Meanwhile, Ciara, the 30-year-old singer and Miss America celebrity judge was in a stunning white off-shoulder gown with a sparkly choker, gave an encouraging advice to the victor.
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On Wednesday night, Miss Arkansas was victorious in the preliminary talent competition. The third runner-up was Miss Washington Alicia Cooper, and the fourth runner-up was Miss Mississippi Laura Lee Lewis.
“Nothing says “modern women celebrating their lifestyle” like swinging bikini-clad hips before a lip-licking Mark Cuban“, tweeted Jessica Shaw, Host of Entertainment Weekly’s Morning Live.
The finale comes a day after the traditional “Show Us Your Shoes” parade in which the contestants ride in vehicles along the Boardwalk while showing off state-specific footwear.
The crown looks good on her!
She hit a bit of a stumbling block when she ran out of time answering her question regarding Hillary Clinton.
“What I want both candidates to focus on is compromise”, she said.
While O’Flaherty was the first contestant in the pageant’s 96-year history to compete as an openly gay person, one previous contestant came out as a lesbian three years after her participation. She added that right now both sides seem to be yelling at one another.
Expanding on her comments about the political climate after the ceremony, Shields said, “Our country was founded on compromise”. The evening included a September 11 tribute in honor of the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in 2001.
Shields, interviewed by host Sage Steele just before being announced as the victor, noted the “sisterhood” with other contestants and called the experience “so special”.
Shields will receive a $50,000 scholarship for winning the event.
The new Miss America received support on social media.
At the press conference, Miss America Organization CEO, Sam Haskell spoke briefly about what makes Miss America special over any competition.
“Obviously you have to be pretty savvy to become Miss America”, he said.
Shields performed the dance once again on Sunday night after making the semifinals.
About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. She’s an art major at the University of Arkansas, and hopes to earn her Masters of Fine arts, and “teach on the university level”. Now in her senior year at Arkansas, Shields is also working towards a business minor. “I am a collection of all the people I have met in my life, and I would not be the human I am today without these girls”.
During the swimsuit competition, Shields, who would later take home the crown, strutted on the stage in heels and a black bikini.
Shields is a native of Fayetteville and the daughter of Todd and Karen Shields.
Singer and songwriter Cole Swindell said, “I know what it is like to chase a insane dream”.
“It was a pretty great feeling”, she told The Columbian by phone after the show.
Director Sarah Foster said, “I look at you and you are talented, self deprecating, you have an unbelievable platform and you should enjoy this moment with pride”.
“Sorry, that’s kind of amusing”, Shields answered. She added that Shields’ servant heart shines through.
She once battled with unhealthy eating, and is educating others about nutrition..
“Every single girl here would do an incredible job as Miss America”, she said. “And with Shields and a Guardian, Atlantic City will be safe for another year!” Numerous contestants noted the solemn anniversary, professed strong support for America’s armed forces and struck patriotic themes.
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Haskell announced that in a few months there would be an announcement about the plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Miss America.
