Fun Facts about the 2014 Competition

Every year I make a list of interesting (at least to me) statistics I notice about the Miss America competition.

Here are my random musings from this year's competition:

Congratulations to OHIO's Mackenzie Bart (and Roxy) for breaking the Buckeye state's 21-year dry spell.  Mackenzie (and Roxy's) Top 10 Finalist placement was Ohio's first since 1994.

Mackenzie Bart
Miss Ohio 2014
Top 10 Finalist & Talent Prelim winner
photo from Miss Ohio Scholarship program Facebook page

This is MASSACUSETTS' first-EVER 4th Runner-up placement.  Over 88 competitions Massachusetts has had three (3) 1st Runners-up, two (2) 2nd Runners-up, and a 3rd Runner-up.  Lauren brought Massachusetts its seventh (7th) Top 5 placement and its first in the 4th Runner-up spot.

Lauren Kuhn
Miss Massachusetts 2014
4th Runner-up
photo by Steve Smith Photography via the Miss Massachusetts MAO Facebook page

KIRA competed in the Alpha 7 spot (Monday afternoon Interview-2nd group; Tues night Talent-1st talent group) and was only the second woman to make Top 10 from that spot in 23 years.

Kira Kazantsev
Miss New York 2014
MISS AMERICA 2015
photo from Miss New York organization Facebook page

This is the 6th CONSECUTIVE year that TEXAS has at least made the semi-finals, and the 13th year out of the last 16.  Texas has not gone two years in a row without making the semi-finals in that period.

Monique Evans
Miss Texas 2014
Top 16 Semi-Finalist
photo from Miss Texas Pageant, Inc. Facebook page

FLORIDA's Tori Cowen gave the Sunshine State its 7th set of back-to-back Top 5 Finalists (1978 & 1979; 1977 & 1978; 1950 & 1951; 1944 & 1945; 1943 & 1944; 1937 & 1938).

Victoria "Tori" Cowen
Miss Florida 2014
3rd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner
photo from Miss Florida 2014 Victoria Cowen Facebook page

Both ALABAMA and MISSISSIPPI made Top 10 for first time in eight (8) years.

Caitlin Brunell
Miss Alabama 2014
Top 10 Finalist
photo from Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc. Facebook page

Jasmine Murray
Miss Mississippi 2014
Top 10 Finalist
photo from Miss Mississippi Pageant Facebook page

OKLAHOMA has made the semi-finals or better for six (6) consecutive years and twelve (12) of the last fourteen (14) years.

Alex Eppler
Miss Oklahoma 2014
Top 10 Finalist & Swimsuit Prelim winner
photo from Leigh Thompson Photography via the Miss Oklahoma Facebook page

KENTUCKY has made the semi-finals six (6) of the last seven (7) years.

Ramsey Carpenter
Miss Kentucky 2014
Top 12 Semi-Finalist & Talent Prelim winner
photo from Miss Kentucky Pageant Facebook page

NEVADA's Non-Finalist Talent award is the state's first award in 10 years, since Elizabeth Muto's Non-Finalist Interview win in 2004.

Ellie Smith
Miss Nevada 2014
Non-Finalist Talent award winner
photo from Ellie Smith (Miss Nevada) Facebook page

PENNSYLVANIA won its first awards in eight (8) years.

Amanda Smith
Miss Pennsylvania 2014
Non-Finalist Talent award winner & Talent Prelim winner
photo from Matt Boyd Photography via Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization Facebook page

IDAHO'S America's Choice Top 16 Semi-Finalist spot is the state's first award since a Non-Finalist Talent award in 2008.

Sierra Sandison
Miss Idaho 2014
Top 16 Semi-Finalist & America's Choice winner
photo from Miss Idaho organization Facebook page

ARKANSAS' Ashton Campbell gave the Razorback State its 13th Semi-Finalist (or better) in the last 22 years (59%).

Ashton Campbell
Miss Arkansas 2014
2nd Runner-up

Although it's not unusual, having the entire Top 5 come from only two regions of the country doesn't happen too often.  Recently, here's when it's happened (6 of the last 23 years):
2014 - South-3 (Virginia, Arkansas , & Florida) & Northeast-2 (New York & Massachusetts)
2010 - South-4 (Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky) & West-1 (California)
2007 - South-5(!!!)(Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama)
2006 - South-4 (Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia) & Northeast-1 (District of Columbia)
1998 - South-4 (Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Kentucky) & Midwest-1 (Missouri)
1992 - South-2 (Florida & Oklahoma) & Midwest-3 (Iowa, Indiana, Kansas)

Top 5 at Miss America, September, 2013
(l. to r.-Arkansas, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia)

This is the first time since 1995 (Tiffany Stoker-Miss California 1995 & Swimsuit Prelim winner) that the highest a prelim winner has placed has been at the 3rd Runner-up spot.  The only other time it has happened was in 1955 (Clara Arnold-Miss North Carolina 1955 & Swimsuit Prelim winner),
AND
This is the first time since 2008 (Kristen Haglund-Swimsuit-MISS AMERICA) that only one prelim winner has made Top 5. The only others years in which a single prelim winner made Top 5 were 1999 (Heather French-MISS AMERICA) and 1993 (Titilayo Adedokun-2nd RU).

Tori Cowen
Miss Florida 2014
3rd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.

2014 Results vs Statistical Predictions

Let's see how this year's competition matched the historical averages that I posted earlier in the week.

In general:  The South and the Northeast had strong years while the Midwest and the West were off their usual averages. Also, the strongest states were a little stronger than usual.

The breakdown is below.

TOP 5 COMPARISON
Usually one state repeats in Top 5 from one year to the next.  This year two states returned to the Top 5 from last year:  New York and Florida (in the same spots they hit last year too).

Regional Top 5 averages are 2-3 from the South (3 this year); one from the Midwest (0 this year), one from the West (0 this year), and 0-1  from the North (2 this year).

TOP 10 COMPARISON
Preliminary Winners
Over the last 20 years, an average of FOUR winners have made Top 15 and then Top 10.
This year four made Top 16, and those four advanced in the Top 12, but only three made Top 10.

This is also the third time in history that three consecutive Miss Americas have won the title without also winning a swimsuit or talent prelim.

Repeats from last year
We were to select three states to repeat in Top 10 from last year.
This year three states DID repeat in Top 10 from last year - Florida, New York, and Oklahoma.

Selecting by region
The South had a big year with seven of this year's Top 10, against an average of four or five.
The Northeast usually has one, maybe two, and did indeed have two this year.
The Midwest had one and usually averages two.
The West usually has two but none made Top 10 this year.

Selecting based on record of making Top 10
The Top 10 followed these averages fairly closely.

