I just returned from the outstanding Evening of Dreams....sat with Misses PA and NJ and both are lovely...and Katie got ENGAGED in front of all of us! And it was AMAZING! OMG!! So many updates to come from the past few days!
For now, my top 15...
Arkansas
California
DC
Indiana
Louisiana
Minnesota
Michigan
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin
My top 5...
Virginia
California
DC
Pennsylvania
Texas
ENJOY!
Friday, January 29, 2010
So sorry...
Hey y'all, I apologize for not being able to respond to every request you have and for being behind on the blogging and photos. I have yet to see the light of day outside of Planet Hollywood and am a bit under the weather. I hope to have everything back up and running tomorrow.
Chris
Chris
Thursday, January 28, 2010
This woman just could not handle all the Miss America excitement last night...
and here's what Katie Berry and I thought of it...HAHA!
I love Miss America because...
Hi everyone!
As tired as I am, I cannot tell you how proud I am to be here at Miss America. The feeling of family that you get when you see people from your own state, the excitement of meeting new friends, and the idea that you are witnessing magic happen and seeing lives change is just an incredible experience.
Last night’s visitation was so much fun after the pageant. I have never been more proud of Heather than I was last night for her talent and we each took turns hugging her and lifting her off the ground. She was just radiant. I also made sure to spend some time with my dear friend Jen (DC) who is shining in every phase this week. Ashley (NJ) looked gorgeous as well. And I FINALLY found my way to the fabulous Amanda Kelly (Massachusetts)!! Amanda competed at the National Sweetheart Pageant two years ago and this year (because she AND her fabulous mother are SO amazing!) she went out to Hoopeston for the whole week to support her first runner up! We all spent some time talking out there and we became fast friends. Her mama is FIERCE I love that woman. They were excited to see me as well because they knew I was out here, it was a wonderful reunion and she is just so gorgeous I can’t stand it!
Of course all us kings, queens, and in betweens made our way down to the Heart Bar to discuss the night and celebrate the Miss America experience. My dear, dear friend Michael Nash (Indiana, also Miss PR’s Outstanding Teen, competing at large! Hehe) and I spent some wonderful time together and caught up. It’s also so cool to enjoy conversations with some of the designers and hear their take on the pageant business and the latest trends and news.
Tonight I am SO excited because the day of my pageant dinner has finally arrived! My close friends will join me at Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay and I’m just beyond thrilled that it all came together! It will be a wonderful celebration of friendship and pageant love!
Come visit me at The Red Carpet at the trade show, we are all the way in the back on the left side. EXCITING NEWS! On FRIDAY and SATURDAY we are showing Jonathan Kayne’s latest designs. They will only be available at our booth, and he’ll be there showing them off! To schedule an appointment to try on Jonathan’s line with me, please drop me a line at 516-297-5323. I will be available Friday from 10-1 and Saturday from 10-2.
Enjoy this FABULOUS Las Vegas day!
Love always,
Chris
Mr. DE 2008!
As tired as I am, I cannot tell you how proud I am to be here at Miss America. The feeling of family that you get when you see people from your own state, the excitement of meeting new friends, and the idea that you are witnessing magic happen and seeing lives change is just an incredible experience.
Last night’s visitation was so much fun after the pageant. I have never been more proud of Heather than I was last night for her talent and we each took turns hugging her and lifting her off the ground. She was just radiant. I also made sure to spend some time with my dear friend Jen (DC) who is shining in every phase this week. Ashley (NJ) looked gorgeous as well. And I FINALLY found my way to the fabulous Amanda Kelly (Massachusetts)!! Amanda competed at the National Sweetheart Pageant two years ago and this year (because she AND her fabulous mother are SO amazing!) she went out to Hoopeston for the whole week to support her first runner up! We all spent some time talking out there and we became fast friends. Her mama is FIERCE I love that woman. They were excited to see me as well because they knew I was out here, it was a wonderful reunion and she is just so gorgeous I can’t stand it!
Of course all us kings, queens, and in betweens made our way down to the Heart Bar to discuss the night and celebrate the Miss America experience. My dear, dear friend Michael Nash (Indiana, also Miss PR’s Outstanding Teen, competing at large! Hehe) and I spent some wonderful time together and caught up. It’s also so cool to enjoy conversations with some of the designers and hear their take on the pageant business and the latest trends and news.
