Every year, thousands of American girls join their state pageants in order to wear that much coveted Miss USA sash and wear the Diamond Nexus Lab crown. Being a Miss USA is not just getting a chance to be Miss Universe but also a greenlight for instant celebrity status.
So it is roughly one month and a half to go before we get to known who are the "real" contenders for the much coveted Miss USA crown for the year 2014. Right now, all 51 delegates are gearing up to hit the stage, so let's get to know who are the probable girls that will be Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady's successors.
My observations are based on their photos, state pageant pictures and available bio. It is not necessarily my views on them should be static, that is one reason why I never draw a definite list until the game-changing preliminary nights. So without further ado:
ALABAMA - Jessica Ahlberg
Alabama hardly ceases to go Bam bam bama! This state is memorable for almost winning the Miss USA 2013 crown last year in the form of the angelic Mary Margaret McCord. 2014 and enter, Jessica Ahlberg. Research her photos and one immideatly sees a momentum reminiscent of Ukranian stunners Olesya Stefanko and Olga Storozenkho. Ahlberg is arguably the most photogenic contestant of this batch and being the first state out there on the Miss USA ramp, she is going to set the tone right as her face and body is totally heard-turner material. In her pageant candids, her poses might seem a bit tomboyish, but I suppose she will come with a walk to reckon at Miss USA, so my eyes are definitely on this girl.
ALASKA - Kendall Bautista
Alaska hardly gets noticed in a big way at Miss USA and this year is no exception. Kendall was the clear cut winner at Miss Alaska USA 2014 amidst not-so-competitive beauties. Her beauty can be passable, her body needs further toning and she can be lost amidst a sea of competitors at Miss USA unless she game up with some awesome rampwalk.
ARIZONA - Jordan Weesel
I certainly felt that Miss Arizona Teen USA 2014 Savannah Wix was more Miss USA than the actual Miss Arizona USA 2014 Jordan Weesel. Anyways Savannah Wix has a promising future, as she is just 16. So far I am not impressed with Weesel's beauty, she seems cutesy and girl-next-doorsy. I might suspect a Audrey Bolte in her, so I am waiting to see if she has more to offer.
ARKANSAS - Helen Wisner
Helen Wisner was not my suspect to take the Miss Arkansas USA 2014 title. Her runner-ups would have been far better competitors. The only thing that gets me noticed her is her skin tone. Otherwise, she looks demure and less competitive. Perhaps, she interviews really well to defeat her promising runner-ups.
CALIFORNIA - Cassandra Kunze
The statuesque Kunze defeated more than 100 hopefuls to become Miss California USA 2014. California is always under radar, having the second largest number of Miss USA crowns to their kitty. With the Hollywood in their backyard, Kunze, for me, is Hollywood ready. Her beauty is classic and she can be underestimated wrongly but the fact that she has won a competitive state pageant at her first try speaks a lot. Kunze needs to tone on her masculine body, though.
COLORADO - Eleanna Livaditis
Colorado has fielded a beauty born in the land of Aphrodite. The subtle Greek features are noticeable on Eleanna but according to me, she is a down-cry compared to last-year's edgy Amanda Wiley. Her body is fine and she is a safe choice. However, there is a potential to groom her further.
CONNECTICUT - Desiree Perez
Last year, Connecticut became the first state in history to claim Miss USA and Miss Teen USA title in the same year. If they made one kind of history, next: are they running for a back-to-back? The answer might lie in the pretty Desiree Perez. Born in pageant-pro Venezuela, Perez looks every inch Venezuela from head to toe. But then, she seems short. If she plays her beauty and bang-on body and that sash-factor, she can be a potential crown stealer.
DELAWARE - Kelsey Miller
Delaware is the least successful state in Miss USA history and still has to open an account in the semifinals. I don't think this year is going to be different for them. Kelsey needs major softening in her facial features and also her body doesn't look in shape. If she gets this done in time and considering her tall height, she might make an impact, so let's see.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - Ciera Butts
Butts has an exotic aura about her. Born in Maryland, she seems competitive but at some angles, her features seem to harsh for my tastes.
