Cannot believe another year has come and gone, and here we stand again. About to crown the next Miss USA. It seems like only yesterday my wife, Nia Sanchez, was crowned Miss USA 2014, but two predecessors have come and gone since than. Now here is the third.
This is the world's greatest national pageant and the most powerful nation in the Miss Universe roster. Eight winners in total and countless placements. So, let us be honest for a second. Besides Indonesia and Colombia, I am feeling any of the traditional powerhouses have produced a frontrunner for the next Miss Universe. I am hoping the USA can bring a bit of excitement to the 2017 roster.
Unlike 2014, when I knew my baby would triumph, and last year, when I thought I knew who would be the victor, this year, it is such a strong batch, that I just don't know who will emerge victorious. My previous lists have many ladies in common as this list, yet I see many potential spoilers for this pageant. It is exciting in its potential.
Jeez, this was tough, but the organisation has made it clear that there will only be a Top 10, so there is no point in wishing that there will be a Top 15 or 20. There won't be. So, we all have had to accept that and begin our lists. Yes, here are my 10 competitors who have surpassed all others and in my mind, have been called to compete in the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. Now, let us begin the ranking !
The Top 10. Honestly, this could go any which way with some of these ladies. Their performances were top notch. Their interviews were appealing. So, here they are.
Tenth Place
India Williams' Previous Ranking :
Pre-Arrival - Top 9
Post-Arrival - #10
Okay, personality wise she is one of the best and has, I assume, aced her interview. And at 6', that is one tall lady. Hence, her placement here. Now, can I be honest. California is facially, one of the weakest ladies in the bunch. I hated her Glam shot, it is borderline pornographic and I despise her gown. Please, judges, don't do this to us. Seriously, she is a downgrade from Deshauna Barber. You people are crazy if you think her an upgrade.
Ninth Place
Arynn Johnson's Previous Ranking :
Pre-Arrival - Not Ranked
Post-Arrival - Not Ranked
Yes, you read her rankings right. I have never paid her even the tiniest amount of notice, yet so good was her preliminary performance, I rushed to her Youtube video, and now here she stands. Her gown was my personal favourite and she knew she looked good. Would actually love to see Arkansas place.
Eight Place
Meredith Gould's Previous Ranking :
Pre-Arrival - Not Ranked
Post-Arrival - #7
Minnesota is the ultimate dark horse. She has one of the most exquisite faces in the competition, yet went pretty much unnoticed until the final hurdles. I actually think she is the best blonde in the competition. Wasn't a massive lover of her swimsuit presentation, but her pretty gown redeemed her.
Seventh Place
Lauren York's Previous Ranking :
Pre-Arrival - Top 3
Post-Arrival - Not Ranked
The hometown lady is so hit and miss for me, which is crazy because I was all for her winning after her state pageant. Yet, she just looks so mediocre sometimes. And, I was no fan of her gown choice. Nevada, I think you benefit from home advantage. She'll be up there.
Sixth Place
Whitney Wandland's Previous Raking :
Pre-Arrival - Top 6
Post-Arrival - Second Runner-Up
My baby ! I almost feel like I have betrayed you here...You were perfection last night. I admire how you channeled Deshauna in that gown. It is a winning combination after all. As a professional dancer, it shows in Illinois' body. She has sculpted in all the right places. Best of luck ! I hope she lives up to her potential.
We have reached my Top 5. I can already sense that some of you, if not many, are going to be dismissive of it. But, I must remain true to myself. These five ladies are the ones that I would be most excited to see in the winner's circle. I am not gonna lie here...it would be such a great and diverse Top 5. Anyone of them would make a great Miss USA. Bah, enough with the babble, let's how these ladies have conquered Ian's heart.
Fourth Runner-Up
Chhavi Verg's Previous Rankings :
Pre-Arrival - Top 6
Post-Arrival - #6
Did you catch New Jersey's cheeky little smile during her preliminary performances ? Did ya ?! Coz I did ! Damn, she blew the competitors out of the water in both rounds. Now, I will admit bias. I have always had a thing for Indian women. The skin tone is just too damn difficult to resist. Could be because I come from an island where it always rains and everyone has pale skin. So, I would be over the moon if she was to be up here on Sunday and possibly aced the question, and than that crown was put on her head. Also, let us not forget the political climate in the USA at the moment. A lot of migrants are frightened. Bridge building would be symbolic as well as deserved. She definitely could become the first New Jersey Miss USA.
Third Runner-Up
Julie Kuo's Previous Rankings :
Pre-Arrival - Top 13
Post-Arrival - #9
I can hear the gasps from her detractors already, but I will be honest...I always knew that pending her preliminary performance, Hawaii would enter my Top 5. That gown...was incredible. So very sexy, yet strongly elegant. Her body. Oh, mama, that lady has taken advantage of her state's great climate and geography, and it shows. When she admitted that all of her family lived in Taiwan whilst she lives in the USA ? I admire her courage. I would struggle to move from Ireland to the United Kingdom. Right, so yes, Brook Lee is serving on the panel. Blah ! As if that matters ! This lady will earn her place, I am sure of it. And do you know what ? I would be very okay if she went even farther.
Second Runner-Up
Megan Gordon's Previous Rankings :
Pre-Arrival - Top 3
Post-Arrival - Miss USA 2017
Boy, oh, boy do I think that South Carolina is the over-all candidate. She is the full package. The one that you know would be the most prepared for the Miss Universe Organisation. She has all the resources. But, oh, but. Am the only one who was underwhelmed by her preliminary performance ? The gown was dull and why she chose a one-piece that was not sexy is beyond me. So, I realised...she just doesn't excite me. I still think she has a great chance to win. I might even put her as my winner in my PG. She was just outperformed by my Top Two contestants at the preliminary and do you know what ? That matters.
First Runner-Up
Katie Coble's Previous Rankings :
Pre-Arrival - Top 3
Post-Arrival - 3rd Runner-Up
In my last list, I admitted that I found her washed out and aged. And I stand by that. Photos through out this pageant have not done this lady any justice, and even in her Youtube interview she did not look her best. At the preliminary, she made me eat my words, digest them and well...you know what comes next. North Carolina looked breathtaking. She had one of the most beautiful gowns. She actually reminded me of Angelina Jolie's character in 'Alexander'. A Grecian Queen of unparalleled levels. Her devotion to the Miss Universe Organisation is commendable. She has worked and worked for this . 2017 might just be her year.
Miss USA 2017
Cassandra Angst's Previous Rankings :
Pre-Arrival - Top 6
Post-Arrival - 1st Runner-Up
Well, here we are. The lady who is undoubtedly the most beautiful. The lady who has the drive to improve herself and make herself healthier. The lady who can inspire other young people in her home nation and in the world abroad to keep going even if it gets tough. She slayed in the prelims, with what I considered a great performance overall. Stunning gown choice and people, come on, her body is fine. She needs a bit of toning, no more. And honestly, if you are anything like me, you like a lady to have a little meat on her bones. Skinny-Minnies belong in the 60's. I would be so invested if Pennsylvania was to take the crown on Sunday night.
And, I am done, guys ! This will be the last national pageant I review for the year, unless Venezuela takes place, and obviously not including Irish pageants. I hope you enjoyed this list. I actually am quite proud of it. Genuinely want one of the Top 5 to take the crown. Anyone else would not be exciting for me personally.
Looking forward to the results !