The 15 states with the best records have put an average of six into the Top 10 and this year seven made it: (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, and Virginia).
The 15 states with the second-best records have an average of three and two made it this year:
(Massachusetts and Tennessee)
The 23 states with the third-best records usually have one in Top 10 each year and one did make it this year:
(Ohio)

TOP 16 COMPARISON
Selecting by Region
The South had nine of the Top 16 compared to its historical average of 6 or 7.
The Midwest met its average of 3 with 3 in reality.
The West only had Idaho's America's Choice placement against its average of 3.
The Northeast hit its upper average with 3.

Selecting by Record
The 13 states with the best record usually have 8 of the Top 15 and this year, that group had 9.
(Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia)
The 20 states with the second-best records usually have 6 of the Top 15 and this year they only had 4.
(Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Mississippi)
The 20 states with the third-best records usually have 1 of the Top 15 and this year they had 3.
(Idaho, North Dakota, and Ohio)

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.

How to Expand Your Top 10 to Become a Top 15

Have you recovered from selecting Your Top 10?
I bet you got it down to 10 but you have several women you wish were still on your list.
Well, remember that Miss America plans to announce a Top 15 to start the competition.

Here are tips on how to use similar averages to add five more contestants to your Top 10 to make it a Top 15 list.

Oh, and by the way, since I didn't mention it yesterday - keep it even among the three prelim groups.  Second night talent has a slight edge in the "composite" scoring years of 1992-2013 but it's a 3-4-3 split among the three groups to make Top 10 and roughly a 5-5-5 split to make Top 15.

As I said in the FB post, I hope that this year's 53 state reps have become as close as the women in the previous competitions.

Shannon DePuy
Miss Virginia 1990
Top 10 Finalist

Here are 13 more screen captures of Miss America state reps at the joyous moment they learned they had made Top 10.

Kylene Barker
Miss Virginia 1978
MISS AMERICA 1979

There are several steps to putting together your Top 15.

In 10 of the last 13 competitions, a Top 15/16/20 has been named (2001-2003 & 2008-2013).

STEP 1:

Because 43% of the Top 15 came from the South, you need to pick 6 or 7 of these States:
(At least 5 states from this group but no more than 9 have made the Top 15 in these ten competitions)
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Marcia Bell
Miss Kentucky 1978
Top 10 Finalist

Nicole Bethmann
Miss Arkansas 1993
Top 10 Finalist

Because 20% of the Top 15 came from the Midwest, pick 3 from the following:
(At least 1 state from this group but no more than 4 have made the Top 15)
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Kelly Garver
Miss Michigan 1986
3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim Winner

Kimberly Massaro
Miss Missouri 1996
4th runner-up

Because 20% of the Top 15 came from the West, pick 3 from among:
(At least 1 state but no more than 6)
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Elizabeth Simmons
Miss Oregon 1993
3rd Runner-up 

Because 17% of the Top 15 came from the North, pick 2 or 3 from the following:
(There have been years when none of these states have made the 15 and at most 6 have made the 15)
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands, West Virginia.

STEP 2:

Now you've selected your Top 15 from the country's FOUR REGIONS.

But wait, there's more!

To do Step 2, take a look at the number of times each of the STATES made Top 15.

8 of the states you selected should be from the 13 states that have made the Top 15 most often.
6 of the states you selected should be from the 20 states in the middle of the pack.
1 of your states should be from the 20 states that made Top 15 the least number of times.

So...if you don't have the right balance of 8-6-1, you can adjust your list. Here's how:

Add or subtract states from each category (Top 13, Middle 20, Remaining 20) until you have 
8 from the Top 13, 6 from the Middle and 1 from the Remaining. 

Teresa Cheatham (l.) and Carolyn Cline (r.)
Miss Alabama 1978 & Miss Florida 1978
1st Runner-up & 2nd Runner-up

The Top 13 states produce 52% of each year's Top 15 on average.
(As a group, at least 6 but no more than 10 of these states have made the Top 15 each year)
8 of your 15 should be from:
Alabama (5 times in the Top 15/16/20 in those 10 years), Arkansas (6), California (8), Florida (7), Indiana (7), Kentucky (5), Maryland (5), New York (7), Oklahoma (8), South Carolina (5), Tennessee (6), Texas (8), and Virginia (5).

Julie Russell
Miss Arkansas 1986
Top 10 Finalist

Dana Brown
Miss Tennessee 1990
2nd Runner-up

The Middle 20 States produce 40% of each year's Top 15 on average. 
(As a group, at least 4 but never more than 8 of these states have made the Top 15 each year)
6 of your 15 should be from:
Arizona (3 times in the "Top 15"), Connecticut (2), Delaware (2), District of Columbia (3), Georgia (4), Hawaii (4), Illinois (3), Iowa (4), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (4), Mississippi (4), Missouri (3), Nebraska (3), North Carolina (3), Oregon (3), Rhode Island (2), Utah (4), Washington (4), and Wisconsin (4).

Erika Schwarz
Miss Louisiana 1996
1st Runner-up

Laurie Nelson
Miss Washington 1978
4th Runner-up

The Remaining 20 States produce 8% of each year's Top 15 on average.
(There have been years when none of these states made the 15 and at most 3 did in a single year.)
1 of your 15 should be from:
Alaska (0), Colorado (1), Idaho (0), Kansas (1), Maine (0), Minnesota (1), Montana (1), Nevada (1), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (1), North Dakota (0), Ohio (0), Pennsylvania (1), Puerto Rico (0), South Dakota (1), Vermont (0), Virgin Islands (0), West Virginia (1), and Wyoming (1).

Maya Walker
Miss Colorado 1988
1st Runner-up

It might be comforting to know that these exact results have never happened in tandem. Such is the world of statistics.

How To Predict The Top 10 Using Stastistics

Ok, so you've seen all of the preliminary competitions or you've read everyone else's thoughts online.
You've watched all the "vote" videos.
You've studied the program book.
If you are in A.C., you'll be looking for that special spark during the parade tonight.
You've scoured the internet for photos, videos, and information on each contestant.
You've read everything Junkies, Class Updates, and Unlimited have posted online.
You've clicked on every possible photo and video posted on FB.

And now you are trying to predict who will make the cut on Sunday night.

This blog post is here to confuse you even further.

In the words of Severus Snape (via JK Rowling), perhaps using the "exact art and subtle science" of statistics (instead of Potions) might help you narrow your choices.

To predict the Top 10, I use statistics going back 20 years (1994-2013). I don't use the full 60 years of television results that I used for my countdown because the point values have changed among the competition categories over the years, state organizations that help prepare winners for competition have evolved, etc.  Twenty years gives me a large enough pool of statistics to analyze while still being recent and relevant enough for accuracy.

Caveat: in NO year has the Top 10 reflected these exact stats. These are averages.  Stay close to these, but vary as your heart directs.

So, make your list and then enjoy the reactions of the women who are called forward on Sunday night, like those pictured in this post.