FLORIDA - Brittany Oldehoff
Enter Oldehoff. What a magnetic face, both on pictures and screen. I am already starting to see more than a Miss USA in Oldehoff. This state has never won the title, though they have assumed one during 1967 when Sylvia Hitchcock became Miss Universe. Oldehoff's face is magnetic and she stands tall at 6 feet. Backed by her modelling experience in Project Runaway, Oldehoff is an early runaway favorite to take it all!
GEORGIA - Tiana Griggs
Griggs' smile is poster-quality. With her serene aura and tall height, Tiana would be hard to miss on any stage. She seems to be very genuine and I would love to see her go further in Miss USA. With Brittany Sharp's robbery last year, Tiana should bring Georgia back with revenge.
HAWAII - Moani Hara
This Aloha state is sending a very exotic contestant, suiting their reputation. Hara is not your typical Hawaii-an looking girl. She has a Puerto Rican aura going all over, whether it comes to her face or body or skin tone. She also has an inspirational story, being a former dyslexic. Barring her height, I am seeing Moani Hara will make an impact at Miss USA.
IDAHO - Yvette Bennett
Bennett facial features are very unconventional. She seems to be very congenial though. Idaho's placement in Miss USA are very sparse and I don't think this year is going to be a greenlight for them.
ILLINOIS - Lexi Atkins
Atkins is no stranger to the modelling and entertainment industry. She is best remembered as the barbie in candycotton pink gown at Miss Teen USA 2010, eventually finishing as second best. Atkins has also been in the acting field and one can't help but notice a melange of sweet and Hollywood aura at the same time in her. One of the angelic faces in this batch. Illinois finished third best last year in the form of Stacy Juris, another facially stunning delegate.
INDIANA - Mekayla Diehl
Diehl is the type of beauty that would be an instant hit at stages like Miss America. A big smile, healthy beauty and a cause (she was former child abuse victim), Mekayla may be a silent killer, come finale night as her profile photos are an underwhelming comparison to her pretty candid self.
IOWA - Caryln Bradarich
Carlyn Bradarich is the sister of former Miss Illinois USA Ashley Bradarich. Carlyn Bradarich is very ladylike and one might notice a hint of Mary Margaret McCord in her. I feel she needs further toning and if that is done, she can be a game to beat at Miss USA.
KANSAS- Audrey Banach
Banach is another unconventional beauty to be competing at Miss USA 2014. The styling is there, however her stance and projection seems very awkward. Banach might sadly be lost in a sea of other competitive girls.
KENTUCKY - Destin Kincer
Kincer is tall and screams stage presence. She has all the potential to put Kentucky back on the Miss USA map. She is one girl who just defies being not liked.
LOUISIANA - Brittany Guidry
Guidry is one refined face that made heads turn back at Miss Teen USA 2009, where she finished in the fourth place. She is one of the girls to beat in this competition, as her overall frame is just stellar. Especially when her hair is pulled back, her presence is undeniable and she has the qualities that can propel her into the semifinals. Therefore, irrespective of the factor that she will be competing on home turf, Guidry can easily sail to success.
MAINE - Samantha Dahlborg
Dahlborg, on the other hand, might be lost in a sea of stunners. Her presence is tamed and she might pass as one of the least promising of the batch. At 19, I felt she would have been more suited for the teen pageant.
MARYLAND - Taylor Burton
Burton looks like a hybrid of Julia Roberts and Penelope Cruz. Overall, I like her but I need to see more of her. Maryland, which has recently given us the likes of Nana Meriwether and Kasey Staniszweski, shouldn't be underestimated and Burton has the potential.
MASSACHUSETTS - Caroline Lunny
Lunny has a very classic vintage beauty to her face. Her serene facial features can be her plus. Back in 2008, she was one of the top 15 finalists that were called at the Miss Teen USA. Massachussetts had a surprise placement last year in Sara Kidd, are they in the game this year? My answer would be yes.
