On Jan. 12, Alexis Wineman, who is the first contestant with autism ever to compete to be Miss America, joined Mariah Cary, who has Tourette's syndrome, in the group of contestants remaining after 53 contenders were reduced to only 16.
According to the Associated Press (AP) via Fox News, Alexis, who is Miss Montana, and Mariah, who is Miss Iowa, are among 14 other beauty queens still in the competition. The other esteemed ladies hail from South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Tennessee, Alabama, Maryland, Illinois, New York, Florida, Kentucky, and Washington.
All the women in the final 16 will continue on with the latest Miss America competition as the lot show off in their swimsuits and in evening gowns, says the AP. The finalists will each also be asked to show off her particular talent and will answer a very important question during the interview aspect of the celebrated pageant.
That said, 18-year old Alexis Wineman, who was reportedly diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder and borderline Asperger's syndrome when she was 11, will perform a stand-up act .
Meanwhile, Mariah Cary, who has a name with a familiar ring, will tap dance.
And so, as Alexis Wineman and Mariah Cary make the first cut at the Miss America pageant held in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, hopefully these two beauties will be asked to continue until the finalists are finally determined. Stay tuned.
Comments