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September 27, 2016 by Junkies Leave a Comment

Top 12 Podcasts of All Time – Leighton Jordan, Miss GA 2012

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Between now and the end of the year, we’re posting our Top 12 most downloaded podcasts of all time! It’s a great way to listen for the first time – or catch an awesome interview you may have missed (plus, it’s kind of funny to hear how the podcast has evolved over the last 2 years)!

Today, we’re kicking things off with podcast #12… Originally released on May 7th, 2015, it’s Leighton Jordan, Miss Georgia 2012!

“I’m ready to stop living ashamed. I’m ready to stop living in this dark circle where everyone on the outside thinks that I’m perfect…”

Today’s interview with Leighton Jordan is incredible. All because Leighton shares what it was like serving as Miss Georgia while recovering from an eating disorder. We were blown away by her candor and her grace… and I know you will be too. She’s simply amazing.


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Filed Under: Podcast

September 15, 2016 by Junkies 2 Comments

#145: Miss America 2017 Wrap-Up Podcast

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Whew! Thanks for your patience – Here’s our full summary of our experience from Miss America 2017! Inside today’s episode you’ll hear LOTS of name dropping taking place – and there’s also a special announcement at the end for all of you die-hard Junkies out there… 🙂


Filed Under: Podcast

September 13, 2016 by Junkies 1 Comment

There She Is…

And the winner is…

SAVVY SHIELDS, MISS ARKANSAS!!!

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Big Junkie Congrats to Savvy (Savannah Janine Shields) – The first Miss Arkansas to wear the Miss America crown since Elizabeth Ward in 1982!!!

Savvy has been a favorite of many Junkies ever since she was crowned Miss Arkansas – The girl has some MAD social media skills! Once you follow her on Instagram or Facebook, you feel like you know her. More importantly, she draws you in – and you find yourself liking her, even if you’ve never met her! Talk about a HUGE advantage! When someone has that kind of intangible quality, you can’t help but thinks she’s going to rise to the top! And to be honest, Savvy certainly seems as if she was born with an ability to stand out from the crowd!

And now… Here’s a few thoughts regarding this year’s pageant…

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TOLD YA! TEENS RULE!

During our Miss America Mini-Series, we highlighted the fact that there were SEVENTEEN former Outstanding Teen state winners competing this year – And that we wouldn’t be surprised at all if one of them won… Well – She did! However – in addition to Savvy (former AR OT), THREE MORE OT’s were also in the Top 5! Arkansas, South Carolina, New York and Mississippi were all former Outstanding Teen state winners (DANG!). In addition, 5 of the Top 10 were former OT winners – AND – 7 of the Top 15 were OT state winners as well!

THAT’S AN AMAZING TRACK RECORD!!! It tells me the same thing I’ve been hearing from state winners for the last couple of years – If you want to be Miss America, GET INVOLVED in your state’s OUTSTANDING TEEN program! The skills you learn and the confidence you gain are the best preparation for becoming a top contender at Miss America. Hands Down!

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THE SHOW ITSELF…

So – I’ve been getting a lot of feedback (text, email, phone calls) from people who were not impressed with this year’s show from a production standpoint. Personally, I’ve come to expect the same old, same old for the last few years, so admittedly, my expectations weren’t all that high to begin with. It’s the same production company and the same players. When I realized the ladies were going to be dancing in their Joseph Ribkoff dresses while introducing themselves around Atlantic City yet again – I resolved that the production overall wouldn’t be much different than years past (although, having to introduce yourself in the aftermath of Hurricane Hermine was a bit much).

Interestingly, earlier this summer I posted a blog about the Miss USA pageant (my first time ever). Inside I talked about how Miss USA gets 3 hours and Miss America only gets 2 hours – And that Miss America has an additional element of competition to squeeze into the telecast (Talent). Until and unless Miss America gets more air time (or suffers a ratings tank under the current production company), it may be unfortunate, but my guess is the show is going to look a lot like this for the next few years.

Would I love it it if the Miss America contestants were featured like the Miss USA contestants were this year? Heck Yeah – Of course I would! In fact, I’d go as far as saying the Miss USA pageant felt a whole lot more like “The Oscars” than a reality show (which proves it can be done). Did I expect it this year? Nope. Afraid not.

Honestly, I would bet there are already conversations going on about getting that 3rd hour for the 100th anniversary – However, that’s not until MA 2021 – Which means a few more years of everything we just saw last night. My best advice? If you lower your expectations (as I have), you won’t be so disappointed.

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ON-STAGE QUESTION

Another thing that has people up in arms is the type of questions asked during the final OSQ. This year, they were highly political – which I think is to be expected in a political year. After all, Miss America is probably going to be asked her opinion about the presidential race – She should be able to communicate about it clearly and with a great amount of tact.

