Queens of the USA is a glitz pageant and everyone had on wonderful clothes and looked beautiful! Some of the contestants were not as polished on stage as I expected, but since Queens of the USA has an "Interview" competition, some of the girls who were not as polished on stage as others, did extremely well in Interview. Some parents were not pleased with the outcome (what else is new?) and felt that the Interview portion should not be required or considered for the younger children. I like the Interview competition because it really does give the judges a chance to have a few minutes to see the "real" child that is competing. I love pageants and feel that especially in the Glitz pageant world, that an interview is important as it shows the judges that the child is just not all fake hair, fake tan, expensive clothes and a modeling routine. I believe that our children can learn a lot from competing in pageants and the one thing they should learn is that BEAUTY is important but so is the ability to INTERVIEW.
There were four judges (the same judges for all divisions and age groups). Two of the judges had judged former Queens of the USA pageants, one was the mother of the High Point Winner the previous year and myself. I felt the group was a good one but I do like to see a panel of judges a little more diversified.
There was one very upset mom whose daughter received negative comments on her Outfit of Choice modeling routine (bikini). To me, the little girl was adorable and her modeling was excellent BUT she was a little thick to be wearing a bikini. I always hate to say a child is "fat" or "chunky" as it can lead to severe eating disorders BUT parents PLEASE consider what your child looks good in and what is flattering and what might not be so flattering! Negative comments are always meant to be constructive and I am sure the "negative" comments about this contestant and her choice of outfit was to let the mom know that such an adorable child should be in a flattering outfit of choice!
All the contestants received their score sheets immediately following the crowning and while all the judges were still there! Many of the children came up and "thanked" me but no parent came up and asked me anything. I was a little surprised as at least two parents were visibly not happy and talking to the Director. The Director cannot explain what a judge wrote or why that judge scored a contestant a certain way. If the pageant gives out score sheets and the judges are there, I feel the judges should be approachable and answer questions. It is my opinion that if a pageant is trustworthy (and why would you go to one that isn't), score sheets are not necessary to be given out! The Director of Queens of the USA had told me that the former Directors had not been so "trustworthy" and she is trying to re-establish the system by giving out immediately all the scoresheets.
Some parents are NOT ever going to be happy unless their child wins the BIG title. Even in a small pageant, only one contestant can win that title and when there are 4 judges you will get 4 opinions. I am sure that the scores were very close as I judged the contestants close as they were all very good. I was very critical on one child's modeling as it was very stiff but she got a perfect score from me in Interview. Another child was near perfection in her facial beauty, wardrobe and modeling but was weak in Interview. I would hope that both children (the parents) learn from my comments on their score sheets and work on those areas.
There were so many Overall Titles I don't remember all of them but Queens of the USA offer lots of opportunities to win a gorgeous crown! Cash was awarded for the Jackpot Optionals which I had never seen done before!
I would highly recommend this pageant to everyone that is interested in Glitz Pageants! Even if you are "new" to the Glitz world of pageantry, I think you will enjoy this system. The Directors are wonderful women who truly care about running a fair and honest system. There are no hidden agendas and at no time are the judges told what to do in regards to judging a certain contestant.
This coming weekend I will be in Northern California to judge Miss American Coed - a pageant that is a more Natural system and Interview is an important segment. Talent, Photo and Speech are all optional divisions. There are no High Point winners or combined scores. The highest title you can win is age group: Queen, Talent, Speech, Photo, Volunteer, Academic Excellence, Modeling and Participation. You can win more than one title. The Nationals are in Florida in November. This system is a great start point for those interested in going into the Miss America or the Outstanding Teen programs.
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1 comment:
What a wonderfully written post. Thank you for taking the time to write it. I believe ALL pageants should offer score cards to the parents so each person knows what they need to work on or improve on. My daughter is 4 years old and has only competed in a few pageants but she has won and loves it. I mainly have her in dance right now but hope to do some more pageants - there are just not that many in Tulsa, OK.
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