Miss America Please Don't Sing

I love pageants. I love Miss America and I love Miss USA. I even love the new format, but I am angry, hurt and disappointed.

Why oh why did they have to eliminate the baton twirler right before she performed. She had on her sparkly leotard and three batons. THREE! I was devastated. Give me twirlers or give me death!

Oh, there was talent, good talent, but dancers en pointe and singers are a dime a dozen. Twirlers! That's what I wanted to see.

The winner sang, or tried to sing "Over the Rainbow". She looked great in a swimsuit and answered the questions like a pageant pro, but if you are going to be Miss America, you should be able to hit the high note.

I liked that the girls felt like they could step out of the pageant box. They seemed more relaxed and more real.

The pageant even had their version of Pop Up Video. During the talent portion a word bubble would appear and give a little info about the contestant. I was MOST impressed that one of the girls had a dress made by Kayne from Project Runway!

The question and answer part took "people off the street" and had them tape a question to ask to the contestants. They asked relevant questions about the world and America today. No World Peace or starving kids in Africa. But can we all please leave Lindsay alone. I think that they mentioned Lindsay Lohan's name at least 6 or 7 times, and it was not in a positive aspect. Yes, we all know that she's a terrible role model, but can you find another drunken, high celebrity to condemn?

The Pageant even had a reality show where they tried to make over the contestants. They tried to get them to update their look. Reinvent the modern Miss America contestant.

The girls that were the most receptive were the Midwest and west coast girls. I loved it that the Southern girls would not give up their pageant hair and makeup.

I liked the updated version, but I also like my Miss Louisiana to have big pageant hair and lots of hairspray.

Baton Twirlers and Big Hair. Now that's entertainment!