Tonight I am SO excited because the day of my pageant dinner has finally arrived! My close friends will join me at Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay and I’m just beyond thrilled that it all came together! It will be a wonderful celebration of friendship and pageant love!
Come visit me at The Red Carpet at the trade show, we are all the way in the back on the left side. EXCITING NEWS! On FRIDAY and SATURDAY we are showing Jonathan Kayne’s latest designs. They will only be available at our booth, and he’ll be there showing them off! To schedule an appointment to try on Jonathan’s line with me, please drop me a line at 516-297-5323. I will be available Friday from 10-1 and Saturday from 10-2.
Enjoy this FABULOUS Las Vegas day!
Love always,
Chris
Mr. DE 2008!
Quick Wednesday night rundown...more to come tomorrow
TALENT
Heather sang Adele’s Laughing Song better than she ever has. I was so full of pride and excitement for her. She has been so amazing this week!!!
Ohio was good vocally as well, except on the very tippy top. Minnesota lived up to the hype…FIERCE voice and a hot red gown to go with it. Texas was great, wish she wasn’t first. PA was definitely the most entertaining tapper of 3. Cali was very elegant on pointe. I wish her music was more contemporary, but well done.
Sadly, Puerto Rico’s talent (even though she sang which was great much ‘read: MILES’ better than her state winning talent) was one of the weakest by far. After Elyse Umemoto powers through Angels on that stage, you’d better be prepared to back it up.
SWIMSUIT
For me, this was DC, Nevada, and KY all the way. Not just the abs but the walk of a champion. Congrats to Miss NY Alyse Zwick.
EVENING WEAR
Loved Vermont’s red and Arkansas red as well…better color tonight. Was Nebraska’s her state gown? I don’t remember. NY was the most unique of the pageant so far.
ON STAGE QUESTION
Sadly, tonight I realized it may not be the answers that are weak, but the questions they are being asked. Can we have a current events challenge please?
Heather sang Adele’s Laughing Song better than she ever has. I was so full of pride and excitement for her. She has been so amazing this week!!!
Ohio was good vocally as well, except on the very tippy top. Minnesota lived up to the hype…FIERCE voice and a hot red gown to go with it. Texas was great, wish she wasn’t first. PA was definitely the most entertaining tapper of 3. Cali was very elegant on pointe. I wish her music was more contemporary, but well done.
Sadly, Puerto Rico’s talent (even though she sang which was great much ‘read: MILES’ better than her state winning talent) was one of the weakest by far. After Elyse Umemoto powers through Angels on that stage, you’d better be prepared to back it up.
SWIMSUIT
For me, this was DC, Nevada, and KY all the way. Not just the abs but the walk of a champion. Congrats to Miss NY Alyse Zwick.
EVENING WEAR
Loved Vermont’s red and Arkansas red as well…better color tonight. Was Nebraska’s her state gown? I don’t remember. NY was the most unique of the pageant so far.
ON STAGE QUESTION
Sadly, tonight I realized it may not be the answers that are weak, but the questions they are being asked. Can we have a current events challenge please?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
WEDNESDAY - TRADE SHOW
I'm barely awake! After the amazing night that was last night I spent half the day at our trade show booth, which started out slow but got really busy, and the other half of the day in Sherri Hill's suite doing custom appointments. It was great to have so many DE friends stop by the booth that got into town today, and also meet some wonderful new friends.
Time to get ready for Prelim Night 2....ahhh exhausted but can't wait! Have you made your predictions?
Chris
Time to get ready for Prelim Night 2....ahhh exhausted but can't wait! Have you made your predictions?
Chris
TUESDAY NIGHT BLOG!!
Prelims were a thrill…excitement in the air! Katie looked wonderful and sounded terrific singing “I’ll Be Seeing You”. The opening number, which has been rough in rehearsal (Like, ‘we need another week to rehearse it’ rough), really came together and the girls looked they were having a blast!
SWIMSUIT
My favorites were Texas and Tennessee. They both OWNED that stage and had abs for days, at least from my vantage point. Puerto Rico leaned back when she walked, but she looks better in photos than she did in person. Some girls…they know who they are…pony kicked like they were getting paid for it. TOO MUCH! Congrats to Miss PR on her swimsuit win. Honorable mention to California.
