Anybody who knows me knows that I'm very into fashion; however, I don't usually show or share my extreme enthusiasm for the annual Miss America pageant with too many people. Ever since I was a child, my grandma and I would always grab some snacks on the night of the big gala event and sit down and critique everyone's performances in all the major daunting tasks that the contestants have to compete in: swimsuit, evening wear, talent, and the dreaded on-stage question. While my grandma and I haven't been able to watch the pageant together these past couple of years, we always make sure to text each other our opinions on the competition and who our favorite contestants are during the competition. This year was an exceptional year for many reasons.

One of those reasons was the fact that Vanessa Williams was present to head up the judges' panel this year. Vanessa made history twice as her reign as Miss America. In 1983, Vanessa Williams was the first African American woman to win the Miss America pageant. Unfortunately, she was also the first Miss America winner to resign from her title. Unfortunately, after her win, their was a nude photo scandal where nude photos were published without her consent. Thirty-two years later, she received a much deserved apology from the Miss America organization apologizing, "for anything that was said or done that made you [her] feel any less than the Miss America you [she] are and the Miss America you [she] always will be."

I'd like to share my specific favorite contestants in all four of the major competitions which I mentioned above: swimsuit, evening wear, talent, and the on-stage question.

1. The Swimsuit Competition

While the swimsuit competition is not my favorite category throughout the night, I still had a favorite contestant for this category. I particularly liked this contestant because I personally think black swimsuits tend to have the most class and taste. I also really liked this particular suit because of its design. It's a very simple bikini with a touch of its own personality by the added strip of fabric underneath the bust area. For those reasons, I chose Miss Colorado, Kelly Johnson, as my favorite contestant in the swimsuit competition.

2. The Evening Wear Competition

This is my favorite category throughout the competition. One thing to know about me is that I love lace. I love it when someone looks great in lace. Nowadays, I personally think that it's very difficult for someone to be able to own the lace and vintage look in a dress. This beautiful contestant was able to do just that. Sherri Hill was the official gown sponsor for the competition this year which was another reason I loved this year's competition. Sherri Hill gowns have a reputation for infusing class and timelessness with new and bold choices in design and silhouettes. For those reasons, I chose Miss South Carolina, Daja Dial, as my favorite contestant in the evening wear competition.

3. The Talent Competition

This was a hard choice for me to make, but I was able to make one. All of the contestants who did advance to the talent portion of the competition thoroughly impressed me, but this one impressed me the most. I think I like it most because no one else did an opera piece for their talent piece. Opera is hard, and with all the nerves and emotions happening on that stage, it can make an overwhelming impact on the singer's performance. However, this performance was flawless. During the performance, we learn that one of her goal's is to be on Broadway. After the performance, I was easily convinced that she would make a wonderful Christine Daae in "The Phantom of the Opera." For those reasons, I chose Miss Georgia, Betty Cantrell, as my favorite contestant for the talent competition. Check out her performance in the video below.

4. The On-Stage Question

This part of the competition is daunting for the contestants. It's even daunting for me to watch in anticipation, hoping nobody messes up and is able to answer the question. This year, I was very impressed with most of the questions and answers that were brought to the contestants this year. I will admit, I was very disappointed to hear the question on whether Tom Brady and the Patriots actually cheated or not. I don't feel like that type of question has a place in a competition like this. There are more pressing issues that should be addressed during this competition, not questions regarding an American pastime. With all of that being said, with all the other wonderful questions and answers present, it was hard to pick just one, but again, I was able to do so. When a contestant is answering a question, I look for poise with a sense of authority. I want the contestant to be confident in their answer whether or not they are answering the question in an effective manner. I ultimately chose this next contestant because she spoke a lot of truth in her answer, and it is something that everyone, not just Republicans, should be aware of and "absolutely terrified" of. For those reasons, I chose Miss Alabama, Meg McGuffin, as my favorite contestant for the on-stage question portion of the competition. Check out her question and answer in the short video clip below.

So there you have it. My highlights from the 2016 Miss America Pageant. If you didn't watch the competition, Miss Georgia, Betty Cantrell (who was my favorite in the talent competition), went on to win the title of Miss America 2016. With that, she receives a $50,000 scholarship (not too shabby). Also, she now will start a year-long national speaking tour. As a national spokesperson and advocate,she will travel approximately 20,000 miles a month, to a different city every other day, addressing diverse audiences, increasing awareness and promoting her chosen platform.

This year's pageant was absolutely magnificent from start to finish. I can't wait for next year's competition.