I got the opportunity to follow Miss USA this year, and overall, I’m very disappointed. Many non-powerhouse states sent good candidates, but many of them lacked impact at the prelims. Add to that the boring pre-pageant activities, no glam shots/evening gown shots, and the Miss Universe 2015 recycled theme, we get one of the most boring Miss USA editions ever! Fingers crossed, tonight will be amazing.
Now to the girls, I’ve selected my top 16 based on my taste in beauty, the girls’ prelims performance and their overall consistency in the pageant.
TOP 16
MARYLAND
I liked Christina’s swimsuit performance. Her walk wasn’t the best, but she had energy. I can’t stand her smile though; it looks very weird. She had a gown that could’ve done well without the unnecessary overthrow. Overall, I think Christina is a decent delegate. She isn’t strong enough to win, but she isn’t weak enough to clap either.
KANSAS
Victoria is one of the girls who performed really well in the prelims, but no one is mentioning. If she places, it’ll come as a surprise to many, but I think it was earned. Though she is facially not strong, her swimsuit presentation was one of the best in my opinion. I also liked her evening gown. It reminded me of Megan Pickney in 2013. I honestly don’t see Victoria winning Miss USA, but I wouldn’t mind seeing her causing an upset, she could even sneak into the top 10.
NEVADA
It’s obvious Emelina is shy, and I think her swimsuit presentation was a bit flat. But she redeemed herself in the evening gown segment. I don’t think Emelina is as strong as her predecessors, but we’re in Vegas, and there is no way the host girl is going to miss the first cut.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Deshauna is one of the few girls who has a good walk. She aced the swimsuit segment, but was a bit underwhelming in evening gown. Her gown would’ve looked way better without the unnecessary overthrow. The fact that she is an army veteran might help her to get a spot. I would like to see her going further than Emanii though.
LOUISIANA
Alright, she was very weak in her swimsuit presentation, but I think she’ll make it. IMG is hungry for attention, and Mayliaah’s weight issues will make headlines. She had a good evening gown, and I think her overall look stood out. A lot of people are doubting her, but she could pull an Olivia Culpo type of win.
NEW JERSEY
I’m a bit on the fence with Jessielyn’s performance. She was alright in swimsuit, though she reminds me of Melinda Bam with that pointed nose. And I’m not the biggest fan of her evening gown, especially the bottom area. But she has mad interview skills, and I think that’ll secure her a placement. How she performs from there will determine her end result.
TOP 10
TEXAS
I’m not the biggest fan of Daniella, but I can’t deny the fact that she was very strong in the prelims. She was good in the swimsuit segment, and she looked like a Miss Venezuela contestant in evening gown. After re-watching the prelims, I’ve come to appreciate Daniella a little. I believe she has all it takes to win Texas’ 10th Miss USA crown.
SOUTH CAROLINA
I’m in love with Leah! She doesn’t have the best face in the competition, but she has convinced me that she is worthy of the South Carolina sash. I’m secretly hoping she pulls a major upset and enters the top 5 tonight. I love how she was just having fun in the swimsuit competition. And her overall evening gown presentation and look was very strong. She really cemented her underdog status at the prelims.
OHIO
It’s obvious Megan is a confident diva, but her styling makes me think she is auditioning for the role of Bree Van de Camp of Desperate Housewives. Which is a pity, because she started out very strong. She looked old and worn out in both segments, but gave strong performances nonetheless. I’m not a fan of her gown. The top part was good, but the bottom looked as though a fox was trying to climb onto her. I expect her to be up there because of her pageant experience, but I don’t expect to see her in the final five, unless she changes her gown.
GEORGIA
I had to re-watch the prelims to see why there was this buzz about Georgia. And I got it, Emanii nailed both segments of the competition. I loved her energy and relaxed confidence, but somehow I’m not loving her overall styling. It makes her look like she has no neck. I think she should change her gown, because it looks boring and ill fitted. If she wins Miss USA, I wouldn’t complain, but she should definitely change her styling and gown…
MICHIGAN
Susie knows how to work the stage. She’s a confident catwalk diva, but she needs to change her hairstyle. It looks as though she is auditioning for Desperate Housewives, and got casted as Susan. For me, her evening gown was nothing special, but I wouldn’t count her out yet. Behind all that hair is a beautiful girl, who could easily win the Miss USA crown.
TOP 5
4TH RUNNER UP: COLORADO (Caley-Rae Pavillard)
Caley literally has one look, but somehow it works for her. I was a bit worried about her prelims performance, but she really delivered. I was impressed with her swimsuit performance, especially with her body, and how calm she strutted her stuff. The overall look worked for her! I’m also in awe with her evening gown performance. Her gown looked a bit disturbing, but she looked majestic! I wouldn’t mind seeing Caley win the crown. She might be a one dimensional Miss USA, but her face is too good to be ignored.
3rd RUNNER UP: MISS 52 (Alexandra Miller)
Erin Brady’s twin sister! Alexandra was a last minute addition to the competition, and even though she had one week to prepare, she really proved why deserved to be on that stage. She was one of the best in the swimsuit segment, since she had the best walk, and presented herself with so much confidence. While I’m not the biggest fan of her face, she has the aura that can take her all the way to the crown. Let’s not forget her evening gown presentation! <3
2nd RUNNER UP: WISCONSIN (Kate Redecker)
From neck up, Kate is the most beautiful woman in Miss USA 2016. I’m in awe with her Hollywood-ish beauty, but somehow I have the feeling she’ll become the Danielle Hooper of this edition. Her body is one of the weakest in terms of proportions, and I think she could’ve added a little bit more sass to her catwalk. She looked amazing in evening gown though. I think the ball gown was an amazing choice for her, and she carried it well. It would be a dream come true to see her in the top 3.
1st RUNNER UP: HAWAII (Chelsea Hardin)
Chelsea is one of my favorites. She has all the qualities of a modern day Miss USA. I love the fact that she doesn’t have to try hard to stand out. Her prelims performance was solid. I loved how calm and relaxed, but sexy, towering and confident she was during the swimsuit segment. I’m not sure whether to love or hate her gown, but she carried it well (she probably change it). It would be interesting to follow her reign as Miss USA (did anyone noticed the tattoo on her right foot?) Btw, her smile is contagious!
MISS USA 2016: VIRGINIA (DESI WILLIAMS)
Desiree has been my favorite since she won Miss Virginia, and I’d be ecstatic if she wins Miss USA. She is an absolute beauty, and was one of the best in the prelims in my opinion. She was very confident, and presented with the right amount of flare, without going over the top. Her body is a bit more masculine than the other girls, but she has come a long way in terms of transformation. Plus, it shows how discipline she is. While her Evening gown was a bit plain, she still managed to stand out amongst a group red riding hoods. Desiree is very smart, and articulate. If ever she gets to the top 5, the title will be hers to lose. I think it’s about time we have a black Miss USA, and I think we have a very strong girl in Desiree. Praying she gets the call!
Thanks to Missusa.com for the pics. Let me know what you guys think. It's after 5am in Cayman, so I'll go get some sleep!