•‘MISS BYRDIE’ continued from page 09 made popular by the show to techno music and even made his way off stage and down one of the aisles of the auditorium first-pumping like he was a lady, or man, possessed. Then it was time for the contestants to look their best in the evening gown and interview portion of the competition. At this point, everyone probably learned a little more than they would’ve liked to know about the contestant’s as the showed off their evening gowns. The crowd learned that Anita Mann was single but living with nine animals including a seal. Bri Daul Showers said she was a wedding crasher that should be on the cover of Home Improvement magazine because “every room I walk into sparkles.” And all Lin Guinni wanted was a “muscular, chin-strap wearing Guido.”
Anita Mann said if she could be any appliance she’d choose to be a “toaster because I like to make things toasty.” The contestants left the staff to change and the judges were dismissed to deliberate the results, but the fun was not over for the crowd, which was wowed by two of the night’s highlight performances. First, Mark McCadden showed Beyonce a thing or two by doing a dance to her song “All the Single Ladies.” Many in the crowd were simply left in awe of just how good of a dancer he really is. Others, including judge Russell Dishman, rolled in the isles. After McCadden exited to a standing ovation and raucous applause, senior Morgan Willis led the contestants back on stage for a rendition of “Man, I feel like a Woman” by Shania Twain. As she gracefully belted out the song the guys got the group dancing together and even broke out into a spontaneous fist pump. “The fist pumping was my favorite part, when we all got to get together,” said Hearst.
After all the festivities had ended, it was finally time to crown the 2010 Miss Byrdie. The crowd added a drum-roll as Spencer began the announcements, “Today’s Virginia Lottery Winner is…. Just kidding,” she said as the crowd laughed. As Steuart called out the winner of the various awards, Spencer handed out certificates and eventually placed the crown on 2010 Miss Byrdie Fa Nay Nay Alejondrisha. As the winner was crowned, Cameron “Boo Taylicious” Clark jokingly voiced his displeasure in a Kanye West type move by stealing the microphone from Steuart and proclaiming that he deserved to win. “I’m not sure if I’m proud of being the girliest guy,” said Warner after being crowned. Proud or not, Warner joined all of the contestants and their escorts as they erupted into an impromptu dance and parade lap around the stage to end the show.
March 15: Opening Day of the Spring Sports Season
Photos by Dan Vance (tennis) and Danny Cruff
14 VOICE