Amazing Talent at Miss America

The talent competition can be one of the most entertaining aspects of any pageant. But what does it take to prepare a winning talent presentation? Join Valerie as she talks with Miss America 2010 Talent Award winners Miss California, Kristy Cavender , Miss Michigan, Nicole Blaszczyk, and Top 5 pianist, Miss Louisiana, Katherine Putnam about what it takes to get a big score during the talent competition. We’ll talk about balancing your talent technique with audience appeal and the difference between a local competition and winning at the national level. You’ll learn everything you need to know to wow the judges at you next pageant competition!

Episode Segments:

Pageant Talk Radio: Miss California Kristy Cavender Kristy tells Valerie how it felt to finish as 1st Runner-Up at Miss America, and about the pressures of the talent competition at that level. She also dishes on the importance of finding the right music and costume, and what it takes to get the audience to like what you are doing.
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Pageant Talk Radio: Miss Michigan Nicole Blaszczyk Nicole tells the story of how her dancing lead her into pageants. She also shares the story behind her risky Miss America routine, and gives advice on how to stay focused during the chaos of pageant week, as well as making the most of your 90-second routine.
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Pageant Talk Radio: Miss Louisiana Katherine Putnam Katherine talks about her love of piano and music, and what she does to prep for performing during competition. She then talks about the decision to play the hallelujah chorus, her onstage presence and gown, and also has some advice for other musical performers.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Kristy Cavender Kristy is Miss California 2010 Hometown: Orange, California Age: 21 Education: Crystal Cathedral High School University of Southern California Platform Issue: Make-A-Wish Foundation Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Medicine Talent: Ballet en Pointe Scholastic Honors: Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Club, Valedictorian of High School, National Honors Society Career Ambition: To become a pediatric heart surgeon Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Yosemite Valley Organization State Competition Sponsor: Miss California Scholarship Organization Click here for the Miss California Website

Katherine Putnam Katherine is Miss Louisiana 2010 Hometown: Monroe, Louisiana Age: 23 Education: Oak Grove High School University of Louisiana – Monroe Platform Issue: The Miracle of Music Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Piano Performance Talent: Piano Scholastic Honors: TOPS Performance Award, Florence Ziegler Albritton Award, Dean's List Career Ambition: To perform as a concert pianist and to teach music Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Shreveport Organization State Competition Sponsor: Miss Louisiana Scholarship Organization Miss Louisiana Official Website

Nicole Blaszczyk Nicole is Miss Michigan 2010 Hometown: Novi, Michigan Age: 22 Education: Novi High School Wayne State University Platform Issue: Families Facing Substance Abuse: Support Survival and Prevention Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a degree in Marketing and an Master's degree in Business Administration Talent: Lyrical Dance Scholastic Honors: Presidential Scholar, Academic Honors Scholarship Student, Michigan Merit Award Career Ambition: To pursue a career in Sports Marketing Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Wayne County Scholarship Organization State Competition Sponsor: Miss Michigan Scholarship Organization Click here to read Nicole's Blog