Laurie Keller
Miss Kentucky 1985
Top 10 Finalist

STEP 1 in creating your Top 10 list:

Consider the Preliminary Winners

Pick four (4) Preliminary Winners to make Top 10. 
In the last 20 years, at least 2 and as many as all 6 prelim winners have made the 10, with an average of 4 over that span. (4 prelim winners have made Top 10 in five of the last 20 years; 2 or 3 have made it in seven years, and 5 or 6 have made it in eight years, but the average is 4).

The third night Swimsuit winner (MARYLAND) has a 85% chance of making Top 10. (17 of the last 20 yrs)
The second night Talent winner (KENTUCKY) has a 75% chance of making Top 10. (15 of 20)
The first night Talent winner (OHIO) has a 70% chance of making Top 10. (14 of 20)
The second night Swimsuit winner (OKLAHOMA) has a 70% chance of making Top 10. (14 of 20)
The first night Swimsuit winner (FLORIDA) has a 60% chance of making Top 10. (12 of 20)
The third night Talent winner (PENNSYLVANIA) has a 55% chance of making Top 10. (11 of the last 20 yrs)

Tamara Marler
Miss Oklahoma 1989
Top 10 Finalist & Talent Prelim Winner

STEP 2:

Figure out which states will repeat in the Top 10

Pick three (3) states to repeat in the Top 10 from last year's Top 10.
At least 1 and as many as 6 states have repeated in Top 10 from one year to the next over the last 20 years, but the average is for 3 states to repeat in the Top 10, which has happened 4 times over the last 20 years.

Last year's Top 10 included: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas. (Pick 3 of these.)

Arian Archer
Miss Texas 1994
Top 10 Finalist

STEP 3:

Select the appropriate number of states from each region of the country

Because 45.5% of the Top 10 come from the South, you need to pick 4 or 5 of these States:
(At least 3 states from this group but no more than 8 have made the Top 10 in the last 20 years)
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Because 18% of the Top 10 come from the Midwest, pick 2 from the following:
(None of the Midwest made the 10 in '06 & '07 but 4 states did in '08, in other yrs between 1-3 have)
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Because 20% of the Top 10 come from the West, pick 2 from among:
(None of the West made it in '06 and '99 but 4 did in '11, '07, & '97, in other yrs between 1-3 did)
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Because 16.5% of the Top 10 came from the North, pick 1 or 2 from the following:
(The North didn't make 10 in '08, '97, and '96, but 4 did in '02, '01, & '99, in other yrs btw 1-3 did)
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands, West Virginia.

BUT, this exact 4-2-2-2 split has only happened twice in 20 years: in January, 2013 and in 1995, which means you can fluctuate a little bit:  one more from one region and one fewer from another, etc.

Debbie Reicks
Miss Colorado 1989
2nd Runner-up

STEP 4:

Adjust your list to also have the right group of states based on their records of making Top 10 in the last 20 years:

Predicting the Top 10 based on states' records of making the Top 10 in the last 20 years
Pick 6 from the Top 15 states (Range: 3-8 per year in the Top 10 in the last 20 years):
Alabama (9 times in Top 10 in the last 20 years), Arkansas (7), California (12), Florida (7), Georgia (7), Hawaii (8), Illinois (6), Indiana (6), Kentucky (6), Louisiana (6), Mississippi (7), New York (8), Oklahoma (11), Texas (13), and Virginia (7).

Pick 3 from the Middle 15 states (Range: 2-5 per year in the Top 10 in the last 20 years):
Arizona (3), Connecticut (3), DC (5), Iowa (4), Kansas (5), Maryland (5), Massachusetts (3), Michigan (4), New Jersey (3), North Carolina (4), Oregon (4), Pennsylvania (4), Tennessee (5), Washington (4), and Wisconsin (4).

Pick 1 from these 23 states (Range 0-2 per year in the Top 10 in the last 20 years):
Alaska (1), Colorado (0), Delaware (1), Idaho (0), Maine (0), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Montana (1), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Hampshire (1), New Mexico (1), North Dakota (1), Ohio (1), Puerto Rico (0), Rhode Island (1), South Carolina (2), South Dakota (0), Utah (2), Vermont (0), Virgin Islands (0), West Virginia (1), and Wyoming (1).

(This exact grouping has happened three times in the last 20 years: 1997, 2002, and in September, 2013)

Now, take a look at your original predictions.  Do you have too many from a particular region or too many from one of the three classifications based on their individual records?  The actual results do swing within the ranges I have listed, but it's best to stay close to the historical averages.

Jennifer Makris
Miss New Jersey 1994
2nd Runner-up

And what about the Top 5?  Do we dare?

Sure.

Pick 1 state from last year's Top 5 to repeat in this year's Top 5.
In 13 of the last 20 years, between 1-3 states have repeated in the Top 5 from the previous year's Top 5.
Pick 1 (but not more than 3) from: California, Florida, Minnesota, New York, and Oklahoma.

Pick 2-3 from the South. (The South has had at least one Top 5 Finalist every year since 1990.)
Pick 1 from the Midwest.
Pick 1 from the West.
Pick 0-1 from the North.
(This 2-1-1-1 or 3-1-1-0 split occurred in both the January or September, 2013 competitions and in 2002.)

How often does a prelim winner take the title?  65% of the time.
A Swimsuit or Talent prelim winner has become Miss America in 13 of the last 20 years (not counting Erika Harold's Interview and Onstage Q&A Prelim wins in 2002).

Neither Mallory nor Nina won a prelim in the last two years.  Miss America has NEVER gone four years in a row with a non-prelim winner taking the title.  There have been two separate times when non-prelim winners won three years in a row: 1955-56-57 (Sharon Ritchie, Marian McKnight, and Marilyn Van Derbur) and again in 2002-03-04 (Erika Harold, Ericka Dunlap, and Deidre Downs).

So don't automatically assume that a prelim winner will take the title of Miss America 2015, BUT ... consider that it's currently a 2-out-of-3 chance that a prelim winner WILL take the title.

We'll know tomorrow night.

AND, tomorrow morning, I'll publish directions on how to create your Top 15 Semi-finalists list.

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.

Saluting Pennsylvania and Maryland's prelim wins

Congratulations to 

Amanda Smith, Miss Pennsylvania, third night winner in Talent

and

Jade Kennedy, Miss Maryland, third night winner in Swimsuit (Lifestyle & Fitness)

PENNSYLVANIA's Talent Prelim wins

Amanda won Pennsylvania its 6th Talent Prelim award in the tv years and the first since 1977. Pennsylvania moves into a tie for 10th place overall with Minnesota. (see Monday's blog).

