In 1997, the Miss USA pageant was a spectacle that attracted the attention of the entire nation. Among the glittering array of contestants, there was one woman who truly shone: Angelia Savage of Florida. Despite not taking home the crown, her performance was exceptional, leading many to believe she was the rightful winner.
Angelia Savage: More Than Just a Beauty Queen
Angelia Savage is a woman of many talents. She is a world traveler, media personality, and advocate who uses her platform to inspire others. Her interests are wide-ranging, covering interior design, global travel, and even a good glass of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Yet, her focus is laser-sharp: she is passionate about inspiring others, particularly women, to rise to their fullest potential by leveraging their unique experiences.
Her career trajectory is a testament to her capabilities. Following her success in the Miss Florida USA pageant, she was hired by Donald Trump to be the Spa Director of The Trump Spa at Mar-a-Lago. She has also been a local television personality for Channel 18 WPTV, representing the city of West Palm Beach. More recently, Angelia co-hosted The Chat on First Coast News and is known for her work as a radio personality, promoting health, wealth, and positive relationships. She is currently a co-host on the show Women’s Worth Radio, a weekly conversation on retirement topics for women.
A Stellar Performance in the Pageant
During the 1997 Miss USA pageant, Angelia stood out among the contestants, making it to the Top 6 and winning the Best in Swimsuit award, as well as having the highest score during the evening gown competition. She exuded confidence and grace, captivating the audience with her charisma and poise. However, despite her impressive performance, she was not crowned Miss USA.
A Questionable Outcome
The 1997 Miss USA crown was awarded to Brook Lee of Hawaii, who went on to win the title of Miss Universe later that year. One of the defining moments of the pageant was Lee’s response to a question about the recent criticism surrounding the reigning Miss Universe’s weight. Her answer was praised for its emphasis on internal qualities rather than physical appearance.
However, it’s worth considering whether this response alone was enough to merit the crown. While it was indeed a powerful statement against body-shaming, it may have overshadowed other equally important aspects of the competition.
Why Angelia Deserved the Crown
While Brook Lee’s response made a strong statement, the pageant is about more than a single answer—it’s about the overall impression a contestant leaves. Angelia Savage, with her multifaceted personality, commitment to advocacy, and stellar performance throughout the pageant, showcased the qualities that a Miss USA should embody.
Furthermore, Angelia’s subsequent career demonstrates that she possesses the qualities that make a true Miss USA: leadership, compassion, and a commitment to uplifting others. She has used her platform to inspire others, advocate for health and wellness, and foster positive relationships.
In conclusion, the 1997 Miss USA pageant was a historic event, but it’s clear that Angelia Savage was a contestant who left an indelible mark. Her accomplishments both during and after the pageant attest to her deservingness of the crown. While the title of Miss USA 1997 was awarded to another, the legacy of Angelia Savage remains a testament to the qualities of a true beauty queen: grace, intelligence, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
This blogpost was created with help from ChatGPT Pro
Christopher Finlan 