Interview with Will Henderson | The Pageant Guy

Ok, not only do we share a same name -- my middle name is Henderson, his last -- but Will is awesome! Will is just a normal pageant guy in Texas, he describes, and does a lot of work with the USA system.  But he ventured over to MAO for an interview.  We tried the week before Miss America to catch up, but it was just pretty crazy in the packing/preparation department, so he patiently awaited my return, which was greatly appreciated!  His goal with his blog is to show the girls in their natural state, just having fun with questions you don't always here in the regular interviews.  So here's my chat with Will - and check out his blog HERE for more videos.

Support the Ali Forney Center...by coming to an exclusive party!

This Tuesday I will be returning a favor and helping Ronnie Kroell (who hosted the "Evening with Miss New York" for me) as a celebrity host at his 28th Birthday party, also a fundraiser for the Ali Forney Center and screening of "In Between Men."  This will be a great and fun event that I think many of you would enjoy if you're in NYC!  --------------------------------

Join us for an Exclusive Screening of the new web-series, “In Between Men”, LIVE performances of music from the soundtrack, and Supermodel Ronnie Kroell’s 28th Birthday.

Hosted by Randy Jones of The Village People and featuring DJ Justin Dawson, Tom McBride, Margot B, Netousha Monroe, Blue Hill, James Calvin, Travis Taylor, Adam Esparza, and more… 

Tuesday February 1, 2011

7:00-11:00 PM

Hudson Terrace

621 W. 46th Street NYC

Btw: 11 & 12th Avenue

General Admission $20.00 online ($25.00 at the door)

VIP Admission $75 or Two for $100

Complimentary food prepared by Chef Bill Seleno of Albert Hall Tavern, drink specials, and a celebratory toast for all guests. VIP includes Gift Bag and special seating. 

Space is limited, so please reserve your tickets in advance online:

www.ronniekroell.com/inbetweenmen

Proceeds will benefit the Ali Forney Center, for homeless LGBT youth.

www.aliforneycenter.org

As the visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people grows in our society, more and more LGBT teens are finding the courage to come out of the closet.Tragically, as many as 25% of these teens are rejected by their families, and many end up homeless on the streets. Homeless LGBT teens are more likely than straight homeless teens to be subjected to violence on the streets, and in the homeless shelter system. They suffer from inordinate rates of mental illness, trauma, HIV infection and substance abuse. The Ali Forney Center (AFC) was started in June of 2002 in response to the lack of safe shelter for LGBT youth in New York City. We are committed to providing these young people with safe, dignified, nurturing environments where their needs can be met, and where they can begin to put their lives back together.

Watch the Ali Forney story...

Miss America 2011

5 Miss America Albums on my Photo Gallery

Did that all just really happen? Miss America seems like a dream. It seems like our IHOP breakfast was a year ago and that final night was a dress rehearsal. Here's the thing: we all seemed so normal. These 53 women seemed to lie on an even playing field when in all reality, the work we have all done is so incredible and life-changing in our communities and beyond, that it truly sets us in a class of our own. It was such an honor to be among what Sam Haskell said to be “the most beautiful and intelligent class he's worked with.” Now granted, you think they say that every year. But the choreographers took it a step further and said not only that but we were the most competitive but with the most comradery, and that I can speak to. Of course we all come in on cloud nine, excited, awake!, energetic with big dreams and expectations. And as 53 Type A personalities are put in a room subconsciously sizing each other up and then you add preliminary awards, you're bound for some ‘tudes, right? Well, I think we had all prepared for a bit of it and honestly we did not witness it. That was the amazing part of our class!! From year one to two in my pageant career (haha) I came back because of the girls and the positive influences, friendships and memories. Well that feeling came full circle because new relationships are the best things I got out of my Miss America week. I really could not have asked for a better roommate (Arkansas), better late night talk buddies (Virginia/Nevada) and so many new friends whom I know will be in my life for a long time. Out of the entire experience, new found realizations in myself, my purpose and my responsibility in this society.