Lynn Grote
Miss Pennsylvania 1977
Top 10 Finalist & Talent Prelim winner

2014 - Amanda Smith - Non-FInalist Talent(vocal)

1977 - Donna Grote - Top 10 Finalist (piano)

1974 - Tina Thomas - 4th Runner-up (vocal)

1972 - Maureen Wimmer - 3rd Runner-up (opera)

1959 - Lois Piercy - Top 10 Finalist (flute & art display)

1957 - Jennie Blatchford - Top 10 Finalist (baton)

1946 - Eleanor Kramer - Top 15 Finalist (vocal)

1941 - Roselle Hannon - 1st Runner-up (vocal) (as Miss Western Pennsylvania)

MARYLAND's Swimsuit Prelim wins

Jade is only the second woman to ever win Swimsuit from Maryland.

Shelli Peiken
Miss Maryland 1979
Swimsuit Prelim winner

2014 - Jade Kennedy 

1979 - Shelli Peiken

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.

Saluting Kentucky and Oklahoma's prelim wins

Congratulations to 

Ramsey Carpenter, Miss Kentucky, second night winner in Talent

and

Alex Eppler, Miss Oklahoma, second night winner in Swimsuit (Lifestyle & Fitness)

KENTUCKY's Talent Prelim wins

Ramsey brings Kentucky its 4th Talent win in the television years (1954-present), moving the state into a 5-way tie for 20th place (see Monday's blog).

She is the 12th violinist/fiddler to win a talent prelim in the television years.

Gwendolyn Witten
Miss Kentucky 1982
Top 10 Finalist & Talent Prelim winner

2014 - Ramsey Carpenter - Top 12 Semi-Finalist (fiddle)

1998 - Chera-Lyn Cook - 4th Runner-up (pop vocal)
1982 - Gwendolyn Witten - Top 10 Finalist (semi-classical vocal)
1974 - Darlene Compton - 3rd Runner-up (vocal)

OKLAHOMA'S Swimsuit Prelim wins

Alex's win moves Oklahoma into an 8-way tie for 13th place with its 5 swimsuit wins in the tv years.
(see Tuesday's blog).

Interestingly, Kelsey Griswold won Swimsuit last year on the second night of competition as well.
This is also the fifth consecutive year that Oklahoma has won either Swimsuit or Talent!
Only Mississippi's 8 straight prelim wins between 1978-1985 beats that record.

Lauren Nelson
Miss Oklahoma 2006
MISS AMERICA 2007 & Swimsuit Prelim winner

2014 - Alex Eppler - Top 10 Finalist

2013 - Kelsey Griswold - 2nd Runner-up

2010 - Emoly West - 4th Runner-up

2006 - LAUREN NELSON - MISS AMERICA 2007

1955 - Ann Campbell - 4th Runner-up

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.

Saluting Florida and Ohio's prelim wins

Congratulations to 

Mackenzie Bart, Miss Ohio, first night winner in Talent

and

Victoria (Tori) Cowen, Miss Florida, first night winner in Swimsuit (Lifestyle & Fitness)

OHIO's Talent Prelim wins

Mackenzie brings Ohio its 10th Talent win in the television years (1954-present), moving the state into a tie for 2nd place with Oklahoma (see Monday's blog).

Titilayo Adedokun
Miss Ohio 1993
2nd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

2014 - Mackenzie Bart - Top 10 Finalist (ventriloquism)

1995 - Titilayo Adedokun - 2nd Runner-up (opera)

1989 - Kristin Huffman - 4th Runner-up (opera)

1985 - Suellen Cochran - Top 10 Finalist (also won Swimsuit) (piano)

1979 - Tana Carli - 1st Runner-up (accordion)

1977 - SUSAN PERKINS - MISS AMERICA 1978 (pop vocal)

1975 - Susan Banks - 3rd Runner-up (opera)

1969 - Katherine Baumann - 1st Runner-up (also won Swimsuit) (gymnastics)

1966 - Sharon Phillian - 3rd Runner-up (pop vocal/opera combo)

1954 - Barbara Quinlin - Top 10 Finalist (opera)

1943 - Joan Hydolft  (ice skating)(as Miss Cincinnati)

FLORIDA's Swimsuit Prelim wins

Tori's win is Florida's 6th in the television years which moves the state up from 12th place into a 6-way tie for 7th place (see yesterday's blog).

Lissette Gonzalez
Miss Florida 1998
2nd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

2014 - Tori Cowen - 3rd Runner-up

2004 - Jenna Edwards 

1998 - Lissette Gonzalez - 2nd Runner-up

1990 - Dana Dalton

1988 - Melissa Aggeles - Top 10 Finalist

1954 - Ann Gloria Daniel - 1st Runner-up 

1944 - Virginia Warlen - 2nd Runner-up (also won Talent)

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.

Most Swimsuit Prelim wins in tv years

Miss America starting announcing three Swimsuit  Preliminary winners in 1935, then took four years off. Swimsuit winners have been named every year since 1940.

Since 1954, there have only been ties in two years: 1978 & 1986.

182 Swimsuit Prelim awards have been announced between 1954-2013:

STATE RANKINGS for SWIMSUIT WINS
1. MISSISSIPPI - 14 (wins)
(including 9 in 13 years between 1978-1990)

Carla Haag
Miss Mississippi 1998
Top 10 Finalist & Swimsuit Prelim winner

2. CALIFORNIA- 13

Tiffany Stoker
Miss California 1995
3rd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

3. SOUTH CAROLINA - 10

Catherine Hinson
Miss South Carolina 1977
2nd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

4. (tie) ARKANSAS - 8
4. (tie) HAWAII - 8
6. NORTH CAROLINA - 7
7. (tie) ALABAMA - 6
ILLINOIS - 6
KANSAS - 6
NEW YORK - 6
TEXAS - 6

12. (tie) FLORIDA - 5
GEORGIA - 5
INDIANA - 5
LOUISIANA - 5
MICHIGAN - 5
UTAH - 5
VIRGINIA - 5
WASHINGTON - 5

20. (tie) - MINNESOTA - 4
OHIO - 4
OKLAHOMA - 4
TENNESSEE - 4
WISCONSIN - 4

25. (tie) - DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - 3
RHODE ISLAND - 3
27. (tie) - IOWA - 2
KENTUCKY - 2
MISSOURI - 2
NEVADA - 2
NEW HAMPSHIRE - 2
NEW JERSEY - 2
OREGON - 2
WEST VIRGINIA - 2
35. (tie) - ALASKA - 1
ARIZONA - 1
COLORADO - 1
CONNECTICUT - 1
DELAWARE - 1
IDAHO - 1
MARYLAND - 1
MASSACHUSETTS - 1
NEBRASKA - 1
NEW MEXICO - 1
PENNSYLVANIA - 1
PUERTO RICO - 1

