speak French to her since she took it in high school!

 Jasmine was Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2013 and she won Miss Congeniality at Miss Teen USA. Along with the prestigious title of Miss Nebraska USA, she was awarded an award package valued at $80,000 and the chance to become the next Miss USA!

What She Did To Prepare: Jasmine came as prepared as ever to earn the Nebraska crown and earn a spot in Miss USA. On top of fitness and mental preparation, Jasmine shared these words of wisdom:

“Be able to let go, and let God. Prepare all you can, but then leave the outcome in His hands! Trust His timing and His plan for your life-because it’s a wonderful plan for each and every one of us."

The Crown

This is a sparkly piece of hardware you won’t want to take off! The rhinestone crown is iconic image of the Miss USA pageant and a coveted one at that. Jasmine has been dreaming of being Miss Nebraska USA since she was a little girl.

The Gown

Jasmine’s custom made Sherri Hill gown was tailored to fit her like a glove, and the burgundy velvet is perfection with a cascade of multicolored rhinestones forming a high neckline. So regal and elegant!

The Miss USA pageant was formed in 1952 and is run by WME/IMG and publicized on the FOX TV network. The winner goes on to represent the United States of America in the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe Organization owns both
the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 
pageants. http://www.fox.com/miss-usa

Good luck to Jasmine Fuelberth as she competes for the crown May 14th in Las Vegas!

More than just "Flirty" Vizcaya Swimwear - Lisa Opie and Franz Orban by Linda Suter

Linda's Gala Inc.

Miss United States 2015
http://www.missunitedstates.com/

We all love pageants: the beauty, the production, the atmosphere. While most of us concentrate on the Beauty and Atmosphere, it's the production, apparel and delivery that make the experience. At the recent Miss United States Pageant in Washington, DC, I had the pleasure to speak with Lisa Opie, the co-creator and designer of luxury swimwear brand Vizcaya Swimwear, the official Swimwear Sponsor to the Miss United States Organization. 

Being a model and former top-5 Miss United States Finalist, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her designs. Lisa draws inspiration for her designs from her history in modeling and pageants, and it is evident that she incorporates design ideas from diverse cultures in more than 30 countries she has visited. It is these  travels that has also allowed her to use fabrics from all over the world, with the current line of swimwear created with fabrics from Colombia.

Vizcaya Swimwear's Kristina bikini
http://www.vizcayaswimwear.com/

Rather than use an exotic, secluded beach for a photoshoot highlight her swimwear, Lisa would rather distinguish each piece by the model chosen for the shoot. These models are chosen, not only for their relatable looks, but also for their positive backstories and worthy platforms that Lisa and Vizcaya can support. Also, instead accessorizing her suits with big, flashy jewelry, Vizcaya has partnered with Shine Tattoos, makers of temporary metallic tattoos. These tattoos are waterproof, look fantastic and give the wearer the freedom of not having to worry about jewelry while at the pool or beach.

Of course, we all want that bikini, beach body, and Lisa has some very simple, easy to follow rules that help her stay in shape. Her Motto is, "The abs are made in the kitchen!" Instead of three large meals, Lisa eats six smaller meals throughout the day, consisting mostly of proteins (Chicken, meat and tofu) while cutting out the satisfaction foods like pizza!

Franz Orban and Lisa Opie, Owners of Vizcaya Swimwear
Official Sponsors of the Miss United States Organization

Franz Orban, who started Vizcaya Swimwear with Lisa in 2013, tells us that their association with the Miss United States Organization arose from the Organization and the models' desire to break from the traditional pageant swimwear, in favor of something a bit more "flirty". He is proud to be associated with the pageant as it allows a common design to be worn and expressed differently by so many models.

For the new 2016 line, he looks forward to maintaining that flirty look while incorporating more flora and fauna patterns. Please come view their new line at DC Swim Week July 24-25th. 

Lisa and Franz while in Washington, DC

My thanks to Pamela Privette from PageantLive for her assistance during the interviews with both Lisa and Franz. Also, many thanks to AJ of AJ Photoz for the spectacular pictures.

Lisa Opie and Paige Clark,  Founder of PageantLIVE
www.pageantlive.com

PageantLIVE & Ask The Crown's Most Memorable Moments of 2014

Setting the Trend

This has been amazing year for PageantLIVE and Ask the Crown.  These accomplishments were made possible by the incredible people who support us...YOU.  A heartfelt thank you to the volunteer staff, family and friends... you are all the backbone that brings life into each and every production.   Here are some of our most memorable interviews and moments from 2014.

10)  Miss Teen USA - K. Lee Graham

9) Gretchen Carlson - Miss America 1989 and host of The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson

8 ) Designer and star of Project Runway, Johnathan Kayne

7) Miss USA - Nia Sanchez

6) World Famous designer Mac Duggal

5) Stephanie McGrane co-hosting the Miss United States Pageant in Washington, DC where it was officially announced that the new winner would represent the US at the 2014 Miss World Pageant. And, of course meeting Megan Young - Miss World 2013!

4) PageantLIVE traveling to Mexico with titleholders from around the world to film a reality TV show

3) Kyle Haggerty helping Elizabeth Safrit win the Miss World Media Challenge with his Ask The Crown interview

2) Miss Universe - Gabriela Isler

1) Our media invitation to cover the Miss Universe Pageant! We can't wait to arrive in Doral! Watch for exclusive interviews with some of the most gorgeous ladies in the universe!

We hope your 2015 allows you to shine bright like a diamond!