MICHIGAN - Elizabeth Ivezaj
Born in Albania, Ivezaj lives up to the reputation of an East-European stunner. Her looks are on the extremely cute and teen side, but I don't see a reason why she shouldn't be the next Miss USA. Her face is like a cherub and she instantly reminds me of Magali Romitelli, Miss Argentina Universe 2006. Michigan also consistently performs well at Miss USA.
MINNESOTA - Hailey O'Brien
O'Brien is a deadringer of Miss Australia Universe 2013 Olivia Wells. Is this a plus or a minus? She is blessed with a serene face and based on her overall styling, seems a silent killer for me. She also has pageant experience to back her, having won pageants like Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2010 and Miss Collegiate America 2012.
MISSISSIPPI - Chelsea Reardon
Reardon spots a very toned body but she isn't a major contender on my list. Her jawline is prominent and she might join the likes of Miss New Jersey USA 2013 Libell Duran.
MISSOURI - Erica Sturdefant
Sturdefant's poses in the pictures might seem a tad awkward but when you look from the neck-up, she instantly promises to be one contender. Her beauty is enough for her to get noticed and her body is also nice and lanky. She has come a long way since her Miss Teen USA stint. With proper training, Sturdefant can turn all tables and take home the crown.
MONTANA - Kadie Latimer
Montana is another underperformer at Miss USA. Latimer, for me, is a diamond in the rough. She can be Montana's next semifinalist, given proper training. Her styling is there, her face is stunning and her presence is noticeable. She needs to get some curves on her body, though. She does seem to look less stellar in photos, so we will have to wait until the preliminary night, say.
NEBRASKA - Amanda Soltero
I don't think Nebraska will be turning heads this year. Soltero is a safe choice and I am not particularly impressed with her.
NEVADA - Nia Sanchez
Sanchez follows Sarah Chapman, Miss Nevada USA 2011 to be the second Miss California veteran. Sanchez was a runner-up to Miss California USA 2010 along with Nana Meriwether, Miss USA 2012. Sanchez is definitely a latina at core but I am guessing her beauty will be a hit or miss case at Miss USA. Considering she had edge at competitive pageants like Miss California USA, I am guessing she must be having a killer walk, so that is to see. Other than that, her beauty seems Desperate-Housewives-ish to me and since Miss USA has moved out of Vegas, Nevada has a decreased sash factor this time.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - Bridget Brunet
I am not a fan of Brunet's beauty, it doesn't seem interesting to me. She has the risk of being overshadowed, as she stands one of the shortest delegates in the batch at 5'4".
NEW JERSEY - Emily Shah
Shah is going to be under the radar simply for the reason that the Indian-American community is in the limelight after the victory of Nina Davuluri at Miss America 2014. Shah is of an Indian heritage and New Jersey also fielded Libell Duran last year, who was of Dominican heritage. Shah had countless tries at Miss Miss New Jersey USA. I consider Shah belonging to the same category as Libell Duran, her beauty needs toning. Nevertheless, she is under my purview.
NEW MEXICO - Kamryn Blackwood
Blackwood is a sportsperson and has a good height. Other than that, I assume she is not a contender as her features are too harsh for my tastes.
NEW YORK - Candace Kendall
New York is yet to win its fifth Miss USA crown since Kimberley Pressler. Kendall is a type of girl who would register a tick mark in every department. Her beauty is a stand-out and I think a semifinal placement might be due for this state, that had sporadic placements in recent history.
NORTH CAROLINA - Olivia Olvera
Olvera had three runner-up placements at South Carolina before she could move to North Carolina and give a last try and she eventually did win it. Olvera has a latina flavor written all over, however some bookmarkers might classify her beauty in the raw and overweight department. Olvera is also one of the shortest in the batch at 5'4".