47. (tie) - MAINE - 0
MONTANA - 0
NORTH DAKOTA - 0
SOUTH DAKOTA - 0
VERMONT - 0
VIRGIN ISLANDS - 0
WYOMING - 0

Years when three Swimsuit Winners made Top 5
1954 (California-Lee Meriwether-Miss America; Florida-Gloria Daniel-1st RU; South Carolina-2nd RU)

1961 (North Carolina-Miss America; Arkansas-1st RU; Minnesota-4th RU)

'76 (Minnesota-Dorothy Benham-Miss America; South Carolina-Lavinia Cox-1st RU; Texas-Carmen McCullom-2nd RU)

1983 (New York-Vanessa Williams-Miss America; Mississippi-Wanda Geddie-3rd RU; Ohio-4th RU)

1984 (Utah-Sharlene Wells-Miss America; Mississippi-2nd RU; Texas-Tamara Hext-4th RU)

1986 (Tennessee-tie-Kellye Cash-Miss America; Virginia-1st RU; South Carolina-tie-Dawn Smith-2nd RU; Missouri-Tamara Tungate-4th RU)

1994 (Alabama-Heather Whitestone-Miss America; Virginia-1st RU, Indiana-4th RU)

2000 (Hawaii-Angela Baracquio-Miss America; Louisiana-1st RU; Mississippi-3rd RU, Kentucky-Whitney Boyles-4th RU)

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.

Most Talent Prelim wins in tv years

Miss America starting announcing three Talent Preliminary winners in 1936.

Since 1954, ties for a Talent Prelim have happened on eight separate occasions. In fact, in 1959 there was a 3-way tie for Talent on the first prelim night when Connecticut, DC, and Pennsylvania shared the award.  Only Lois Piercy, Miss Pennsylvania, made 10 from that group of three.

189 Talent Prelim awards have been announced between 1954-2013:

20 Miss America's in the last 60 years have won their talent prelims.

Vocalists - 105 total

Pop or Country vocalists - 49

Opera/Classical vocalists - 40

Semi-Classical vocalists - 4

Vocal/Dance combo - 4

Pop Vocal/Opera combo - 3

Vocal/Piano combo - 3

Vocal/Conducting combo - 1

Vocal/Skit combo - 1

Linda Folsom
Miss Alabama 1965
Top 10 Finalist & Talent Prelim winner

Instrumentalists - 39 total

Piano - 20

Piano/Organ combo - 1

Violin/Fiddle - 11

Flute - 2

Acordion - 1

Banjo - 1

Cello - 1

Marimba - 1

Saxophone - 1

Suellen Cochran
Miss Ohio 1985
Top 10 & Swimsuit & Talent Prelim winner

Dancers - 18

Ballet - 7

Tap - 4

Lyrical, Jazz, Charleston, Pantomime Dance - 4

Irish Step or Clog - 2 (1 each)

Julie Payne
Miss Oklahoma 1998
Top 10 Finalist & Talent Prelim winner

Variety Acts - 27

Baton - 10

Ventriloquism - 4

Gymnastics/Acro - 3

Tahitian/Polynesian Dance - 2

Archery - 1

Rhythmic Gymnastics - 1

Trampoline - 1

Ice Skating - 1

Jump Rope - 1

Drama - 1

Dress Design - 1

Kelli Krull
Miss New York 1979
Top 10 Finalist & Talent Prelim winner

STATE RANKINGS for TALENT WINS

1. ALABAMA - 11 wins
(including 7 out of 11 years between 1956-1966)

2. OKLAHOMA - 10

3. (tie) - NEW YORK - 9
(including 5 out of 6 years between 1979-1984)

3. (tie) - OHIO - 9

5. (tie) - CALIFORNIA - 8

5. (tie) - FLORIDA - 8

5. (tie) - ILLINOIS - 8

8. (tie) - INDIANA - 7

8. (tie) - TEXAS - 7

10. MINNESOTA - 6

11. (tie) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - 5
HAWAII - 5
LOUISIANA - 5
MASSACHUSETTS - 5
MICHIGAN - 5
MISSISSIPPI - 5
PENNSYLVANIA - 5
VIRGINIA - 5
WISCONSIN - 5

20. (tie) - KANSAS - 4
MARYLAND - 4
NEBRASKA - 4
NORTH CAROLINA - 4
UTAH - 4

25. (tie) - CONNECTICUT - 3
DELAWARE - 3
GEORGIA - 3
IOWA - 3
KENTUCKY - 3
OREGON - 3
RHODE ISLAND - 3
SOUTH CAROLINA - 3

33. (tie) - MISSOURI - 2
MONTANA - 2
NEW HAMPSHIRE - 2
NEW JERSEY - 2
NORTH DAKOTA - 2
TENNESSEE - 2

39. (tie) - ARIZONA - 1
ARKANSAS - 1
MAINE - 1
NEVADA - 1
NEW MEXICO - 1
VERMONT - 1
WASHINGTON - 1

46. (tie) - ALASKA - 0
COLORADO - 0
IDAHO - 0
PUERTO RICO - 0
SOUTH DAKOTA - 0
VIRGIN ISLANDS - 0
WEST VIRGINIA - 0
WYOMING - 0

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TALENT WINNERS
Years with three Talent winners in Top 5:
(1966's Talent winners: Oklahoma-Jane Jayroe-Miss America; California-Charlene Dallas-1st RU; Ohio-Sharon Phillian-3rd RU)

(1976's Talent winners: Minnesota-Dorothy Benham-Miss America; Texas-Carmen McCollum-2nd Runner-up-tie; New York-Sonja Anderson-4th Runner-up-tie; Virginia-Pamela Polk-Top 10)

(1980's Talent winners: Oklahoma-Susan Powell-Miss America-tie; Alabama-Paige Phillips-1st Runner-up; New York-Cheryl Flanagan-Top 10; Washington-Doris Hayes-Top 10-tie)

Years when Miss America & the 1st Runner-up both won Talent Prelims:

1966 (see above)

1980 (see above)

1983 (New York-Vanessa Williams-Miss America; New Jersey-Suzette Charles-1st RU)

1997 (Illinois-Kate Shindle-Miss America; North Carolina-Michelle Warren-1st RU)

2010 (Virginia-Caressa Cameron-Miss America; California-Kristy Cavinder-1st RU)

2012 (Wisconsin-Laura Kaeppeler; Oklahoma-Betty Thompson-1st RU)

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.

Top 10 State placements - # 6 - # 1

Concluding our countdown of all-time Top 10 Placements at Miss America (1954-2013)

Remember, these statistics include sixty (60) competitions between 1954 and 2013 (the television years).

Here's how to read the list:

STATE NAME - 10(5)-W,1,2,3,4

The first number indicates the number of times a state has made the Top 10.

The number in parentheses indicates the number of times has placed in the Top 5.

W = Miss America winner

1 = 1st Runner-up

2 = 2nd Runner-up

3 = 3rd Runner-up

4 = 4th Runner-up

Here they are.  The Big Six.  The Power Pageants.

