Phillyist Reviews... Miss'd America 2010

After five long years of no glitz and glamour, Boardwalk Hall proudly welcomed pageantry back to Atlantic City. Over 1,200 spectators watched as seven divas clad in all things sparkly and fabulous vied for the coveted title of Miss'd America 2010 and worked that runway like it's never been worked before. These buxom beauties competed in swimwear, evening gown, talent, and interview question (at least for the lucky top three) all for a chance to take the oh-so-familiar stroll down the dusted off Miss America runway, which according to celebrity host, Carson Kressley, "probably has Vanessa Williams' DNA still on it." Carson's quick-witted humor was a delight and the audience just adored him.

Robert "Sandy Beach" Hitchen and his extremely talented cast, delivered us non-stop entertainment from beginning to end. One of the bigger opening production numbers featured prior contestants in geriatric drag at "The Anita Bryant Home for Washed Up Beauty Queens." It should be noted that all of them admitted to sleeping with Tiger Woods. The ongoing jokes told by Sandy Beach, were mostly at the expense of Dina Matos McGreevey and her fictional best-seller, "My Empty Vagina," which supposedly made Oprah's book list.

The competition itself was fierce! There were feathers, fake eyelashes, stilettos, and tons of attitude. Amongst the swimwear standouts were Michelle Dupree, whose convincing portrayal of Marilyn Monroe could quite possibly make even the Kennedys applaud, and Dee LaMour's portrayal of Wonder Woman was spot on—you haven't lived until you've seen a drag queen in a Wonder Woman costume strut down the Miss America runway with beautifully toned biceps. Vanessa Sterling's crimson red ball gown, which she "won on ebay," was by far our favorite in the evening gown competition. Michelle Dupree's 30,000 rhinestone gown in lavender was equally as impressive. The talent competition was by far the audience's favorite part of the evening. Michelle Dupree stole the show with her scat number, which ended with a standing ovation. We also loved Salotta Tee's fairy godmother routine and Vanessa Sterling's explicit version of Oleta Adams' "Get Here"—which was arguably dedicated to the drunken sailors of America.

At the end of the night, Michelle Dupree (are we surprised?) was crowned as Miss'd America 2010. It goes without saying that the judges couldn't have picked a better icon to represent the rebirth of their pageant. Michelle Dupree, a.k.a. Scott Cooper, is a registered nurse, clinical educator, and the proud father of his 15-month-old son, Anthony Jack, whom he dedicated his performance to earlier in the evening. This year's winner encompasses true beauty, both inside and out. As he said in his press conference, "It is my civic responsibility to make this world a better place." and we believe he will do just that. Phillyist would also like to congratulate the Queen's Court: second runner up, Miss Dee LaMour and first runner up, Miss Vanessa Sterling.

After a five-year hiatus, the Miss'd America charity fundraiser has more than proved itself worthy of the legendary Boardwalk Hall. It was The Birdcage come to life for this Phillyist and I wasn't alone in my admiration of this fantastically brilliant show. "When the show first started it was a huge spoof to raise funds for S.J.A.A. and it was an absolute blast on the deck of Studio Six," said Steve Moore, who won the pageant in the late 90's as Kiki Panadoo. "To sit in the audience tonight and remember back to what it was when it first started, was astounding and I was proud to have been a part of it." Miss Panadoo, Phillyist couldn't agree with you more. We were blown away and can't wait until next year.