The Premier of Miss America - Reality Check

Underneath the mist of hairspray, French manicures, stage make-up and perfect smiling faces reside 52 personalities that don't always come across in the once-a-year two hour show that is Miss America.

TLC has parlayed Miss America--long accused of not advancing with the times--into a new reality series entitled, Miss America - Reality Check, which premiered on January 4th 2008 and will air for three more weeks preceding the actual pageant.

The host of Miss America - Reality Check is Michael Urie (Ugly Betty) and the panel of judges consists of celebrity photographer Mark Liddell, US Weekly correspondent Dina Sansing, and celebrity stylist Jeannie Mai (a stunning beauty).

The 52 contestants are shown living in a mansion and sharing 7 bathrooms and the show claims that the living arrangements will last for four weeks; drama anyone?

So far, the contestants have been separated into groups, each group representing something they all have in common, such as: The winning combination of brown hair and eyes, the most winners, no winners ever, etc.

One of the highlights on the first episode was hosting a dinner party for a "special guest." That guest turned out to be controversy and the girls were asked to discuss among themselves a particular political or social issue found in an envelope on their tables. Some of the topics were: sex before marriage, gay marriage, gun control, etc.

At first I felt uncomfortable as I could just imagine how such controversial views would be handled but I must say that TLC did a neutral job and allowed footage of varying opinions - one not shown in a more positive light than another.

I was impressed with many of the contestants and how genuine they came across when not rehearsed.

When the judges gathered to discuss the standouts - either the top three or the bottom three, or those not noticed at all, I felt they were fair.

The celebrity photographer, Mark Liddell, was impressed with Miss Vermont, Rachel Cole, 22, who appeared to come across as pro-gay marriage; I couldn't help but wonder if she was his favorite because of her views or because of what she had to offer as a whole. Miss Vermont had a natural, down-to-earth look and I found her as American and girl-next-door as they come. She did end up in the bottom three.

Another one who ended up in the bottom three was Miss Idaho, Sadie Quigley, 19, who was chastised for her big hair and make-up, which she has long been known for. I must admit that I found Miss Idaho full of personality and she was hard to overlook. At one point she was even labeled as having the look of a "Senator's wife," but I found her personable and funny.

In her confessional she summed it up by cheerfully saying, "They wouldn't have noticed Idaho if I didn't have the poof to start with."

Also in the bottom three was Miss Oklahoma, Makenna Smith, 24.

My personal favorite was Miss Utah, Jill Stevens, 24, who was one tough cookie. She must be as she is a combat medic in the Utah National Guard. I find nothing more attractive than a woman who has the courage and conviction to serve her country while possessing the grace and femininity to hold her own amid "beauty contestants."

Miss Utah came across as a natural leader, well-spoken and attractive. Despite the judges thinking her style was outdated, she was in the top three, along with Miss South Carolina, Crystal Garrett, 21, who exemplified statuesque elegance. She was truly breathtaking, poised as well. Rounding out the top three was Miss Pennsylvania, Rachel Brooks, 24.

Since beauty pageants have lost their luster and the contestants are usually seen as lacking personality, it's refreshing to see so many aspects to the contestants themselves, other than the standard parade of swimsuits, evening gowns, short interviews and talent. The challenges, confessionals and the way they relate to one another on Miss America - Reality Check is thus far, entertaining.