These six states are always contenders. 

In the past 60 competitions, they have brought us:

27% of all Top 10 Finalists (164 total)

29% of all Top 5 Finalists (88)

28% of the Miss America winners between 1954-2013 (17)

#6 - OKLAHOMA - 23(16)-W,W,W,W,W,1,2,2,2,2,2,2,4,4,4,4

Everyone knows it, and everyone is saying it, "Oklahoma is on fire right now."  Four consecutive runners-up who all won a prelim in the last four years, and nine finalists or better (including TWO MISS AMERICAS) in the last twelve years.

But first let's backtrack and catch up. Oklahoma City and Tulsa started sending city winners to Miss America in the 20s, and Oklahoma's first MISS AMERICA, NORMA SMALLWOOD in 1926, was also the first Native American to win the title.  Three runners-up and three semi-finalists followed in the 30s, 40s, and early 50s. 

Ann Campbell was the first Miss Oklahoma to place in the television era when she was named 4th Runner-up in 1955 after winning her Swimsuit Prelim.  Mary Denner placed as 2nd Runner-up in 1957, and another 2nd Runner-up followed in 1958. Oklahoma had only one finalist in the 60s, but it was JANE JAYROE, a Talent Prelim winner in 1966 and MISS AMERICA 1967.  Judy Adams made Top 10 in 1970 and also won her Talent Prelim. Andrea Hanson made Top 10 in 1973.

SUSAN POWELL won her Talent Prelim in 1980 before being named MISS AMERICA 1981 and was followed by Nancy Chapman, 1982's 4th Runner-up.  Lori Kelley won her Talent Prelim before being named 2nd Runner-up in 1988 ushering in an era of strength for Oklahoma (finalists in 4 of 5 years). Tamara Marler followed in 1989 with another Talent Prelim win before making Top 10.  Cynthia White made Top 10 in 1990, and DuSharme Carter was named 4th Runner-up in 1992.

Nancy Chapman
Miss Oklahoma 1982
4th Runner-up

Lori Kelley
Miss Oklahoma 1988

2nd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

DuSharme Carter
Miss Oklahoma 1992
4th Runner-up

SHAWNTEL SMITH won Oklahoma's fourth MISS AMERICA title in 1995, and then Julie Payne won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 1998.

Oklahoma's current hot streak began when Kelley Scott and Elizabeth Kinney were named to the Top 10 in 2003 and 2004 respectively.  Then JENNIFER BERRY ('05, a Talent Prelim winner) and LAUREN NELSON ('06, a Swimsuit Prelim winner) were the first two Vegas winners of MISS AMERICA titles and the first back-to-back winners from the same state since Mississippi's 1958-1959 wins. 

Oklahoma's four consecutive runners-up have been Emoly West ('10)-4th Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner, Betty Thompson ('11)-1st Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner, Alicia Clifton ('12)-2nd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner, and Kelsey Griswold ('13)-2nd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner.

# 5 - FLORIDA - 24(12)-W,W, 1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4,4,4

Florida has sent at least six baton twirlers to Miss America.

Florida and its major cities started sending state and local winners to Miss America in the 20s. Before the television era began, Florida produced eight runners-up and nine more Semi-Finalists.

Gloria Daniel placed as 1st Runner-up and won her Swimsuit Prelim at the first televised competition in 1954. She was followed by Sandra Wirth who won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 1955. Dorothy Steiner was named 4th Runner-up in 1957. Then things got quiet for Florida until the mid 60's when five women placed in six years: Carol Blum-3rd Runner-up in 1965, Diane Colston-Top 10 in 1966, Dawn Cashwell-4th Runner-up and a Talent Prelim winner in 1967, Linda Fitts-Top 10 and a Talent Prelim winner in 1968, and Lisa Donovan-Top 10 and a Talent Prelim winner in 1970.

Dawn Cashwell
Miss Florida 1967
4th Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

Future Designing Women star Delta Burke won a Non-Finalist Talent Award in 1974, and was followed by Top 10 Finalist Ann Schmalzried in 1975. Nancy Stafford (known for her work on St. Elsewhere and Matlock) represented Florida in 1976. Then Florida had three consecutive runners-up: Cathy LaBelle-4th Runner-up and a Talent Prelim winner in 1977, Carolyn Cline-2nd Runner-up and a Talent Prelim winner in 1978, and Marti Philipps-4th Runner-up in 1979. Kim Boyce was a Top 10 Finalist in 1983.

 Carolyn Cline
Miss Florida 1978
2nd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

Delta Burke
Miss Florida 1974
Non-Finalist Talent Award

Another set of three consecutive finalists occurred in the late 80s with Jennifer Sauder making Top 10 in 1987, Melissa Aggeles winning her Swimsuit Prelim and making Top 10 in 1988, and Sandra Frick making Top 10 in 1989. 

Then after nearly 70 years of participating in the program, Florida welcomed its first MISS AMERICA when LEANZA CORNETT won in 1992.  Christy Neuman won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 1997 and Lissette Gonzalez, Florida's first Cuban-American winner, won her Swimsuit Prelim and was named 2nd Runner-up in 1998.  Kelly Gaudet made Top 10 in 2001.

Lissette Gonzalez
Miss Florida 1998
2nd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

ERICKA DUNLAP became Florida's second MISS AMERICA when she won in 2003, Mari Wilensky ('05) made Top 10, Sierra Minott ('08) placed as 4th Runner-up, and Myrrhanda Jones ('13) won her Talent Prelim and placed as 3rd Runner-up.

Myrrhanda Jones
Miss Florida 2013
3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

Florida also has a Top 13 Semi-Finalist, two Top 16 Semi-Finalists, two additional Swimsuit prelim wins, two Non-Finalist Interview awards, and seven NFTs.

#4 - MISSISSIPPI 24(16) - W,W,W,W,1,1,2,2,2,2,3,3,3,3,4,4
Delta Burke as Suzanne Sugarbaker said it best on Designer Women: "Run through all the Miss Mississippi's in your head and see if you can name an ugly one. (Julia, Mary Jo, and Charlene pause and are obviously going thru a list in their head silently) "See, you can't."

Mississippi has won the most Swmisuit Prelim wins in the tv years.

Mississippi did "it"first, giving us the first set of back-to-back MISS AMERICAs with MARY ANN MOBLEY in 1958 (along with a Talent Prelim win) and LYNDA MEAD in 1959.  They were also sorority sisters at the same university.

Mississippi had two runners-up and two semi-finalists before Miss America hit television in 1954.  Mary Ann and Lynda were its first two finalists on tv. The nine years between 1962-1970 were strong for Mississippi with Charlotte Carroll making Top 10 in 1962, Patricia Puckett winning her Swimsuit Prelim and placing as 1st Runner-up in 1965, Joan Myers being named 1st Runner-up just two years later in 1967, and Christine McClamroch placing as 3rd Runner-up in 1970.

