Southern Belles Shine in Vegas- Miss USA preview

Like any Modern Magnolia, I love a good pageant. My favorite SNL skit is “Pageant Talk”, I religiously watch Miss USA and Miss America, and I still compete in pageants to this day. That being said, it's only fair that I highlight and present to you the girls of the South that will represent God's country at the 2013 Miss USA Pageant this Sunday (9 pm EST on NBC!).

Miss Alabama USA: Mary Margaret McCord

Going into the weekend as a fan favorite (even the Vegas bookies have this girl taking it all), Mary Margaret has a phenomenal shot at bringing the Miss USA title back to the state that breeds champions. However, don’t confuse this beauty with former Miss Alabama USA Katherine Webb—Mary Margaret was featured on ESPNU during the BCS National Championship game because she was working alongside the network. I would not be surprised to see Mary Margaret crowned Miss USA on Sunday night.

Miss Florida USA: Michelle Aguirre 

A native of Hialeah, Florida, Michelle is not only gorgeous, but is also of Cuban and Puerto Rican decent- which makes for a stand out contestant on and off the stage. She is currently studying to be an elementary school teacher; she was “inspired by her fourth grade teacher” to go into education. Michelle is heavily involved in community service—working alongside organizations like Susan G. Komen, Best Buddies and the American Cancer Society. 

Miss Georgia USA: Brittany Sharp

All you UGA girls are going to LOVE this contestant- she's a Senior, studying mass communication/journalism. Watch out Erin Andrews—Brittany has interned with IMG Bulldog Sports Network, working as an on-air broadcaster interviewing the talented athletes at UGA. Brittany has also appeared in a T-Pain music video—you go girl. 

Miss Kentucky USA: Allie May Leggett 

This blonde bombshell is one of the youngest contestants in the pageant but don’t count her out! She is not only gorgeous but like any good Southern girl, she enjoys being outdoors AND her favorite movie is Step Brothers. Me too girlfriend! 

Miss Louisiana USA: Kristen Girault

As a Bama alum, it pains me to say this, but this LSU nursing student and current Saintsation (NFL Cheerleader for New Orleans Saints), also has a great chance of being Miss USA 2013. Fun/interesting fact: she suffers from a slight case of narcolepsy... Hopefully she can stay awake for the competition, as she could definitely win it all. 

Miss Mississippi USA: Paromita Mitra 

This young lady is the true definition of a Modern Magnolia—Paromita is a first generation immigrant from Bangladesh, however she has called Hattiesburg, MS home since she was a little girl. Smarty Pants Alert! —Paromita is an Aerospace Engineering major at Mississippi State University, is pursing a minor in mathematics and can speak FOUR different languages! Brains, beauty and she's Southern… what more could you ask for?! 

Miss North Carolina USA: Ashley Love Mills 

Ashley is a graduate of NCSU and currently works as a model and actress across the Southeast. Bullies watch out—Ashley has an anti-bullying campaign called “Reach For More: Be Better Than Average," where she works to implement anti-bullying practices in North Carolina schools. Now that is a girl who could change the world. 

Miss South Carolina USA: Megan Pinckney

I will try and not be biased with this one (Megan is a good friend of mine) BUT this is a girl to watch out for this Sunday. Megan is a fashion merchandising major at the University of South Carolina and has interned with famed Pageant/Prom designer, Sherri Hill. Megan aspires to be the editor of a fashion magazine and is currently a Legislative Aide at the SC House of Representatives. Megan also served the state of South Carolina as Miss SC Teen USA in 2010. You go girl.

Miss Tennessee USA: Brenna Mader 

This graduate of Belmont University calls Nashville home. You might recognize her from GAC’s Superfan Weekends or CMT’s My Big Fat Redneck After-show. Brenna was also the lead in Blake Shelton’s “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking" video and has appeared in several other music videos. Brenna aspires to meet Beyonce, as she "truly cares about empowering women." What a coincidence Brenna… I want to meet Beyonce too! Hook a sister up. 

Miss Texas USA: Ali Nugent 

Another young gun in the competition, Ali is more than just a pretty face. She is incredibly compassionate and patriotic- she created her own charity called “Crowns for Heroes” which raises money to build specially equipped homes for wounded soldiers. God bless Texas!

We don't know who will win Miss USA 2013 but we know these Southern belles would each be fabulous representation of this great country!

Tweet me your thoughts- @A_CATindahat.

Anna Catherine