So what was it like?! Well lots of rehearsals with our amazing choreographers Barry, Stacy and Brian, dinners and appearances including arrival welcomed by Boyz II Men, IHOP breakfast for our Children's Miracle Network Hospitals partnership, visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower, Barry Manilow concert with a private meet and greet, dinners at Buca di Beppo and PF Changs. We filmed commercials for DSW, Planet Hollywood and Caesars Palace, did the rooftop opening photoshoot in little clothes, lots of cold and many takes...but it was really cool! We ate a lot at Spice Market Buffet, gave each other back rubs and spray tans, and laughed a whole lot together. It seemed normal. It didn't seem like "Miss America" as I may have dreamt about it, but I think that's because the girls were so real, so ready. By that point we were all so prepared, we were just on autopilot. I don't know that I will ever comprehend the magnitude of the experience.

I am so grateful for the people who helped me get there to the Miss America stage, physically, emotionally, mentally and proudly. The Miss New York organization and volunteers within it, our sponsors, my family, roommates and friends, my inspiration, allies and mentors, fellow MNY contestants...you have all been such a integral part of my journey and of the authentic me. I am forever grateful.  Each night at visitation, I met someone new who supported me and my voice.  And in the short amounts of time I had internet, I was overwhelmed by the support, the messages of encouragement and thanks, the messages of people who have been inspired to compete in MAO and support equality for others and/or themselves with confidence and pride, and just all of the incredibly positive energy that was sent my way from every place in the country.  You are my fuel, you are my motivation.

Now was it disappointing, many have asked? No. It wasn't. Well disappointing in the sense that 52 women always wish they could have gone further, but really, I felt as though I did everything I could. Turning around in my gown the preliminary and finals nights are moments and feelings I will never forget. Finishing my talent, what I was most nervous about, and seeing it on video and actually being proud of it! Giving Emoly West a run for her money in swimsuit – puhleease there is NO beating that body and walk! And when I answered my on-stage question on Wednesday night, I felt like I had done what I came to do. Just as I promised in my speech at the Wedding March months ago, I stood on the Miss America stage as a true ally. Being called into Top 15 as America’s Choice was utterly amazing! I really felt like I had won at that point, and feel that it was a major statement to the support I have nation-wide in this fight for equality. When I was not called for talent, I had so many people to really root for, that I could not even think to get disappointed. I was right on to cheering loudly for my friends, proud of each of them ahead of me. 

Congratulations to Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011, and the best of luck, intelligence, preparation and heart as you represent us all as contestants and America’s youth whom you are proving can take this country far. 

Here's to 5 more months representing the greatest state ever!  I really do <3 NY!!

Miss NEBRASKA is Miss America 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE HAVE A NEW MISS AMERICA!!!!

Sorry for not posting last night - we had a wonderful day and a very late night! The show started at 6pm Pacific - but it didn't air in Nevada until 9pm! That means we were able to go to the event, see the entire show, attend the post-event press conference, get some food AND be back in our rooms to see the final 45 minutes on TV! Such a fun, fun night!!!

In case you missed it, the new Miss America is Teresa Scanlan, from Nebraska! Earlier in the week - I posted that she would be the first runner up... but by the end of Friday, I was pretty well convinced that she could win it all! I thought it would come down to Nebraska and Hawaii - but when it was Nebraska and Arkansas at the end, I just kept thinking "They can't really crown a ventriloquist, can they?". So excited with the judges choice - and with the way she handled herself all night long...

Just a few fun facts about the new queen... SHE'S 17 - and the youngest Miss America since they instituted an age requirement in 1921... She's the first instrumentalist since Debbye Turner (who happened to be one of the judges) and the first piano player since Kellye Cash in 1987 (who sang AND played the piano for her talent. Debbye Turner played the Marimba)... She's the middle of 7 total children, 3 in front of her and 3 behind her... She was homeschooled through her Junior Year, and graduated from Scottsbluff High her Senior Year... Her hometown in Gehring, NE... her grandparents immigrated from Croatia... She was accepted into Patrick Henry College and had to 'defer' when she was named Miss Nebraska... she's be 'deferring' again now that she's Miss America... She tried to be Nebraska's Outstanding Teen 3 different times and was told she wasn't 'Teen enough'... so she entered Miss Nebraska as soon as she could... won it on her first try and went on to become Miss America... and she's not afraid to take a position on an issue... watch the press conference to see what i mean!






Additionally, here are a few random thoughts for those of you who still care about my random thoughts...

