Miss America 2012 winner: Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler tops Miss America contestants 2012
Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler won the 2012 Miss America pageant Saturday night. She's an aspiring speech pathologist whose platform issue centers on mentoring children of incarcerated parents.
Miss Oklahoma was first runner-up.
For our local readers: Miss Alabama Courtney Porter, an Auburn University alum, survived two major cuts in the pageant. After advancing to the first semifinal stage, she was originally cut after the swimsuit portion of the contest.
But in a new twist, Miss America contestants eliminated earlier in the contest got to "save" one of the contestants cut after the swimsuit portion. They chose Miss Alabama, who went on to compete in the evening gown phase. So she made it to the top 13, but didn't advance past that level.
Miss Georgia Michaela Lackey did not advance Saturday night.
Weigh in: Did the right contestant win?
Here's a full recap of the pageant.
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We got the usual entertaining introductions. Miss Alabama said she's from the "state of champions, not just on the football field." Miss Georgia said she's from a state where "Paula Deen will share her recipes, but Coca-Cola never will."
I also enjoyed Miss Colorado's introduction, when she confessed, "Tim Tebow makes me believe in magic."
Here are the results so far.
Semifinalists: Miss Oklahoma (America's Choice), Miss South Carolina, Miss Florida, Miss New York, Miss Iowa, Miss Texas, Miss Virginia, Miss Illinois, Miss Arizona, Miss Alabama (Auburn alum!), Miss Tennessee, Miss Wisconsin, Miss North Carolina, Miss California and Miss Louisiana (says she's Tebowing to celebrate).
After the swimsuit portion, there was another cut.
Remaining contestants: Miss Louisiana, Miss Iowa, Miss Illinois, Miss South Carolina, Miss New York, Miss Wisconsin, Miss Florida, Miss Tennessee, Miss Arizona, Miss Texas, Miss California and Miss Oklahoma.
BUT WAIT. "This isn't over yet."
One of the contestants will be saved...by their fellow Miss America contestants. The contestants who didn't advance so far stand behind the contestant they think deserves another chance.
The winner is...MISS ALABAMA. YES. YES. YES. So she advances to the next stage: evening wear. (I'm a little worried about the cluster of fabric on the shoulder of her gown. But whatever. War Eagle!)
After the evening gown portion, there was another cut. The host gives the results. Some contestants will immediately perform a talent, some will be eliminated.
Miss Arizona dances...looks like jazz.
Miss Illinois dances...ballet.
Miss Oklahoma dances...Irish step dance.
Miss Florida is ELIMINATED.
Miss Texas plays the piano.
Miss Wisconsin sings.
Miss New York sings.
Miss Louisiana dances...contemporary.
Miss South Carolina is ELIMINATED.
Miss Tennessee sings.
Miss Iowa sings.
Miss Alabama is ELIMINATED.
Miss California dances...ballet.
Interview time! My favorite! The five advancing contestants will answer their question immediately.
Miss Wisconsin: Do you think Miss America should declare a political affiliation?Excerpt: "Miss America represents everyone...I think that Miss America needs to represent all."
Miss Oklahoma: Is it the government's responsibility to regulate what we feed our kids?Excerpt: "It is the parents' responsibility."
Miss Arizona: Is OK for celebrities to use fame to spread faith?Excerpt: If you're a celebrity, you shouldn't be "forcing your faith on others, but strong and convicted in who you are."
Miss New York: Does the Occupy movement have a point and what should be done about it?Excerpt: The Occupy protesters generated discussion, but "they have to come up with some solutions, too."
Miss California: Do shows like "Teen Mom" glorify teenage pregnancy?Excerpt: "It absolutely does glorify being pregnant at a young age," but as viewers we must take "responsibility for our actions."
RESULTS:
4th runner up: Miss California Noelle Freeman
3rd runner up: Miss Arizona Jennifer Sedler
2nd runner up: Miss New York Kaitlin Monte
1st runner up: Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson
Winner: Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler
This story was originally published January 14, 2012 at 7:51 PM with the headline "Miss America 2012 winner: Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler tops Miss America contestants 2012."