I miss making this! I know that there was a point in Missosology's history where my "verdict" was one of those being followed by pageant aficionados. Fast forward, many of them have become pageant vloggers, experts and analysts in their own right, and I am so happy to see how we have all grown up and matured in the world of pageantry. I am so thrilled to share with you my favorites for the Miss USA 2020 title, although I have to say that my choices have been "off" if I base my record on the Prediction Game.
Well, it started with Miss Universe Thailand where my winner, Punika, ended up as 2nd Runner-up. And then came Miss South Africa where my winner, Natasha, also ended up as 2nd Runner-up. Miss Universe PH came next where my winner in the Prediction Game, Michelle Gumabao, also ended up as 2nd Runner-up. Miss Universe Japan did not exempt me from another 2nd Runner-up finish when my sentimental favorite and student, Yuki Sonoda, who also finished in 3rd Place. Yesterdays' Miss Teen USA just sealed everything when Miss Georgia (my last minute winner at the PG) also ended up as 2nd Runner-up!
So, whoever my winner is in this VERDICT, I have to apologize as early as now if for any reason you end up as 2nd Runner-up!
1st Runner-up - OKLAHOMA
2nd Runner-up - NEW YORK
Top 5
4. INDIANA
5. TENNESSEE
Rest of Top 10
6. HAWAII
7. MONTANA
8. MISSISSIPPI
9. MASSACHUSETTS
10. NEW JERSEY
Rest of Top 16
11. LOUISIANA
12. ARKANSAS
13. MARYLAND
14. CALIFORNIA
15. NEW HAMPSHIRE
16. NORTH CAROLINA
Kim Layne is my overall pick for Miss USA. In this age of global pandemic, it would be great to have a winner who is a professional in the health sector, and has Asian heritage. But in the end, it all depends on Kim on she will play cards come final night. The selection committee at Miss USA will eventually choose the one is the most convincing during the final speech or Q&A. The pasarela and catwalk may be something that a lot of pageant analysts focus on when it comes to their choice of winner, but to be honest, no one can predict what question the finalists would pick and how they would respond to them. So I am not going to justify further why Kim is my choice, but I will only hope and pray that she will deliver the goods when they matter the most.
Oklahoma's Mariah Davis is my runner-up. This Demi-Leigh dead ringer was a revelation during the preliminary competition. I certainly hope that the selection committee had appreciated her in the same I did. Her EG presentation was mesmerizing, and judging from her social media account, I find her very personable and relatable.
Andreia Gibau, the heavy favorite to win the crown is in third place on my list, although I won't mind seeing her as the winner too. In that way, Miss USA won't have to worry about her transfer of residence and it will be an easy transition. No one can deny how Andreia had schooled all of the other delegates at last Friday's preliminary judging, although I find her evening gown design quite underwhelming. Maybe she would change her final gown, but I heard that they could not change it anymore. We'll see!
Indiana's Alexis Lete and hometown girl Justice Enlow of Tennessee are my alternates as crown contenders and are in my Top 5.
Meanwhile Hawaii, who just earned their second Miss Teen USA title after 35 years, is represented quite well by an interesting delegate who also joined the Miss Teen USA in 2013, and made an impressive Top 16 placement. Samantha Neyland is in 6th place, and might as well be a surprise winner tomorrow night! Montana might just as well get their second placement in history with Merissa Underwood, and she might slide her way further to the Top 5 with her statuesque presence and impeccable evening gown presentation. We just don't know if her weak sash will be a hindrance just like how the Dakota's had struggled to be recognized at Miss USA stage despite having great delegates in the past. Will Montana surprise us? Mississippi's Asya is my 8th placer, and she is really adorable. I love her beauty and being the first African American to win the Miss Mississippi title has already made some buzz in her favor. Whether or not this would resonate to a higher placement totally depends on the selection committee. I would not mind seeing her in the Top 5 or Top 3! The stage dive from Massachusetts is in 9th position. I originally had her in my Top5, but I changed my mind. I might regret why I did it, but I certainly don't want Sabrina to be ignored. She deserves at least a Top 10 placement. Gina Mellish of New Jersey completes my Top 10, and who won't be magnetized by those eyes?
The rest of the ladies in my Top 16 are those whom I would consider as possible spoilers and I have to be honest, I wouldn't have put them on the list if they did not have fans who defend and justify their respective performance. Among them, it's New Hampshire whom I find most refreshing and I included her there because of my good friend Angharaya who really adores her!
So guys, what do you think of my VERDICT? Am I gonna flop again?