Patricia Puckett

Miss Mississippi 1965

1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

Joan Myers

Miss Mississippi 1967

1st Runner-up

Most of the 70s were quiet for Mississippi until Cheri Brown started an astonishing era for the state by winning her Swimsuit Prelim in 1978 (although she did not make Top 10). Mississippi then sent ten (!) consecutive Finalists to Miss America and won nine Swimsuit Prelims in 13 years. 

CHERYL PREWITT won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1979 on her way to being named MISS AMERICA 1980. Donna Pope tied for 2nd Runner-up with New Jersey's Therese Hanley in 1980 after winning her Swimsuit Prelim. Karen Hopson won her Swimsuit Prelim and made Top 10 in 1981. Dianne Evans won her Talent prelim and placed as 2nd Runner-up in 1982. Wanda Geddie won another Swimsuit Prelim and placed as 3rd runner-up in 1983. Kathy Manning took another Swimsuit Prelim win in 1984 and placed as 2nd Runner-up. SUSAN AKIN won Swimsuit and was named  Mississippi's fourth MISS AMERICA in 1985. Kimberly McGuffee made Top 10 in 1986. Toni Seawright was 4th Runner-up in 1987, and Carla Haag brought that ten-year run to a close with a Swimsuit win and a Top 10 Finalist placement.

Donna Pope

Miss Mississippi 1980

2nd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

Dianne Evans

Miss Mississippi 1982

2nd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

Kathy Manning

Miss Mississippi 1984

2nd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

Mississippi continued to be strong in the 90s with Mary Allison Hurdle placing as 4th Runner-up in 1991, Rebecca Blouin making Top 10 in 1994, Monica Louwerens making Top 10 in 1995, Kari litton making Top 10 in 1996, and Myra Barginear placing as 2nd Runner-up in 1997.

Christy May won her Swimsuit Prelim in 2000 and placed as 3rd Runner-up. Jennifer Adcock won another Swimsuit Prelim in 2002 and made Top 10. Taryn Foshee ('06) was 3rd Runner-up.

Mississippi also has a Top 15 and a Top 16 Semi-Finalist, two additional Swimsuit winners, an additional Talent winner, and five NFTs.

#3 - ALABAMA- 28(13) - W,W,1,1,1,2,2,2,3,3,4,4,4

Alabama has won the most Talent Prelims of any state.

Did you know that Alabama didn't have local competitions feeding into the state until the early 1970s?  Before then, interested contestants participated in a series of preliminary eliminations before the state competitors were selected.

As Alabama goes, so goes Mississippi, or vice versa.  Both states have tended to do well or not over roughly the same spans.

The city of Birmingham began sending a contestant to Miss America beginning in 1922, and during the 33 years between 1936-1968, Alabama's contestants made Top 10 or better 24 times (73%). Before the tv years, Alabama had six Semi-Finalists, seven runners-up and its first MISS AMERICA with YOLANDE BETBEZE in 1950 who became the first winner with a post dated title.  Jacque Mercer was Miss Arizona 1949 and Miss America 1949.  Yolande was Miss Alabama (and a Swimsuit Prelim winner) and became MISS AMERICA 1951. (see my earlier post about opera singers for an interesting anecdote about her talent performance).

Once Miss America started being televised in 1954, Alabama settled into a perpetual Top 10 Finalist with ten between 1954-1968. Anne Ariail was the lone runner-up in those years, placing as 2nd Runner-up in 1956 after winning her Talent Prelim.  the Top 10 Finalists included: Marilyn Tate in 1954, Patricia Huddleston in 1955 with a Talent win, Lee Thornberry in 1958 with a Talent win, Teresa Rinaldi in 1960 with a Talent win, Delores Hodgens in 1961, Judy Short in 1963 with a double win in Swimsuit & Talent, Vickie Powers in 1964 with a Talent win, Linda Folsom in 1965 with a Talent win, Angie Grooms in 1966, and Dellynne Catching in 1968 with a Swimsuit win.

After having no placements in the next nine years, Alabama saw seven women place in the subsequent 11 years. It started with Teresa Cheatham who won both her Swimsuit and Talent Prelims and was 1st Runner-up in 1978. Another 1st Runner-up followed two years later when Paige Phillips won her Talent Prelim in 1980. Yolanda Fernandez was 3rd Runner-up in 1982, and Pam Battles was 2nd Runner-up in 1983. Angela Tower won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1985 and placed as 4th Runner-up, Angela Callahan made Top 10 in 1986, and Jenny Jackson was 4th Runner-up in 1988.

Teresa Cheatham

Miss Alabama 1978

1st Runner-up & Swimsuit & Talent Prelim winner

Paige Phillips

Miss Alabama 1980

1st Runner-up & Prelim Talent winner

Angela Tower
Miss Alabama 1985
4th Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

The mid-90s saw four consecutive placements for Alabama women: Kalyn Chapman-Top 10 in 1993, HEATHER WHITESTONE, a double prelim winner in Swimsuit and Talent in 1994 on her way to being named MISS AMERICA 1995, Leigh Sherer-Top 10 in 1996, and Allison McCreary-3rd Runner-up in 1996.   

Leigh Sherer

Miss Alabama 1995

Top 10 Finalist

Julie Smith was a Top 10 Finalist in 1999 as was Jana Sanderson in 2000. Scarlotte Deupree was 1st Runner-up in 2002, and DEIDRE DOWNS brought Alabama its 3rd MISS AMERICA title in 2004.  She held the title for 16 months, crowning her successor in January of 2006 at the first Vegas competition.  In vegas, Alexa Jones ('05) was 2nd Runner-up and Melinda Toole ('06) was 4th Runner-up.

Scarlotte Deupree

Miss Alabama 2002

1st Runner-up

Alabama also has a Top 12, a Top 13, and a Top 15 Semi-Finalist, an additional Talent Prelim win, a special judges award, and six NFTs. 

#2 - CALIFORNIA - 29(20)-W,W,1,1,1,1,1,2,2,2,3,3,3,3,3,3,4,4,4,4

California has the most Swimsuit wins if you go back to when prelim awards starting being announced in the late 30s/early 40s.

California, like Alabama, dominated the competition in then early years with 24 Finalists in the 29 years between 1935-1963 (83%).

California gave us four MISS AMERICAs before the program started being televised: FAY LANPHIER in 1925, ROSEMARY LAPLANCHE who became Miss America in 1941 after placing as 1st Runner-up in 1940 (back when you were allowed to return)(she won her Swimsuit Prelim both years), JEAN BARTEL in 1943 and a double prelim winner who inspired the introduction of college scholarships, and MARILYN BUFERD in 1946 along with another Swimsuit Prelim win. In the pre-tv years California produced 11 runners-up and five semi-finalists.