NORTH DAKOTA - Audra Mari
Mari was the second best at Miss Teen USA 2011 pageant. Her placement over there was a surprise to me but it is not hard to see that Mari sports a statuesque, womanly look at 5'10". Her beauty might classify as matronly for my tastes, so I am waiting to see more of her.
OHIO - Maddison Gesiotto
Maddison Gesiotto is a decent contender from Ohio, a state which has been doing well recently at Miss USA. She has a beaming smile and a likeable personality. I was really disappointed when her fourth runner-up, India Simone couldn't win the title. India Simone would have been a sensational contender at Miss USA with her tall, ebony Parisienne model looks and her styling like Miss Tanzania Universe 2012 Winifrida Dominic.
OKLAHOMA - Brooklyne Abigail Young
I am not sure of Young's beauty. Her head seems to be bigger than her body and her styling to be a tad matronly. I will need to see more of her in order to consider her properly.
OREGON - Emma Pellett
Pellet's looks might not be everyone's cup of tea. Her features, though decent in some angles, doesn't seem to click right. It might seem this might be another black year for Oregon.
PENNSYLVANIA - Valerie Gatto
The only thing I like about Gatto are her polarizing eyes. Her face however seems too chubby and large and she might be overshadowed by others.
RHODE ISLAND - Christina Palavra
I am pleased with Rhode Island's delegate this year as she is a total headturner material. She sports a frizzy hair and stands tall at 6 feet. Her beauty reminds you of Miss Italy Universe 1997 Denny Mendez. While Olivia Culpo surprised everyone by bagging Rhode Island's first Miss USA crown, Palavra can equally be a fantastic Miss USA with a totally likeable personality. She is my sentimental favorite for the crown.
SOUTH CAROLINA - Christina Zapolski
Zapolski looks the typical American blonde with wholesome facial features and she also sports a tall height at 6 feet. Zapolski might not be my favorite for the crown per se but I see her doing well in this competition.
SOUTH DAKOTA - Brittany Palmer
I do not see a contender in Brittany Palmer, but she does have this decent overall look. At some angles, she seems mature in her facial features.
TENNESSEE - Kristy Landers Niedenfuer
This big T state had missed the cut last year, hence breaking their 7-year semifinal streak. They are certainly back with a boom. Niedenfuer looks every inch a classic Miss USA. Regardless of her sash factor, her regal beauty and charisma will be an instant hit at the pageant. They won their first crown in 2000, 7 years later Rachel Smith won it for Tennessee in 2007, and seven years later, we have Niedenfuer this year. So are the stars inclined for Tennessee?
TEXAS - Vanessa Guzman
Guzman is not the kind of candidate I would expect from this Venezuela of Miss USA that is Texas. Her facial features are average for my taste, but considering her name and winning the competitive Miss Texas USA pageant says that she might be having latina flair when it comes to presentation. She is also experienced, having ended as a runner-up several times at Miss Texas USA after representing the same state at Miss Teen USA 2008. Disregarding the sash factor, I think Texas will miss the semifinal cut for the fourth time since 1992.
UTAH - Angelia Layton
Angelia finished fourth at the Miss Teen USA 2010 pageant. She might be the Ashley Durham of this competition with her cutesy, teen yet modern facial features. She also appeared on the Survivor: Philippines series and has a great personality, so I am sensing that she will do well.
VERMONT - Gina Bernasconi
Bernasconi sizzles with her expressive eyes whenever in photos. However, her candids are a far downcry. She might pass as harsh and raw in some angles. If only she can glam up like she is in her photos, then she will be considered as a worthy contender.
VIRGINIA - Arielle Rosmarino
Rosmarino's face is so mesmerizing when you look at her. Her bone structure is just perfectly chiselled and a glam curly hairdo would look phenomenonal on her. Virginia tends to be ignored at times, so I hope Rosmarino really floors the judges, come preliminaries.
