This year I decided that I wouldn't predict the winner of Miss America pageant in the days leading up to the pageant because last year, well, I failed. Last year, I thought for sure Miss Texas was going to win, but in hindsight that decision was based on my Texan pride. When Miss Oklahoma Laura Nelson won one of the prelim lifestyle and fitness (swimsuit) awards, her photo was compelling enough and I was pretty sure she was going to win, but I went with the Lone Star beauty, Shilah Phillips.
When I saw Miss Michigan's stunning swimsuit photo from her lifestyle and fitness preliminary win on the second night of competition, I had the same feeling.
Hindsight is always 20/20, right? In fact, Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund (pictured) took the tiara and won the Miss America 2008 title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and broadcast on TLC. Swimsuit photos aside, the pageant is about more than a pretty face and she seems like good people as well. The 19-year-old fromFarmington Hills, Michigan hopes to pursue a career on Broadway. If her talent performance of "Over the Rainbow" is any indication, she belongs on Broadway.
The runner-ups (in order from fourth to first) were Miss North Carolina Jessica Marie Jacobs, Miss Virginia Hannah Martine Keifer, Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto and Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash.Rounding out the "Top 16" were Miss Tennessee Grace Gore, Miss California Melissa Chaty, Miss South Carolina Crystal Alicia Garrett, Miss Georgia Leah Massee, Miss Arkansas Katie Bailey, Miss Wisconsin Christina Anna Thompson, Miss Florida Kylie Jean Williams, Miss Mississippi Kimberly Nicole Morgan, twirler Miss Iowa Diana Reed and Miss Utah Jill Stevens. Miss Utah made it the semi-finalists round based on online votes. She's also an ARMY Sergeant.
The judges seemed more random this year (one described as Justin Timberlake's childhood friend and one was an editor from OK Magazine) and I think they picked the right winner, but I think Miss Wisconsin Christina Anna Thompson was overlooked. If the slates were wiped clean at the beginning of the semi-final round, I'm unsure how Miss Washington made it as a runner-up. Her singing wouldn't have even qualified her for the "American Idol" reject show and Miss Wisconsin rocked in her red outfits. But that's why Miss America hasn't called me to judge yet.
I'm sorry Miss Washington, I'm just being picky. It's me, not you. In any case, congratulations to all the ladies.
I'm writing the media commentary now, in the meantime, check out my friend Robin Leach's story and photos from the pageant. Always worth the read.
More Miss America on Vegas Pop:
- Kirsten Haglund Photos
- Preliminary Winners Photos
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