Is anyone else watching? I watch every few years, and I felt like tuning in this evening. So far they've held the swimsuit part of the competition. Normally it's my least favorite part, because I love looking at the evening gowns and picking out my favorites, and then I enjoy the talent. (Some of them are really spectacularly talented.)
But tonight I noticed something. After weeks of watching the minuscule models of Project Runway, I realize that these Miss America contestants are not upsettingly, unrealistically skinny. They're healthy! Nobody looks waiflike or coltish. Their legs are muscular and rounded. They have hips and thighs. Their arms have substance. And you can't see their ribs! Gee, maybe Miss America actually is a good role model for girls.
As for the evening gowns, I see a variety of bodices, not just strapless ones. Quite a few ladies have those cap sleeves that I think Kate Middleton may have inspired. The colors are kind of blah to me--entirely too many white dresses and several ordinary blue gowns. But Miss California's gown is the most delectable orchid color. With long sleeves!
I really like Miss Kansas, the military contestant. I think she's supposed to sing opera. We'll see shortly, unless she's eliminated before the talent segment.
ETA: Miss Kansas has just sung some approximation of Nessun Dorma (which by the way is generally sung by Calaf, the tenor hero of Turandot). She has range, but whether out of nerves or lack of experience, she was very shrill.
More edit: Miss Connecticut has just done a step dance to a Riverdance song. I am such a sucker for step dancing. She did a great job.
But tonight I noticed something. After weeks of watching the minuscule models of Project Runway, I realize that these Miss America contestants are not upsettingly, unrealistically skinny. They're healthy! Nobody looks waiflike or coltish. Their legs are muscular and rounded. They have hips and thighs. Their arms have substance. And you can't see their ribs! Gee, maybe Miss America actually is a good role model for girls.
As for the evening gowns, I see a variety of bodices, not just strapless ones. Quite a few ladies have those cap sleeves that I think Kate Middleton may have inspired. The colors are kind of blah to me--entirely too many white dresses and several ordinary blue gowns. But Miss California's gown is the most delectable orchid color. With long sleeves!
I really like Miss Kansas, the military contestant. I think she's supposed to sing opera. We'll see shortly, unless she's eliminated before the talent segment.
ETA: Miss Kansas has just sung some approximation of Nessun Dorma (which by the way is generally sung by Calaf, the tenor hero of Turandot). She has range, but whether out of nerves or lack of experience, she was very shrill.
More edit: Miss Connecticut has just done a step dance to a Riverdance song. I am such a sucker for step dancing. She did a great job.