WASHINGTON - Allyson Rowe
Washington placed in the Miss USA semifinals only three times since 1980 and I don't think this year is going to be any different. Rowe's facial features are elongated and harsh and she will be sadly drowned in a sea of competitors.
WEST VIRGINIA - Charisse Haislop
Haislop comes across as very sweet and girl-next-doorsy, however I feel that there is major scope for her to glam up on finale night, so lets see if that happens.
WISCONSIN - Bishara Dorre
Bishara might turn out to be one of the well prepared black delegates of this batch, but I will wait until the prelims to pass my judgement on her. Right now for me, she has that x factor but I want to see if she can really pull a show.
WYOMING - Lexi Hill
Hill's facial features are harsh and she has the disadvantage of being one of the shortest at 5'4". Wyoming hardly has luck at Miss USA and looks like this year is not going to be any different for them.
SO HERE ARE PRE-PAGEANT FAVORITES
ARIZONA - Jordan Weesel
I certainly felt that Miss Arizona Teen USA 2014 Savannah Wix was more Miss USA than the actual Miss Arizona USA 2014 Jordan Weesel. Anyways Savannah Wix has a promising future, as she is just 16. So far I am not impressed with Weesel's beauty, she seems cutesy and girl-next-doorsy. I might suspect a Audrey Bolte in her, so I am waiting to see if she has more to offer.
ARKANSAS - Helen Wisner
Helen Wisner was not my suspect to take the Miss Arkansas USA 2014 title. Her runner-ups would have been far better competitors. The only thing that gets me noticed her is her skin tone. Otherwise, she looks demure and less competitive. Perhaps, she interviews really well to defeat her promising runner-ups.
CALIFORNIA - Cassandra Kunze
The statuesque Kunze defeated more than 100 hopefuls to become Miss California USA 2014. California is always under radar, having the second largest number of Miss USA crowns to their kitty. With the Hollywood in their backyard, Kunze, for me, is Hollywood ready. Her beauty is classic and she can be underestimated wrongly but the fact that she has won a competitive state pageant at her first try speaks a lot. Kunze needs to tone on her masculine body, though.
COLORADO - Eleanna Livaditis
Colorado has fielded a beauty born in the land of Aphrodite. The subtle Greek features are noticeable on Eleanna but according to me, she is a down-cry compared to last-year's edgy Amanda Wiley. Her body is fine and she is a safe choice. However, there is a potential to groom her further.
CONNECTICUT - Desiree Perez
Last year, Connecticut became the first state in history to claim Miss USA and Miss Teen USA title in the same year. If they made one kind of history, next: are they running for a back-to-back? The answer might lie in the pretty Desiree Perez. Born in pageant-pro Venezuela, Perez looks every inch Venezuela from head to toe. But then, she seems short. If she plays her beauty and bang-on body and that sash-factor, she can be a potential crown stealer.
DELAWARE - Kelsey Miller
Delaware is the least successful state in Miss USA history and still has to open an account in the semifinals. I don't think this year is going to be different for them. Kelsey needs major softening in her facial features and also her body doesn't look in shape. If she gets this done in time and considering her tall height, she might make an impact, so let's see.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - Ciera Butts
Butts has an exotic aura about her. Born in Maryland, she seems competitive but at some angles, her features seem to harsh for my tastes.
FLORIDA - Brittany Oldehoff
Enter Oldehoff. What a magnetic face, both on pictures and screen. I am already starting to see more than a Miss USA in Oldehoff. This state has never won the title, though they have assumed one during 1967 when Sylvia Hitchcock became Miss Universe. Oldehoff's face is magnetic and she stands tall at 6 feet. Backed by her modelling experience in Project Runaway, Oldehoff is an early runaway favorite to take it all!
GEORGIA - Tiana Griggs
Griggs' smile is poster-quality. With her serene aura and tall height, Tiana would be hard to miss on any stage. She seems to be very genuine and I would love to see her go further in Miss USA. With Brittany Sharp's robbery last year, Tiana should bring Georgia back with revenge.
