Mr. Continental, Simba Hall, with Miss Continental, Vickie LePaige, and Continental system owner Jim Flint. |
Welcome, readers, to a pageantry special from the one and only Miss Della. We’ve had several national contests lately, so what better way to say farewell to summer than looking back at the results of Mr. Gay USA, Mr. Continental, and piece de resistance, Miss Continental.
Mr. Gay USA was held in Hickory at Club Cabaret in late July.
The field was narrowed to 10 handsome finalists following a night of prelims that required that all 18 contestants do a solo talent (new change this year). After appearing again in creative formalwear, swimsuit and talent (be it solo or production), Ray Matthews, the first runner-up from the previous year and a former Mr. Continental, took all categories and the coveted title.
This Puerto Rican papi is a transplant to sunny Florida by way of the D.C. area. Since he is no stranger to competition or the business of male-lead entertainment, I expect all good things this year for him and the system promoters Jeff Reeves and Glenn Moore. Congratulations, Ray, and to your court — 1st runner-up Eric Rainbow, 2nd Keith Kinnard, 3rd Kurtis Ryan and 4th Jonathan Starr, followed by Tim Posey, Sebastian Armonte, Michael Armani, Troy Schantz and Leslie Brooks. Hats off to Atlanta’s Monte St. James who relinquished his title in style and class.
Mr. Continental was the Saturday night of Labor Day weekend in Chicago. Another Atlantan, Tony DeSario, was giving up his title. Your 4th Mr. Continental is none other than Simba Hall, also of Atlanta (do they have the market on this or what?) who is known as much for his trained voice as he is his outgoing, infectious personality. Simba, who had competed before, finally got what he had been looking for — a membership in the Continental fraternity, and I, for one, could not be any happier for him.
His runners-up included Christopher Iman, Gavin Sanchez, Jose Navarro and Nathane Davis. Other finalists included Marco Hughes, Cedric, Seymour Chilton, Laniere Boyette and Daniel Xavier. These gentlemen competed in interview, talent, swimwear and formalwear.
And now on to my favorite — the Oscars of female impersonation, Miss Continental. This was my 10th year attending and every year I renew my enthusiasm about this prestigious contest.
Mr. Continental, Simba Hall, with Miss Continental, Vickie LePaige, and Continental system owner Jim Flint. |
Once more, I could not be any more pleased with the end results — such a fair outcome, it was as plain as the big nose on my face! (I even jokingly told owner Jim Flint before the crowning who it should be, based on what I’d seen). After an opening by Miss Continental Domanique Chappelle that paid tribute to high fashion (and had tongues wagging with the formers marching out in their own interpretations of haute couture), the Top 12 were named.
Although there was maybe a surprise/disappointment or two, the group of lovely ladies ran the spectrum, hailing from as far away as Hawaii to as close as a former Charlottean, from shapely transgender entertainers to an accomplished, creative young man who makes his living doing drag.
Following competition in group interview earlier in the weekend, the best of the best did “second rounds” in talent, swimsuit and evening gowns. At the end of the night a former Miss Continental PLUS and U.S.ofA. at Large had stolen the show. Yes, Chicago’s Victoria LePaige is the 27th Miss Continental. After having made a fantastic showing at Miss Gay U.S.ofA. in May (Top 6), Miss Vickie put her eyes on the prize and her plans fell right in place.
Her runners-up included Necole Luv Dupree (lovely gown and fabulous talent), Regine Phillips (exquisite clothes both nights), Mokha Montrese (superb talent) and Jasmine International (hottest queen since Erica Andrews). Other finalists were Raquel Lord, Miss S.C. Tatianna Braxton, Sasha Colby, Tulsi, Jordan Kennedy, Yosmein Campbell Starr and Janet Andrews. It was once again a glorious night of pageantry.
One of Victoria’s first preliminaries will be Miss Atlanta Divine, a new one added to the roster, on Oct. 11.
For more info, see the Continental/Baton website at www.thebatonshowlounge.com, ok?
info: Drop me a line, OK? . The TeaMissD@yahoo.com |
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