EVENING WEAR
Again loved Tennessee…a bit pageanty, but that blue on a blonde works for me every time. SO MANY white and champagne gowns, kudos to HI, DE, TN, OH for bringing some color. Really liked California’s white, especially the rhinestone strips in the back. Really liked OH in purple and Texas in black. Too many Katie Stam/Kirsten Haglund wannabes.
ON STAGE QUESTION
Are we at a local? Many were very disappointing. DC highlight of the night by far. Can’t wait to see what she brings the rest of the week. Honorable mention Nebraska and New Mexico (love her!)
TALENT
Utah was my favorite. Love, love, love. Indiana was good but kind of boring. Virginia was INTO IT. She’s going for it all the way and I think she’ll do well. A few of the vocals near the end were strained, but good overall. Maine and Louisiana were just a tad disappointing. Just not as good as the dreaded hype. Good though. Liked Colorado, Oregon, and Arizona for their energy, but they don’t have winning talents. NJ looked beautiful and sang better than I’ve heard her. Well done Ashley!
Visitation was lovely. Heather looked radiant and is having the time of her life! I’m so excited for her. I FINALLY got to see Jen (DC), it’s been so long. She’s having a great week as well. Nicole (Michigan) remembered me from Hoopeston! She is sweet as pie.
After the pageant, pretty much a huge gay fantasy came true when I met, spent time with, took pictures with, bought a drink for, fawned over, and sang some Legally Blonde to Miss America 1998 Kate Shindle. IN LOVE! I also was able to spend time with so many wonderful facebook friends who I FINALLY got to meet in person! Craig, Gaspar, Travis, and a bunch of new friends as well. Met Tony Bowls (adorable) and had a great conversation with Chet, ED of PA.
I HAVE to get ready for the trade show…ahh!!! Can’t wait for Day 2 in VEGAS!!
Chris
SWIMSUIT
My favorites were Texas and Tennessee. They both OWNED that stage and had abs for days, at least from my vantage point. Puerto Rico leaned back when she walked, but she looks better in photos than she did in person. Some girls…they know who they are…pony kicked like they were getting paid for it. TOO MUCH! Congrats to Miss PR on her swimsuit win. Honorable mention to California.
EVENING WEAR
Again loved Tennessee…a bit pageanty, but that blue on a blonde works for me every time. SO MANY white and champagne gowns, kudos to HI, DE, TN, OH for bringing some color. Really liked California’s white, especially the rhinestone strips in the back. Really liked OH in purple and Texas in black. Too many Katie Stam/Kirsten Haglund wannabes.
ON STAGE QUESTION
Are we at a local? Many were very disappointing. DC highlight of the night by far. Can’t wait to see what she brings the rest of the week. Honorable mention Nebraska and New Mexico (love her!)
TALENT
Utah was my favorite. Love, love, love. Indiana was good but kind of boring. Virginia was INTO IT. She’s going for it all the way and I think she’ll do well. A few of the vocals near the end were strained, but good overall. Maine and Louisiana were just a tad disappointing. Just not as good as the dreaded hype. Good though. Liked Colorado, Oregon, and Arizona for their energy, but they don’t have winning talents. NJ looked beautiful and sang better than I’ve heard her. Well done Ashley!
Visitation was lovely. Heather looked radiant and is having the time of her life! I’m so excited for her. I FINALLY got to see Jen (DC), it’s been so long. She’s having a great week as well. Nicole (Michigan) remembered me from Hoopeston! She is sweet as pie.
After the pageant, pretty much a huge gay fantasy came true when I met, spent time with, took pictures with, bought a drink for, fawned over, and sang some Legally Blonde to Miss America 1998 Kate Shindle. IN LOVE! I also was able to spend time with so many wonderful facebook friends who I FINALLY got to meet in person! Craig, Gaspar, Travis, and a bunch of new friends as well. Met Tony Bowls (adorable) and had a great conversation with Chet, ED of PA.
I HAVE to get ready for the trade show…ahh!!! Can’t wait for Day 2 in VEGAS!!
Chris
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
HEATHER!
PS Heather looks WODNERFUL! She is not only great in photos but looks terrific on stage as well. I spent some time with her mom and sister and Jonathan at rehearsal and everyone is just so excited for her! I hope she continues to enjoy every minute of her experience! :)
ARRIVAL AND REHEARSALS!!