Further (and this is just a free bit of advice), OSQ is the time to answer the question. Not to try to be funny, or insert your platform… During ANY pageant – OSQ is the time to answer the question. I agree that not everyone “answered the question” last night – But nobody made a complete fool out of themselves either. That’s another win. 🙂

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THOSE LEFT OUT

So – likely the most shocking part of the night was seeing three preliminary winners not make the top 15. It’s the first time since 2010 that we’ve seen 3 prelim winners come short (not my knowledge – but rather – a brilliant factoid from our favorite Junkie Research King), and I’d by lying if I said it wasn’t a smack-me-in-the-face kind of moment! Especially since so many of the prelim winners weren’t necessarily considered “tops” on their night from members of the pageant community… Which made us all assume they must’ve had stellar interviews (and their interviews carried over into their prelim win).

Now – Looking Back – You can see the one thing that every contestant needs to remember when competing in pageants… CONSISTENCY MATTERS.

The only woman to win a prelim in the Top 5 was the winner. Only 2 prelim winners made the Top 7! One of the biggest mistakes you could make is to lose your confidence and begin doubting yourself because you don’t win a prelim. Obviously, it’s just not that big a deal. Rather – if you consistently finish in the Top 2-3 in your group, in every category, you will make the semi-finals.

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INTERVIEW – INTERVIEW – INTERVIEW

Finally – it’s soooooooooo frustrating for Miss America fans to know how important interview is to the overall competition – But not be able to see first hand who has a strong interview and who doesn’t. You do get a pretty good sense of each contestant’s speaking skills during OSQ, but with only 20 seconds to answer a question – it’s just too little too late.

Interview drives this competition – And I’m not arguing with that concept! I believe Miss America is first and foremost, a spokesperson for the brand! Therefore, if you’re someone who is having a hard time figuring out what you should be doing differently in your pageant career – A great place to start, is by working on your interview! I’m really looking forward to this year’s Miss America interview DVD and I would highly encourage you to purchase it when it becomes available (previous contestant interview DVD’s are also available at MissAmerica.org).

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LET’S REVIEW THE STATS…

Ok… One of the best things about Junkie predictions is that we know we’re not perfect. We’re well aware of the fact that we don’t always get it right – and yet – we continue to “put ourselves out there” and hold ourselves accountable to the results, year after year after year.

This year, was a bit of a doozie.

We only accurately predicted 2 of the 6 prelim winners (Maryland and Michigan). Of our Top 15 list, we accurately predicted 8 of the Top 15, and only 4 of the Top 10 (ugh). In my defense, I did list Massachusetts and Idaho as potential non-finalist talent award winners – And, I did have Kentucky on my “bubble” list.

In addition, earlier in the week I told WAPT TV that I thought Mississippi would do well on Sunday night (interview here)… And when I checked back through my own predictions, the only ladies I didn’t include in any sort of a potential prelim win, placement, or non-finalist award, were California and New York. Everyone else in the top 15 received some sort of “nod” or acknowledgement from me during competition week.

All that being said – Savvy is the only member of the Top 5 that I chose. However, Savvy was also my pick to win the whole darn thing – and she did. I’m taking comfort in that fact. 🙂

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FINAL TID-BITS…

In random order…

– Texas does not disappoint. Since 1970, they’ve made the semi-finalist cut (Top 10 or Top 15) at Miss America THIRTY-SIX times! That means, 76.5% of the time, over the past FORTY-SEVEN YEARS, Miss Texas is in. We respected their track record this year and she did not let us down! Great work Caroline!

– Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2013 Rachel Wyatt finishes as the 1st Runner Up to Miss America – Which is a HUGE accomplishment given the pressure and scrutiny she likely faced since her crowning in June. No doubt, she certainly looked like a Miss America last night – and came oh-so-close to taking home the crown!

– Both outgoing Miss America Betty Cantrell and incoming Miss America Savvy Shields advocate for a “healthy eating” platform… I believe this is the first time we’ve had similar platforms back-to-back since the platform was established.

– For those of you who’ve always wondered, Finals Night Judge Mark Cuban confirmed in a video (watch it here) – that the second panel of judges DO watch the Top 15 in interview before the competition begins. As stated above, that’s why interview is super important – You have to have the skills to win over 1 panel in person, and a second panel via video.

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– A big “breaking through” shout-out to Kylee Solberg, Miss Idaho… Sierra Sandison was America’s Choice in 2014, but Kylee is the first Miss Idaho since 1971 to be named a semi-finalist on her own merit! Idaho also made the cut at MAOTeen this year – Along with OK, TX and LA (all 4 of these states had semi-finalists for MAOTeen and Miss America)! CONGRATS!!!