1. My love/hate relationship with North Carolina continues (see previous posts about multiple years of not doing a very good job when it comes to assessing Miss North Carolinas)... the lovely girl wins Talent and then doesn't make the Top 15. One of these days, I'll get it right.

2. In the 'Where Did She Come From' category this year --- Miss Washington. Mom asked Saturday night while we were waiting for the show to start, "Who's Jackie Brown" and I said... "I have no idea." We even saw her perform Talent on Thursday night and weren't super impressed. I hate it when someone's not even on my radar... it's a good thing I had a parade picture of her - 'cause otherwise, i wouldn't have even had a clue!

3. Oklahoma... My sister picked her out early - but by the time I saw her on Friday a the Parade, I thought "This girl is tired and has given up". I now see that she is just REALLY laid back... she was bouncing to the music when they were announcing the Top 5... that's just her. I misjudged her personality... glad Cori got it right!

4. We saw 6 of the girls perform their Talent on Thursday night - and let me say, they ALL performed BETTER on Saturday night during the live broadcast than they did during Prelims. I'd much rather have it that way than the other way around :)

5. I was LOVING the press conference with Miss America immediately following the show... Everyone in the room just started falling more and more in love with Teresa (you can see it on my Facebook page) the more she talked. She's very poised and prepared. I call her Refreshingly Capable and Confidently Independent. If I had a young daughter, I'd see Teresa as an outstanding, positive role model! :)

Hope everyone enjoyed these crazy posts --- it's my pleasure to bring you such thought provoking commentary mixed with captivating dither (LOL!) Honestly - thank you to my friends who indulge me each year when Miss America rolls around... and thank you to my "New" friends who've just discovered that I'm a bit of a kook when it comes to Miss America. Hoping we have something fun to talk about the next time we see each other! :)

If you'd like to see more of Teresa Scanlan, be sure to set your DVR's for Fox and Friends and The View for Monday -- She usually hits Regis and Kelly on Tuesday as well.

Until next year - when we crown a new queen... And we all have the honor of playing this guessing game one more time... I'll be practicing my wave between now and then... hoping you'll be practicing your vocals... so we can all sing together... "There She Is..."

Thanks again friends :)

crl

PARADE PHOTOS and MAKE YOUR PICKS!!!

Oh My Goodness!!! Yesterday was a HOOT!!! There's no other word to describe it! We had a Freaking Fabulous Time at the Miss America Show us Your Shoes Parade!!! This parade was a 'first' for Vegas... and is hopefully a new way to continue the Atlantic City tradition of a parade on the boardwalk each Friday. This was a 'walking parade' rather than girls riding in the back of convertibles... but it was just as effective! The complete album is on my Facebook page - but here are a few of my favorites...

It was a GREAT Time!!!

Now - today is 'Business Day'... which means you and I need to make some PICKS!!! I've attached a form for you to use - feel free to click on the form and hopefully you can print it. If not, it's super simple... just pick your top 15, then your Top 10, then your Top 5. We'll give 2 points for each correct Top 15 finalist, 3 points for each correct Top 10 pick, 5 points for each Top 5 pick, and a 'bonus' of 10 points if you correctly pick the winner! The person with the highest point total wins the Vera Wang Princess Gift Set!!! There are 3 different ways to get your picks to me... either respond to this blog in the comments section, or send me a Facebook Message, or send me an email at carrie@world-changers.com. I'll compile the results and announce the winner later this evening (or technically - tomorrow morning!!!).



Beyond the million parade photos i have on my Facebook page - Miss America hosted a press conference yesterday afternoon with nearly 50 Miss Americas - and the video is on Miss America's Facebook page and I've posted it on my Facebook page as well.

Beyond that - I'm not sure if there's anything else going on in the world today!?! Will try to get my picks in this afternoon --- make sure you get your picks to me before the show starts where you live (I think it's 8pm across the country) on ABC! In fact, I'll be at the Show at 5pm Pacific --- so I'll know who wins before they even broadcast it on TV out here!!! I promise I'll keep it all a secret :)

YAY FOR PAGEANT GAME-DAY!!! Get those picks in quickly!!!

Whoooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooo

crl

Preliminary Winners from Thursday Night!!!

We have WINNERS!!

