The search for the 1998 Miss Teen USA is over and I would like to send my congratulations to Miss South Carolina, Vanessa Joy Minnillo!
I was quite disappointed that the pageant was not broadcasted live because of President Clinton's announcement to the public. Nevertheless, it was still exciting even though I learned who the winner was prior to the broadcast.
Now, let's review this year's presentation....
HOST: MARIO LOPEZ
To be honest, I was actually pleased with his overall performance. The only thing that bothered me, which also goes for Jack Wagner in the Miss Universe Pageant, was the fact that they weren't trained on how to address the contestants properly. It seemed like the "MISS" was completely omitted throughout the telecast. It was very annoying that a contestant be acknowledge like..."Thank you, Mississippi." or "Please welcome, Tennessee." I think that Mario was a good and appropriate choice. His personality, appeal and stage presence was just exceptional. Good job, Mario!
STAGE AND OVERALL PRODUCTION
I am still in the process of accepting the "redefinition" of the three sister pageants, so overall, it was okay. I still enjoy the traditional way, where the contestants get to speak, introduce herself and and be able to show everyone how proud she is to be representing her state. With the new look, only a selected few actually gets to be heard. I don't like having a live singer or singers on stage during any kind of competition, unless they're playing the piano in the corner. The swimsuit competition was almost like a concert of NSYNC, with the semi finalists as accessories to the stage. It will take a long time for me to get used to this "new look."
CO-HOSTS: ALI LANDRY & JULIE MORAN
What can I say about this two? There were some segments were I actually enjoyed them. However, sometimes they get a little to vicious with their personal comments. I was glad they decided not to talk during the evening gown competition because they were quite distracting in the Miss Universe Pageant. Both women are just absolutely beautiful and I wouldn't mind seeing them again in future pageants.
CONTESTANTS
There were quite a few good contenders this year and I would have to say that the quality of the contestants have changed dramatically throughout the years. This group was exceptional! Even I had a tough time choosing just 10 out the 51. How did my choices do? Well, I got 5 out of the 10, with Miss Tennessee and Miss Nevada placing the highest.
SEMI FINALISTS
Miss Florida - I was quite surprise that she did not make it to the top 5. Very articulate, very fit and and very well together young lady!
Miss Colorado - Beautiful girl! Another great representative from the Rocky Mountain State.
Miss Illinois - Pretty face, very photogenic, crowd favorite and was number one in my website voting!
Miss Mississippi - Very pretty but something's missing! I can't quite put my finger on it...
Miss Nevada - She was just an exceptional candidate! I'm so glad she made the top 3...thumbs up for the Silver State!
Miss Texas - Very poised, could have done better in interview.
Miss South Carolina - Well versed, very together and very natural teen. Seems to have that "go for it" attitude and I think she was a good choice for the title
Miss Tennessee - She rank #2 on my choices. However, after a while, it seemed that she was trying so much to look and act matured. Her answer to the final question was great!
Miss Virginia - This girl is just absolutely beautiful...definitely a Miss USA contender in the next few years. She needs to work on her interview skills and she'll be a conplete package!
Miss Wyoming - A very nice surprise! I think that her pictures in the internet did not do her justice. It's really comforting to know that states like Wyoming gets to be recognized in major pageants like this!
It made me really proud to be a Filipino after Vanessa won! I just wished that the Philippines would come up with a contestant like her in the Miss Universe Pageant....and as Brooke Lee said..."then I could die with a big smile on my face!"