Contact:  Melissa Stamper, director@missplusamerica.com 

Re:  “2010 Miss Plus America Titleholders Crowned” 

Lights, camera, action….!   Plus sized beauties from all corners of America came together July 13, 2010 to spend a glorious, fun-filled and hectic four days in Monroe, Louisiana vying for the overall title of Miss Plus America Elite.  The Miss Plus America pageant is open to women size 14 and above in four age divisions: Miss (ages 20-29), Ms (ages 30-39) and Mrs. (ages 20 and above).  Amid thunderous applause and flashing cameras, Evelyn Bailey of Plain City, Ohio was the fortunate woman who walked away with the coveted title of Miss Plus America Elite.

The four day competition began with Registration and Orientation.  After Orientation, each delegate was given a Body Magic Garment provided by corporate sponsor, Ardyss International and made possible by Lee Allen, Independent Consultant.  Tuesday evening, July 13^th, delegates exchanged state mementoes and dined on sumptuous, Louisiana cuisine.  Wednesday began with on-stage modeling rehearsals and finished up with Optional competition where Esther Renee Brandon Ms Pennsylvania who dominated five out of the eight categories.  Ms. Brandon won Talent, Fashion Run-way Modeling, Commercial Performance, Scrapbook and Photogenic Portfolio.  Taking home the coveted Covergirl title was Miss Indiana, Allison Kopach.  Winning Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation was drama teacher, Lindsay McEuen, Miss Georgia.  The Spokesmodel winner went to the lovely Deontrae Sherrard, Ms. Washington, who spoke on “The Strength of a Plus Size Woman”.

Thursday, July 15^th began early with the traditional Judges’ Breakfast where delegates were introduced to the judges for the first time.  Everyone present was treated to speeches by the out-going royalty who spoke on the year of their reign and how being a part of the Miss Plus America pageant changed their lives and the lives of others.   Shortly after, the official competition began as Group A reported for panel interviews. Interviews account for 50% of the individual’s preliminary score. Prior to the interviews, each contestant’s photo was taken by staff photographer, Richard Lupo of Richard Lupo Photography.  The delegate was allowed to choose which photo she wanted to submit for judging and that photo counted for 10% of the preliminary score.  The delegates had a quick break and were back Thursday afternoon for continued interviews, while Group B rehearsed the opening number.  Later Thursday evening, Group B began preliminary on-stage competition, where they were judged in Fashion Pant-Wear, which counts for 20% of the preliminary score and Evening gown, which also counts for 20% of the preliminary score.  The day was concluded by the delegates letting their hair down and wearing fuzzy slippers to the “Butterflies and Kisses” Pajama Party.  The ladies were able to play games like Yahtzee, Chess, Checkers, Farkle and Poker, when they weren’t dancing to the tunes of the sound man’s play-list.

Friday, July 16^th began with Group B interviews while Group A learned the opening number.  That afternoon, Group A competed in Fashion-Pant Wear and Evening Gown competition.  Immediately following, the audience was treated to a Style Show provided by corporate sponsor, Catherines clothing for plus-size women.  The evening culminated with the traditional “Viva La Diva” semi-formal affair where family and friends were invited to partake of the buffet and dance the night away to sounds provided by “2 Hot Productions DJ Service”.

Saturday, July 17^th, came early for the delegates. Another long day began with rehearsals for the production number to be the opening number at the finals that evening.  Following rehearsals, the delegates had a four-hour break and returned for the final competitions that evening. 

The 2010 Miss Plus America Pageant final Competition began with a production number and parade of delegates.  The top 5 in each division was announced and each finalist competed on-stage in fashion pant-wear, (accounting for 25% of the individual’s total score) and evening gown (accounting for 25% of the individual’s total score).  At the end of the evening gown competition, each finalist drew a final question from a fish-bowl and her answer counted for 50% of her score.  The delegates rocked the house with their amazing sense of style and elegance.  Following the final competitions, all delegates were invited on stage for the crowning of the 2010 Miss Plus America Elite, the delegate with the highest overall score including interview, fashion pant-wear, evening gown.  As the drum roll began, the tension in the room was overwhelming.  A surprised and humbled Evelyn Bailey of Ohio won the title of 2010 Miss Plus America Elite.  Division winners were then crowned:  Tonya Lied-Kidd of Monroe, Louisiana, 2010 Ms Plus America, Esther Renee Brandon of Pennsylvania and 2010 Miss Plus America, Latasha Haskins of Washington State. 

An entire year of preparation, four days of rehearsals and hours of competition came down to four very beautiful and accomplished women embarking on the experience of a lifetime.   The Miss Plus America organization is committed to the plus size woman and celebrates the essence of the full-figured woman worldwide.