HAWAII - Moani Hara
This Aloha state is sending a very exotic contestant, suiting their reputation. Hara is not your typical Hawaii-an looking girl. She has a Puerto Rican aura going all over, whether it comes to her face or body or skin tone. She also has an inspirational story, being a former dyslexic. Barring her height, I am seeing Moani Hara will make an impact at Miss USA.
IDAHO - Yvette Bennett
Bennett facial features are very unconventional. She seems to be very congenial though. Idaho's placement in Miss USA are very sparse and I don't think this year is going to be a greenlight for them.
ILLINOIS - Lexi Atkins
Atkins is no stranger to the modelling and entertainment industry. She is best remembered as the barbie in candycotton pink gown at Miss Teen USA 2010, eventually finishing as second best. Atkins has also been in the acting field and one can't help but notice a melange of sweet and Hollywood aura at the same time in her. One of the angelic faces in this batch. Illinois finished third best last year in the form of Stacy Juris, another facially stunning delegate.
INDIANA - Mekayla Diehl
Diehl is the type of beauty that would be an instant hit at stages like Miss America. A big smile, healthy beauty and a cause (she was former child abuse victim), Mekayla may be a silent killer, come finale night as her profile photos are an underwhelming comparison to her pretty candid self.
IOWA - Caryln Bradarich
Carlyn Bradarich is the sister of former Miss Illinois USA Ashley Bradarich. Carlyn Bradarich is very ladylike and one might notice a hint of Mary Margaret McCord in her. I feel she needs further toning and if that is done, she can be a game to beat at Miss USA.
KANSAS- Audrey Banach
Banach is another unconventional beauty to be competing at Miss USA 2014. The styling is there, however her stance and projection seems very awkward. Banach might sadly be lost in a sea of other competitive girls.
KENTUCKY - Destin Kincer
Kincer is tall and screams stage presence. She has all the potential to put Kentucky back on the Miss USA map. She is one girl who just defies being not liked.
LOUISIANA - Brittany Guidry
Guidry is one refined face that made heads turn back at Miss Teen USA 2009, where she finished in the fourth place. She is one of the girls to beat in this competition, as her overall frame is just stellar. Especially when her hair is pulled back, her presence is undeniable and she has the qualities that can propel her into the semifinals. Therefore, irrespective of the factor that she will be competing on home turf, Guidry can easily sail to success.
MAINE - Samantha Dahlborg
Dahlborg, on the other hand, might be lost in a sea of stunners. Her presence is tamed and she might pass as one of the least promising of the batch. At 19, I felt she would have been more suited for the teen pageant.
MARYLAND - Taylor Burton
Burton looks like a hybrid of Julia Roberts and Penelope Cruz. Overall, I like her but I need to see more of her. Maryland, which has recently given us the likes of Nana Meriwether and Kasey Staniszweski, shouldn't be underestimated and Burton has the potential.
MASSACHUSETTS - Caroline Lunny
Lunny has a very classic vintage beauty to her face. Her serene facial features can be her plus. Back in 2008, she was one of the top 15 finalists that were called at the Miss Teen USA. Massachussetts had a surprise placement last year in Sara Kidd, are they in the game this year? My answer would be yes.
MICHIGAN - Elizabeth Ivezaj
Born in Albania, Ivezaj lives up to the reputation of an East-European stunner. Her looks are on the extremely cute and teen side, but I don't see a reason why she shouldn't be the next Miss USA. Her face is like a cherub and she instantly reminds me of Magali Romitelli, Miss Argentina Universe 2006. Michigan also consistently performs well at Miss USA.
MINNESOTA - Hailey O'Brien
O'Brien is a deadringer of Miss Australia Universe 2013 Olivia Wells. Is this a plus or a minus? She is blessed with a serene face and based on her overall styling, seems a silent killer for me. She also has pageant experience to back her, having won pageants like Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2010 and Miss Collegiate America 2012.