My flight got in almost an hour early, and I was SO excited just to land! After taking a shuttle bus to Planet Hollywood I waited in a loooong registration line full of Miss America fans and families and volunteers, you could feel the excitement in the air! After I threw everything on the bed in my room I headed down to the trade show, which Kelley and Brenna and the Davises (Kaitlin is Miss Gloucester County NJ 2010) had already set up for Red Carpet! I grabbed my badge and we all headed into rehearsal. We saw tonight’s evening gowns (no spoilers here!) and watched the opening number A LOT before grabbing a bit to eat at the Earl of Sandwich in the casino…GREAT food and so reasonable! Highly recommend!!
The opening number, as all voy readers already know, is “I’ve Got a Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. The girls look very cool doing it, although some have had some trouble coming up and down the stairs.
About to get ready for Night 1 of prelims…EXCITED!!!
Til next time,
Chris
Mr. Delaware 2008
The opening number, as all voy readers already know, is “I’ve Got a Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. The girls look very cool doing it, although some have had some trouble coming up and down the stairs.
About to get ready for Night 1 of prelims…EXCITED!!!
Til next time,
Chris
Mr. Delaware 2008
MY JOURNEY TO MISS AMERICA 2010!
I have LOTS of time on this flight to Las Vegas from New York-JFK, and although a nap is in the future right now I’m too excited! I am on quite possibly the greatest flight of my life on a new airline, Virgin America. I’m resisting connecting to their Wifi…yup, Wifi 35,000 feet up. Of course it’s $12.95, so I’ll just save that for later when I connect at Planet Hollywood. However, my battery power-less computer is happily plugged in to an outlet J and I am watching Pleasantville on FX, which is channel 23 on their live TV J
Until about a month ago, I was very back and forth about going to Miss America this year. I truly wanted to since I didn’t go last year (when Miss DE Galen Giaccone made the top 15!! Love her!). I kept up with my friend Claire Buffie’s blog and thought, wow, what a great idea, I should do that one year! So THIS WEEK I’m going to give it a shot!
Financially things are a little tight right now, but sometimes when opportunities present themselves you have to seize the day. I was fortunate enough to be able to go thanks to a wonderful opportunity came along, and I plan to make the most of my experience. I am staying at Planet Hollywood, which will make things extremely convenient and cut down on travel time everywhere! Between my room, the trade show, and the pageant, I probably won’t have as much time to shop around Vegas this trip, but I am looking forward to all of the wonderful things I have planned.
I will be joined by some of my closest friends…not just pageant friends, but real friends…while in Las Vegas and I can’t wait to reconnect with them upon arrival and spend some fabulous time (not to mention take even more fabulous pictures) with all of them. One of my local titleholders this year, Miss Rehoboth Beach 2010 Marcie Smith, will be out there as well as Misses DE 2007 and 2008, Brittany Dempsey and Galen. There are lots of other funs Delawareans headed out as well as MANY of my favorite Jersey girls! I’ve been able to become close with many a New Jersey pageanter as I judge, host, sing, etc. Ashleigh Udalovas, first runner up to Miss New Jersey Ashley Shaffer, was able to book a last minute trip and she also arrives today (Tuesday). Can’t wait to spend time with her. Also, my dearest NJOT Brenna and her mom Kelley will be there and while Brenna’s off doing OT things Kelley will be my date for much of the week! They have become wonderful and generous friends, both to me and my local organization as well as the entire Miss Delaware family.
I’m also looking forward to ‘meeting’ many of my Facebook pageant friends. We keep in touch all year long, but I didn’t make it out to Las Vegas last January so I can’t wait to enjoy their company as well. Originally I was going to host a pageant friendship/unity kind of dinner on Friday night, but then Trish, my boss and owner of The Red Carpet, decided to get us a VIP table at the Evening of Dreams Gala (YAY!) so I am going to have it on Thursday instead. I visited Las Vegas in 2007 with some friends from high school and they introduced me to the restaurant Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay. It quickly became my favorite, pretty much anywhere, and on Thursday I will be welcoming about 30 friends from a multitude of states to spend time together and celebrate the spirit of the Miss America pageant.
Well kids I guess that’s about it for now…can’t wait to touch down in a few hours and begin this wonderful journey! Hope to see you at the prelims each night, and come visit me at the trade show every day as well!
All the best always,
Chris
Mr. Delaware 2008
Until about a month ago, I was very back and forth about going to Miss America this year. I truly wanted to since I didn’t go last year (when Miss DE Galen Giaccone made the top 15!! Love her!). I kept up with my friend Claire Buffie’s blog and thought, wow, what a great idea, I should do that one year! So THIS WEEK I’m going to give it a shot!
