Behind the Glitz and Glamour of Pageantland

Behind the Scenes at Nationals

Last week, I shared the glamorous side of my nationals experience, so I think it's only fair to share some behind-the-scenes moments. When competing for multiple days, it's easy to get lost in a competitive mindset. I work to find a balance between taking the competition seriously and allowing myself to have fun. Without that balance, you lose the joy behind everything you're doing. While not all of my silly moments were caught on camera, here are a few of my favorite outtakes and the stories behind them.

My Newest Accessory

I've never worn extensions before, but Katie, my hair and makeup artist, suggested adding them for volume. I didn't have time to get a professional set, so I opted for the next best thing—Amazon extensions. I had to carry my lovely clip-in extensions back and forth to the theater, which was quite a unique look. I definitely had fun posing for pictures with my hair in hand each day.

Put a Little Boogie in It

One thing about me is that I'm always dancing whether or not there's music playing. To me, there's no better way to let loose after a long day than just dancing for a little bit. Whether it was through the parking lot or in the hotel hallways, I was always putting on a show.

Singing Myself to Sleep

On finals day, I was convinced I wouldn't make the top 16 let alone the top 12. With this in mind, I had no intention of warming up my voice just in case, but my director and my mom insisted it would make them feel better. Now, whenever I warm up a song, I like to do it in a really silly manner while dancing. It allows me to get any mistakes out of the way and just enjoy the moment. That’s how this moment of me singing opera on a hotel bed took place.

Took a Spill

Leave it to me to have an accident at the worst time. After the finals competition and coronation party, I went to the lobby to take some last photos. Since I was walking to the back of the building to get to my car, I naturally took off my heels. Right before I made it to the elevator, I felt my body shift and start sliding across the floor. Suddenly, I was sitting in a full cocktail dress in a puddle. Turns out, there was water on the floor and I had slid into home base.

Now, being me, I wanted a picture because I thought it was hilarious. My mom had just pulled out her phone when one of the board members for the organization walked out of the elevator. She was very worried, and I knew better than to take my picture sitting on the floor. Instead, this picture was taken downstairs to commemorate the occasion.

Beauty Sure Is Pain

Wearing heels for a short period doesn't bother me, but after hours on end they start to hurt. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why we can’t just sit down and rest our feet during the competition. The truth is you could, but when you sit down you wrinkle your gown and there’s not enough time to steam it. I just accept that my feet will be sore at the end of the night and tough it out.

Post-Pageant Bread Hits Different

I’m aware of the stereotype that pageant women starve themselves for competition. I don't believe in doing that. I have a complicated history with my relationship with food, and to me, a crown isn’t worth destroying the progress I’ve made. I just don’t like eating before performances of any kind. It makes me feel sick to my stomach if I eat a lot before going onstage.

On finals day, I was running on a breakfast sandwich, so trust me when I say there were no leftovers after Olive Garden. I even took breadsticks with me afterward.

Needless to say, while I may look like a pageant girl on occasion, deep down I’m still me. These were just some of the funniest moments from Tennessee, but if you want more, feel free to ask.