– There are also a few states that deserve recognition for how incredibly consistent they’ve been recently… Here’s a few stats for you… Texas and Oklahoma are now currently riding the nation’s longest “semi-finalist” streak at 8 years in a row. New York has made it 6 of the last 7 years, Iowa and Tennessee have both made the cut 5 out of the last 6 years. Kentucky has made it 7 of the last 9 years – And with Savvy’s win, Arkansas has been named a semi-finalist or better, 10 of the last 13 years.

– A few additional awards were announced last night – including Miss Minnesota = Miss Congeniality… Miss New Hampshire, Colorado, North Carolina and Michigan = Non-Finalist Talent. The non-finalist Interview award went to Miss Florida. Congrats Ladies!

– Not that it matters, but I created a list before the ladies even left for Miss America… And on that list, I had 11 of the Top 15 (lol!). Guess I didn’t learn my lesson from MAOTeen after all (see what I’m talking about right here)…

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 11: Miss America 2017 Savvy Shields (C) and Miss America 2017 contestants appear onstage during the 2017 Miss America Competition at Boardwalk Hall Arena on September 11, 2016 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for dcp)
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 11: Miss America 2017 Savvy Shields (C) and Miss America 2017 contestants appear onstage during the 2017 Miss America Competition at Boardwalk Hall Arena on September 11, 2016 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for dcp)

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!!!

As always – THANK YOU for those of you who continue to enjoy our Miss America/state prediction season… It’s not easy being the Junkie who puts her neck out on the line year after year, but I continue to do so because of the Junkie Nation. YOU GUYS are the ones who motivate me every day… In fact, I’m super proud of the community we’ve built together – One that’s positive and fun without being overdramatic and/or rude. And in my opinion, if there’s anything the pageant community needs – it’s more fun and less rude!

So – Thank You Junkies for another amazing year… I couldn’t have done it without you!

And until next year – When we once again do our best to predict the woman who fully exemplifies the qualities and ideals that Miss America stands for – We hope you find a way to impact your own community for the better! Start telling young women about the program and how they can benefit! Encourage leaders in your area to get involved and learn more! Advocate for those who are making a difference – And above all else, work to become the best version of yourself. When you do – You’ll never lose.

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Until Next Time –

#BigJunkieLove

Carrie Lakey

Photo by Jenn Cady Photography
Photo by Jenn Cady Photography

Carrie Lakey is kind of obsessed with Miss America…
So are 18,000 of her closest friends.

As an avid fan of the Miss America Organization, Carrie began
publicly predicting pageant winners over 10 years ago.
Now, she’s galvanizing an online movement of fans
known as “Pageant Junkies”.
Learn more about the Junkie Nation
by clicking here.

Filed Under: MAO Mini-Series, Miss America 2017

September 6, 2016 by Junkies 2 Comments

#144: Mary Katherine Fechtel, Miss Florida 2015

Florida

Today’s interview with Miss Florida 2015 Mary Katherine Fechtel, is the perfect way to kick off Miss America week… Mary Katherine talks about fighting to keep her non-traditional platform, having a sister who’s also successful in pageants, and how a trip to Germany helped her prepare for the title of Miss Florida! Plus, we finally put the whole “sharpie thief” thing to bed… In today’s Pageant Junkies Podcast…


Filed Under: Podcast

September 5, 2016 by Junkies 1 Comment

Miss America Prelim Predictions

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I still remember like it was yesterday.

I was sitting in my high story office, happy that our sales team had just finished a great fiscal year, when I had this crazy, dim-witted, slightly hair-brained idea…

“I think I’ll send an email to some of my friends I haven’t seen in a while, and tell them the Miss America pageant is about to take place… “

The reason this idea was so crazy, dim-witted and slightly hair-brained, is because I was about to email a bunch of friends who never competed in pageantry. These were ladies who supported me – but honestly – they you couldn’t have paid them to compete. Not in a million years.

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In truth, I knew it was a bit of a risk to send such an email out of the blue. Which is why I decided I needed a hook… Something to keep them from politely rolling their eyes and asking if I was “still into all that stuff”. So, in order to keep things interesting, I decided to up the ante by telling them I was going to predict who would win each of the preliminary competitions. I’d pick a few states, then I’d tell my friends why I thought “so and so state” could win the given prelim each night.

That’s when I realized I needed to put these friends on their very own email list. I thought for a moment and wondered what I should name the list… And then it hit me.

Miss America Junkies.

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Ever since that day, I’ve been posting picks – and each year more and more Junkies join me in my pursuit of the perfect preliminary prediction.