Financially things are a little tight right now, but sometimes when opportunities present themselves you have to seize the day. I was fortunate enough to be able to go thanks to a wonderful opportunity came along, and I plan to make the most of my experience. I am staying at Planet Hollywood, which will make things extremely convenient and cut down on travel time everywhere! Between my room, the trade show, and the pageant, I probably won’t have as much time to shop around Vegas this trip, but I am looking forward to all of the wonderful things I have planned.
I will be joined by some of my closest friends…not just pageant friends, but real friends…while in Las Vegas and I can’t wait to reconnect with them upon arrival and spend some fabulous time (not to mention take even more fabulous pictures) with all of them. One of my local titleholders this year, Miss Rehoboth Beach 2010 Marcie Smith, will be out there as well as Misses DE 2007 and 2008, Brittany Dempsey and Galen. There are lots of other funs Delawareans headed out as well as MANY of my favorite Jersey girls! I’ve been able to become close with many a New Jersey pageanter as I judge, host, sing, etc. Ashleigh Udalovas, first runner up to Miss New Jersey Ashley Shaffer, was able to book a last minute trip and she also arrives today (Tuesday). Can’t wait to spend time with her. Also, my dearest NJOT Brenna and her mom Kelley will be there and while Brenna’s off doing OT things Kelley will be my date for much of the week! They have become wonderful and generous friends, both to me and my local organization as well as the entire Miss Delaware family.
I’m also looking forward to ‘meeting’ many of my Facebook pageant friends. We keep in touch all year long, but I didn’t make it out to Las Vegas last January so I can’t wait to enjoy their company as well. Originally I was going to host a pageant friendship/unity kind of dinner on Friday night, but then Trish, my boss and owner of The Red Carpet, decided to get us a VIP table at the Evening of Dreams Gala (YAY!) so I am going to have it on Thursday instead. I visited Las Vegas in 2007 with some friends from high school and they introduced me to the restaurant Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay. It quickly became my favorite, pretty much anywhere, and on Thursday I will be welcoming about 30 friends from a multitude of states to spend time together and celebrate the spirit of the Miss America pageant.
Well kids I guess that’s about it for now…can’t wait to touch down in a few hours and begin this wonderful journey! Hope to see you at the prelims each night, and come visit me at the trade show every day as well!
All the best always,
Chris
Mr. Delaware 2008
Monday, January 25, 2010
COUNTDOWN TO VEGAS...11 HOURS!!!
HEY ALL!!
YES It's been forever and a day since I last wrote but tomorrow I am leaving from New York-JFK at 9:30 non-stop to LAS VEGAS! VIVA MISS AMERICA! I am SO excited to head out there and represent the first state as well as support all of the contestants and work with The Red Carpet Pageant and Prom at the fabulous trade show.
Last night at the Miss Wilmington Pageant (Congrats Kayla Sherwood!) I was able to spend time with the wonderful team who raised me into this pageant world and I could not be more excited that the Miss America Organization is a huge part of my life. I have Bobbey Biddle to thank for this and I wish he was headed cross country with me, but one day soon! Maybe bring our new buddy Chelsi Smith, Miss Universe 1995, along for the ride...in the RV no less!
To everyone heading out, TRAVEL SAFE! I'll see ya there! To all of you watching from home, my goal is to update every day! Here goes!
CHRIS
YES It's been forever and a day since I last wrote but tomorrow I am leaving from New York-JFK at 9:30 non-stop to LAS VEGAS! VIVA MISS AMERICA! I am SO excited to head out there and represent the first state as well as support all of the contestants and work with The Red Carpet Pageant and Prom at the fabulous trade show.
Last night at the Miss Wilmington Pageant (Congrats Kayla Sherwood!) I was able to spend time with the wonderful team who raised me into this pageant world and I could not be more excited that the Miss America Organization is a huge part of my life. I have Bobbey Biddle to thank for this and I wish he was headed cross country with me, but one day soon! Maybe bring our new buddy Chelsi Smith, Miss Universe 1995, along for the ride...in the RV no less!
To everyone heading out, TRAVEL SAFE! I'll see ya there! To all of you watching from home, my goal is to update every day! Here goes!
CHRIS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)