SU alumnae Vanessa Williams and Allie Curtis take stage at Miss America 2016
SU alumna Allie Curtis had to watch the live finales from the side of the stage. Courtesy of Allie Curtis
Two Syracuse University alumnae took the stage at the Miss America Pageant 2016, one as a contestant, the other as a judge.
Allie Curtis, who graduated in 2014, competed in this year’s contest as Miss Rhode Island, and Vanessa Williams, Miss America 1984, returned to the Miss America stage as this year’s head judge.
On Sunday, 52 women walked the stage at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, were represented.
Wearing a royal blue cocktail dress Curtis dazzled in her introduction where she told viewers to “Catch her wave.” The SU alumna did not make the Top 15 and was unable to compete in the live rounds. Curtis and the other contestants who did not make the live rounds cheered on their friends from the side of the stage.
Williams, adorned in a pink, brown and black gown, sang a rendition of “Oh How the Years Go By,” by Simone Climie and Will Jennings, which she previously covered in 1996.
Williams was the first African American Miss America to be crowned in 1983. After her crowning, she was pressured to resign as Miss America because of nude photos of her published by “Penthouse Magazine,” even though the photos were taken two years prior in 1982. Since the scandal, Williams has recorded multiple albums, worked as a model and starred in TV shows throughout the past 30 years.
After Williams’ performance, Sam Haskell, the CEO of the Miss America Organization apologized to Williams in front of the live audience and all of the Americans who tuned in to watch.
“I have been a close friend to this beautiful and talented lady for 32 years. You have lived your life in grace and dignity and never was it more evident than during the events of 1984 when you resigned.” Haskell said. “Though none of us currently in the organization were involved then, on behalf of today’s organization, I want to apologize for anything that was said or done that made you feel any less than the Miss America you are and the Miss America you always will be.”
Williams said that Haskell’s words were, “so unexpected, but so beautiful.” The camera panned to Williams’ mother, who looked very emotional.
“On behalf of my family, my mother in particular, Brian Edwards, also who orchestrated this entire thing to bring me back, and your leadership, your integrity, and you bringing this pageant back to what it ought to be.” Williams said. “ I love you, I love the girls and I’m so honored to be back.”