In case you’ve never seen this before, here’s how it goes…

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1. Two awards are given on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night… one for Swimsuit and one for Talent (no on-stage awards for Evening Gown or On-Stage Question). Three nights of prelims times 2 awards each night means 6 awards total. 🙂

2. I’ll select 4 states out of the 17-18 girls who could possibly win.

3. To provide complete disclosure… I’ve only seen 2 of this year’s Miss America contestants compete on stage before. I don’t attend Miss America rehearsals. The way I make my predictions is through online research. If I can find it online, it’s fair game for my predictions.

4. The Prelim list is in the chart above… for Tuesday, we’re working with Alpha in Talent and Sigma in Swimsuit…

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Now – before predictions kick off tomorrow, I always like to post a few points to remember for anyone who’s not been a part of Pageant Junkies predictions before…

1. Every one of the predictions I post are my opinions and my opinions only. Sometimes I get it right – and sometimes I’m dead wrong. Of all the years I’ve been making predictions based on online research only, the best I’ve ever done is 4/6… Which pretty much goes to prove, I’m not perfect. ?

2. If your daughter/grand-daughter/sister/best friend’s-baby-sitter’s-car-salesman’s niece isn’t on our short-list as a prelim pick, it doesn’t mean she isn’t talented. It doesn’t mean she isn’t ‘pretty enough’. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t have what it takes… It only means, I’m not perfect (please re-read point #1 above). 🙂

3. Just because we accurately predict a prelim winner – it doesn’t mean she is the next Miss America. PLENTY of ladies have walked away with the Miss America title after never winning a single prelim (and it could very well happen this year as well!). Your favorite contestant can too.

Miss Louisiana April Nelson, left, won the talent portion and Miss Florida Mary Katherine Fechtel, right, won the swimsuit competition in the second night of preliminary competition in the 2016 Miss America pageant on Wednesday Sept. 9, 2015. The winners spoke at a press conference in Atlantic City N.J. after the competition. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)
Miss Louisiana April Nelson, left, won the talent portion and Miss Florida Mary Katherine Fechtel, right, won the swimsuit competition in the second night of preliminary competition in the 2016 Miss America pageant on Wednesday Sept. 9, 2015. The winners spoke at a press conference in Atlantic City N.J. after the competition. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

4. This is supposed to be… (wait for it… wait for it…) FUN!!! ? Since predictions are the origin of Pageant Junkies, we have a blast seeing if we can accurately predict a winner simply through online research and Junkie intuition. Please don’t take it personally if the lady you adore is not listed in our posts… It’s truly nothing personal – We’re just trying to have a good time!

5. Finally – In order to prove that predictions ARE fun, I needed to develop a phrase that would encapsulate how I truly feel about each young woman competing. That’s when I stumbled onto this little ditty – and it’s become our signature phrase for ALL of prediction season:

If we say your name, we hope you prove us right!
And if we don’t say your name, we hope you prove us wrong!

And I actually mean it!

Don’t believe me? Ask someone from Iowa (lol! Ok, that’s actually an inside joke for all you Taylor Wiebers fans out there – you know EXACTLY what I mean!). When I’m wrong – I own up to it! And with a smile on my face! In fact, I love celebrating young women who prove me wrong – It’s what keeps me honest and what makes leading the Junkie Nation so much fun!!!

Now – As I said above, I’m not perfect.  All I’m trying to do is interject a little bit of levity into one of the single-greatest competitions on live television today. Miss America is a total crap-shoot (and I mean that in the kindest way possible). Absolutely anything can happen – Which is what makes it so much fun to play!

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So – if you’re interested in “playing along” – you’re always welcome to post your predictions on our Facebook page or here in the comments section below… You’re also welcome to send me an email with your picks and we can contrast and compare!

In the meantime, there’s work to be done! We don’t just pull these picks out a hat you know… In fact, we’ve gone through a super tedious and extremely loooooooooooong process of research and evaluation just to get to this point! But – That’s precisely why they call us Junkies 🙂 Don’t take the name if you can’t take the job 🙂 LOL!

If you’d like to see our predictions for Miss America 2017, you still have time! Just join Pageant Junkies Premium, and we’ll make sure you’re on the list! Prelims start tomorrow – and we’re still frantically trying to put together final our list! Once they’re ready, we’ll send our predictions and see how things shape up on Tuesday night! –  Don’t miss it!!!

#BigJunkieLove

Carrie Lakey

To see more of our Miss America mini-series, just click here…

Photo by Jenn Cady Photography
Photo by Jenn Cady Photography

Carrie Lakey is kind of obsessed with Miss America…
So are 18,000 of her closest friends.

As an avid fan of the Miss America Organization, Carrie began
publicly predicting pageant winners over 10 years ago.
Now, she’s galvanizing an online movement of fans
known as “Pageant Junkies”.
Learn more about the Junkie Nation
by clicking here.

Filed Under: MAO Mini-Series, Miss America 2017, Miss America Predicitions

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