MISSISSIPPI - Chelsea Reardon
Reardon spots a very toned body but she isn't a major contender on my list. Her jawline is prominent and she might join the likes of Miss New Jersey USA 2013 Libell Duran.
MISSOURI - Erica Sturdefant
Sturdefant's poses in the pictures might seem a tad awkward but when you look from the neck-up, she instantly promises to be one contender. Her beauty is enough for her to get noticed and her body is also nice and lanky. She has come a long way since her Miss Teen USA stint. With proper training, Sturdefant can turn all tables and take home the crown.
MONTANA - Kadie Latimer
Montana is another underperformer at Miss USA. Latimer, for me, is a diamond in the rough. She can be Montana's next semifinalist, given proper training. Her styling is there, her face is stunning and her presence is noticeable. She needs to get some curves on her body, though. She does seem to look less stellar in photos, so we will have to wait until the preliminary night, say.
NEBRASKA - Amanda Soltero
I don't think Nebraska will be turning heads this year. Soltero is a safe choice and I am not particularly impressed with her.
NEVADA - Nia Sanchez
Sanchez follows Sarah Chapman, Miss Nevada USA 2011 to be the second Miss California veteran. Sanchez was a runner-up to Miss California USA 2010 along with Nana Meriwether, Miss USA 2012. Sanchez is definitely a latina at core but I am guessing her beauty will be a hit or miss case at Miss USA. Considering she had edge at competitive pageants like Miss California USA, I am guessing she must be having a killer walk, so that is to see. Other than that, her beauty seems Desperate-Housewives-ish to me and since Miss USA has moved out of Vegas, Nevada has a decreased sash factor this time.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - Bridget Brunet
I am not a fan of Brunet's beauty, it doesn't seem interesting to me. She has the risk of being overshadowed, as she stands one of the shortest delegates in the batch at 5'4".
NEW JERSEY - Emily Shah
Shah is going to be under the radar simply for the reason that the Indian-American community is in the limelight after the victory of Nina Davuluri at Miss America 2014. Shah is of an Indian heritage and New Jersey also fielded Libell Duran last year, who was of Dominican heritage. Shah had countless tries at Miss Miss New Jersey USA. I consider Shah belonging to the same category as Libell Duran, her beauty needs toning. Nevertheless, she is under my purview.
NEW MEXICO - Kamryn Blackwood
Blackwood is a sportsperson and has a good height. Other than that, I assume she is not a contender as her features are too harsh for my tastes.
NEW YORK - Candace Kendall
New York is yet to win its fifth Miss USA crown since Kimberley Pressler. Kendall is a type of girl who would register a tick mark in every department. Her beauty is a stand-out and I think a semifinal placement might be due for this state, that had sporadic placements in recent history.
NORTH CAROLINA - Olivia Olvera
Olvera had three runner-up placements at South Carolina before she could move to North Carolina and give a last try and she eventually did win it. Olvera has a latina flavor written all over, however some bookmarkers might classify her beauty in the raw and overweight department. Olvera is also one of the shortest in the batch at 5'4".
NORTH DAKOTA - Audra Mari
Mari was the second best at Miss Teen USA 2011 pageant. Her placement over there was a surprise to me but it is not hard to see that Mari sports a statuesque, womanly look at 5'10". Her beauty might classify as matronly for my tastes, so I am waiting to see more of her.
OHIO - Maddison Gesiotto
Maddison Gesiotto is a decent contender from Ohio, a state which has been doing well recently at Miss USA. She has a beaming smile and a likeable personality. I was really disappointed when her fourth runner-up, India Simone couldn't win the title. India Simone would have been a sensational contender at Miss USA with her tall, ebony Parisienne model looks and her styling like Miss Tanzania Universe 2012 Winifrida Dominic.
OKLAHOMA - Brooklyne Abigail Young
I am not sure of Young's beauty. Her head seems to be bigger than her body and her styling to be a tad matronly. I will need to see more of her in order to consider her properly.