LEE MERIWETHER was the first woman selected as MISS AMERICA on live television during the 1954 telecast. She had won her Swimsuit Prelim and returns in 2014 as a judge. She was followed by Top 10 Finalist and Swimsuit Prelim winner Joan Beckett in 1956, and then three consecutive 3rd Runners-up: Lorna Anderson in 1957, Sandra Jennings in 1958 along with a Swimsuit win, and Susan Bronson in 1959.

California continued to be strong for the next two decades.  The 60s began with Suzanne Reamo being named 1st Runner-up in 1960, Susan Henryson winning her Talent Prelim in 1961 and making Top 10, Wendy Douglas making Top 10 in 1963, Charlene Dallas winning both her Swimsuit and Talent Prelims before being named 1st Runner-up in 1966, and Susan Anton (known as the spokeswoman for Muriel cigars and Serta mattresses along with film and television work and for dating Dudley Moore) who tied for 2nd Runner-up in 1969 with New Jersey's Cheryl Carter.

Suzanne Reamo

Miss California 1960

1st Runner-up

Susan Anton

Miss California 1969

2nd Runner-up

And the hits just kept on comin' for California. It had a five consecutive year run starting in 1973 with Susan Shipley's Top 10 placement.  Then Lucianne Buchanan was 1st Runner-up and a Swimsuit Prelim winner in 1974, Janet Carr was 2nd Runner-up in 1975 and also won Swimsuit, Linda Mouron was 3rd Runner-up in 1976, and Connie Haugen was Top 10 in 1977.

 Lucianne Buchanan

Miss California 1974

1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

The next 18 years were relatively quiet for California with two notable exceptions: DEBRA SUE MAFFETT was a double prelim winner in both Swimsuit and Talent in 1982 before being named MISS AMERICA 1983, and Marlise Ricardos was 3rd Runner-up in 1988.

Marlise Ricardos

Miss California 1988

3rd Runner-up

Tiffany Stoker won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1995 and was named 3rd Runner-up, and Rebekah Keller also won her Swimsuit Prelim and was named 4th Runner-up in 1997.  Rita Ng won her Talent Prelim and was named 2nd Runner-up in 2000. 

In 2003, California started what is, to date, an eleven year run of success with nine finalists to date: Nicole Lamarche, Swimsuit & 4th Runner-up in 2003; Veena Goel, Talent & 4th Runner-up in 2004; Jacquelynne Fontaine ('06)-Top 10 & Talent; Melissa Chaty ('07)-Top 8; Jackie Giest ('08)-Top 7; Kristy Cavinder ('09)-1st Runner-up & Talent; Arianna Asfar ('10)-Top 10; Noelle Freeman ('11)-4th Runner-up; and Crystal Lee ('13)-1st Runner-up.

California also has two additional Swimsuit Prelim winners, an additional Talent Prelim winner, and nine NFTs.

#1 - TEXAS - 36(12)-W,W,1,2,2,2,3,3,3,4,4,4

Texas is the ONLY state to make Top 10 or better MORE than 50% of the time.  As the Junkies say: "Just put Texas in your Top 10 list and be done with it."  The odds are in your favor.

Movie star Joan Blondell represented Dallas at Miss America in 1926 with her given name of Rosebud Blondell.  She starred in Public Enemy with James Cagney in 1931, in Desk Set with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in 1957, and in Grease in 1978.

Texas' first MISS AMERICA win happened in 1942 when Jo-Carroll Dennison won both her Swimsuit and Talent Prelims (singing "Deep in the Heart of Texas" to the delight of the World War II servicemen in the audience).  Texas had a 1st Runner-up and four Semi-Finalists in the pre-tv years.

Texas' first televised finalist was Mary Nell Hendricks who made Top 10 in 1958. Then the 1960s were really strong for Texas with Linda Loftis winning Talent in 1961 and being named 3rd Runner-up, Penny Rudd-2nd Runner-up in 1962, Sharon McCauley-3rd Runner-up in 1964, and Susan Logan-Top 10 in 1966. 

Linda Loftis
Miss Texas 1961
3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

Then Phyllis happened, and Texas saw 18 women place in the next 22 years (82%!!!!!). And by Phyllis, I mean PHYLLIS GEORGE who won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1970 and became the 50th anniversary MISS AMERICA.  After Phyllis came Mae Beth Cormany as 3rd Runner-up in 1972, Judy Mallett-Top 10 in 1973, Texas' third MISS AMERICA in 1974 with SHIRLEY COTHRAN who also won her Swimsuit Prelim,  Mary Ellen Richardson-Top 10 in 1975,  Carmen McCollum-double prelim winner and 2nd Runner-up in 1976, Lori Smith-Top 10 in 1977, Sandi Miller-Top 10 in 1988-Terri Eoff-Top 10 in 1980, Sheri Ryman-4th Runner-up and Talent in 1981, Dana Rogers-Top 10 in 1983, Tamara Hext-4th Runner-up and Swimsuit in 1984, Jonna Fitzgerald-2nd Runner-up & Talent in 1985, Stephany Samone-Top 10 & Talent in 1986, Jo Thompson-Top 10 in 1988, Lea Kay Lyle-Top 10 in 1989, Suzanne Lawrence-3rd Runner-up & Talent in 1990, and Rhonda Morrison-Top 10 in 1991. Whew!

Sheri Ryman
Miss Texas 1981
4th Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

Dana Rogers
Miss Texas 1983
Top 10 Finalist

Tamara Hext
Miss Texas 1984
4th Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner

Jonna Fitzgerald
Miss Texas 1985
2nd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

Stephany Samone
Miss Texas 1986
Top 10 Finalist & Talent Prelim winner

Suzanne Lawrence
Miss Texas 1990
3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner

During the balance of the 90s, Texas saw Arian Archer make Top 10 in 1994, Michelle Martinez make Top 10 in 1996, and Yanci Yarbrough place as 4th Runner-up in 1999. Tara Watson followed with a Top 10 placement in 2000. Lisa Dalzell was Top 10 in 2002 as were Jamie Story in 2004 and Morgan Matlock ('05).  Shilah Phillips ('06) won her Talent Prelim and placed as 1st Runner-up, Molly Hazlett('07) won her Swimsuit Prelim and made Top 8, and Kristen Blair ('09) was Top10. Most recently, Texas has had three consecutive Top 10 Finalists: Kendall Morris ('11) who also won her Swimsuit Prelim, DaNae Couch ('12), and Ivana Hall ('13). 

The great Lone Star state of Texas also has a Top 12 Semi-Finalist, a Non-Finalist Interview award winner, a Miss Congeniality, and three NFTs.

Questions, corrections, feedback, or suggestions?  Post on the CROWNED Facebook page or email me at crownedmissa@gmail.com.