All kinds of fun tonight! A wonderful opening number and the girls have it down pat after several days of performances! It's what i call a "Miss USA style Opening Number" - and is worthy of Network Television. I can't wait to see the final night live as well - I can only imagine the emotions and reactions of the girls who make Top 15 - and then Top 10 and finally, the Top 5. But I'm WAY ahead of myself!

Here are tonight's results!



Swimsuit = Oklahoma (an incorrect pick)... BIG SHOUT OUTS to my sister who spotted Oklahoma early on and stuck with her when I wasn't overly impressed. Oklahoma's daddy played NFL football and she originally wanted to be an Olympic swimmer when she grew up. When she hit the runway, it was like, 'BA BOOM!' She stunned the crowd when she came out because she's so long, tall and lovely. Oh, and she's blond! )



Talent = Nebraska (a correct pick!)... Get ready for Nebraska... this girl could win it all! She's only 17, but she's incredibly well spoken, super calm and has got it together! She wants to be a Supreme Court Justice one day - and she played the piano tonight without any background music. She's impressive! But she's 17. I've already gone on record with my family that she'll be the First Runner Up. We shall see...

So - Tomorrow is the "DSW Show us Your Shoes Parade" at Paris... and there's a press conference with all the Former Miss America's... and they'll announce the Quality of Life Winners. I'm looking forward to seeing the ladies in a little more 'casual mode' tomorrow instead of 'competition mode'. Plus - c'mon... Who doesn't love a parade of SHOES???

Now don't forget --- it's now time to put together your list of contestants! Top 15, Top 10 and Top 5 --- I'll post an official form tomorrow (but you don't have to print out the form - just email me a top 15, 10 and 5). And just as a reminder... I'm giving away a Vera Wang Princess perfume set to the person who gets the most points this year --- I may also include a few items of 'sparkle' straight from Vegas as well!

Again - really excited to be here!

Wish you were here!!!

crl

Final Prelim Picks!!!

Here we go! It's time for the final night picks for the Preliminary Competition... remember, the preliminaries are the first chance the judges have to score the contestants and based on their preliminary scores, that's how we get the Top 15 who compete on Saturday night. However, I'm going to make you wait a bit for my picks... it's much more important to tell you what's happened since we arrived! :)

We've had an amazing time already - after getting our room, we headed out to grab a quick bite to eat before picking up my press passes. We hadn't sat down for more than 2 minutes, when an old pageant friend who knew my Aunt Carolyn very well, recognized my mom, then my aunt and he said "When i saw 'mama' i knew it had to be you guys!" Then of course, more folks from the Kansas system recognized us and we all were able to catch up for a bit. Crazy how the first place you go, you get spotted by people you haven't seen in 15 years!!! We were just glad they 'saw us' before they 'heard us' - if you know what i mean :)

So - after saying our 'goodbyes' we went upstairs to the Miss America trade show - where all kinds of gorgeous gowns and accessories are available for sale... Also picked up some free goodies from Artistry Beauty, got our tickets for tonight's show and were able to see some of the contestants walking by for rehearsals. We were able to chat a bit with Miss Connecticut (who i think is really sweet) and saw Miss Nebraska walking at the front of the pack - leading the group of girls to their destination (SHE'S 17, BUT SHE'S INCREDIBLE!!!). After lots of photos and giggles, we headed back to our room to rest our feet until the show tonight. Considering we were up at 4am this morning, we could use the nap time!

Alright! Time for tonight's picks!

Swimsuit = Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Tennessee.
Two blonds and 2 brunettes in this group... I think Tennessee is the most photogenic contestant in this year's pageant... we shall see...

Talent = Kentucky, Nebraska, Connecticut and Maryland.
I've chosen 3 vocalists and a piano player... If the Irish step dancer from Virginia wins, I'm going to laugh out loud!

The best news is - I GET TO SEE IT ALL LIVE and then tell you tonight if i agree or disagree with the judges choices! :)

Oh - and the videos you see posted are 'Behind the Scenes' creations from Artistry (Day 1 is at the top of the page)... looks like they just finalized Day 2 --- it's not up on YouTube yet, but you can find it here!

http://www.facebook.com/artistry#!/video/video.php?v=184829948202493

They're fast paced and do give you a good synopsis of everything going on here!

Enjoy!!!!

crl