OREGON - Emma Pellett
Pellet's looks might not be everyone's cup of tea. Her features, though decent in some angles, doesn't seem to click right. It might seem this might be another black year for Oregon.
PENNSYLVANIA - Valerie Gatto
The only thing I like about Gatto are her polarizing eyes. Her face however seems too chubby and large and she might be overshadowed by others.
RHODE ISLAND - Christina Palavra
I am pleased with Rhode Island's delegate this year as she is a total headturner material. She sports a frizzy hair and stands tall at 6 feet. Her beauty reminds you of Miss Italy Universe 1997 Denny Mendez. While Olivia Culpo surprised everyone by bagging Rhode Island's first Miss USA crown, Palavra can equally be a fantastic Miss USA with a totally likeable personality. She is my sentimental favorite for the crown.
SOUTH CAROLINA - Christina Zapolski
Zapolski looks the typical American blonde with wholesome facial features and she also sports a tall height at 6 feet. Zapolski might not be my favorite for the crown per se but I see her doing well in this competition.
SOUTH DAKOTA - Brittany Palmer
I do not see a contender in Brittany Palmer, but she does have this decent overall look. At some angles, she seems mature in her facial features.
TENNESSEE - Kristy Landers Niedenfuer
This big T state had missed the cut last year, hence breaking their 7-year semifinal streak. They are certainly back with a boom. Niedenfuer looks every inch a classic Miss USA. Regardless of her sash factor, her regal beauty and charisma will be an instant hit at the pageant. They won their first crown in 2000, 7 years later Rachel Smith won it for Tennessee in 2007, and seven years later, we have Niedenfuer this year. So are the stars inclined for Tennessee?
TEXAS - Vanessa Guzman
Guzman is not the kind of candidate I would expect from this Venezuela of Miss USA that is Texas. Her facial features are average for my taste, but considering her name and winning the competitive Miss Texas USA pageant says that she might be having latina flair when it comes to presentation. She is also experienced, having ended as a runner-up several times at Miss Texas USA after representing the same state at Miss Teen USA 2008. Disregarding the sash factor, I think Texas will miss the semifinal cut for the fourth time since 1992.
UTAH - Angelia Layton
Angelia finished fourth at the Miss Teen USA 2010 pageant. She might be the Ashley Durham of this competition with her cutesy, teen yet modern facial features. She also appeared on the Survivor: Philippines series and has a great personality, so I am sensing that she will do well.
VERMONT - Gina Bernasconi
Bernasconi sizzles with her expressive eyes whenever in photos. However, her candids are a far downcry. She might pass as harsh and raw in some angles. If only she can glam up like she is in her photos, then she will be considered as a worthy contender.
VIRGINIA - Arielle Rosmarino
Rosmarino's face is so mesmerizing when you look at her. Her bone structure is just perfectly chiselled and a glam curly hairdo would look phenomenonal on her. Virginia tends to be ignored at times, so I hope Rosmarino really floors the judges, come preliminaries.
WASHINGTON - Allyson Rowe
Washington placed in the Miss USA semifinals only three times since 1980 and I don't think this year is going to be any different. Rowe's facial features are elongated and harsh and she will be sadly drowned in a sea of competitors.
WEST VIRGINIA - Charisse Haislop
Haislop comes across as very sweet and girl-next-doorsy, however I feel that there is major scope for her to glam up on finale night, so lets see if that happens.
WISCONSIN - Bishara Dorre
Bishara might turn out to be one of the well prepared black delegates of this batch, but I will wait until the prelims to pass my judgement on her. Right now for me, she has that x factor but I want to see if she can really pull a show.
WYOMING - Lexi Hill
Hill's facial features are harsh and she has the disadvantage of being one of the shortest at 5'4". Wyoming hardly has luck at Miss USA and looks like this year is not going to be any different for them.
SO HERE ARE PRE-PAGEANT FAVORITES
Alabama
Arizona
California
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
New York
North Dakota
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Utah
Virginia
