In light of Miss USA 2017 airing this past weekend, I thought it might be fun to share a little bit on my experience competing in a beauty pageant.
But what’s not so fun: butt glue.
Personally, I’ve never had to use butt glue, but as the name of it suggests, it is not something to be underestimated. I’ve heard horror stories of girls who had put on too much butt glue only to be unable to put on their dress pass their behinds–or worse, was stuck to furniture they sat on.
If ever you decide to compete in a beauty pageant, or are just curious to know what really goes behind the scenes, here are 8 things that you might come across.
- You will be reminded to wear underwear countless times
And still, there are some girls who haven’t taken the hint. I get it, underwear might show if your gown is too tight or fitting, but girl the judges are a level under the stage. Don’t make them feel like they’re gynecologists.
2. You might think you were poisoned with all the hairspray you’ve inhaled
You need to get that va-va-voom height and make sure your hair is crown-ready. But it’s a whole other level of atmosphere with over one hundred other girls trying to get that hold too.
3. You might feel a little ridiculous shaking that thang in five-inch heels
Prepare to rehearse, rehearse, rehearse that opening number only to almost fall off the slippery stage because of a slight mis-step on your five-inch heels. Not saying that it has happened to me. No, I’m not saying that at all….
4. Your cheeks will hurt from smiling too much
Your RBF won’t do; when on stage you gotta show them pearly whites! You might feel like you’re going insane and will have to check into Arkham Asylum, but it’s all for the sake of the show!
5. You will be fed a huge meal if you don’t make it into semi-finals
After the Top 15 was announced, the girls who didn’t make it were ushered into a room filled with boxes of pizza, chips, chocolates, cookies, and sodas. I ask you, who’s really the winner here?
6. You’ll feel the love from the hundred women cheering you on
Never once during my time at the pageant have I felt any cattiness – in fact, I had experienced quite the opposite. I’ve seen fellow competitors cheering for each other while waiting in the wings. My roommate gave me a pair of her fake eyelashes and helped me put it on. The energy you feel is positive and uplifting.
7. You will meet people from all walks of life
I’ve met engineers, doctors, psychologists, students, as well as accomplished models and actors. The Miss Congeniality of the pageant was a fierce young woman with cerebral palsy who absolutely killed it on the runway. Don’t believe the stereotype that all women competing in beauty pageants are just airheads with big blonde hair. Everyone has their own reason of competing, and everyone is left empowered.
Which brings me to my last point:
8. You will have the time of your life
Despite all the craziness of what it takes to compete and putting on a show, I sincerely had the best time of my life. Even if you don’t win, you will walk away with something, whether it’s a new friendship, some crazy stories to tell, some photos of yourself in a beautiful evening gown, or even if you’re happy with just the gift bag – there’s always something to take out of this experience.
