Winning the Miss USA Pageant

Boxtop presents

March 9, 1998

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Seashell Says: What does it take mentally to become a Miss USA?

Ali Landry: A lot! You really have to stick it out till the end and shine right till the end, you really have to be a strong person, you need to know who you are and be comfortable with who you are. You can't be concerned with the other girls because they are all so beautiful. The goal of each contestant should be to let the person within shine through --that's what's really important!

Bestwoman Says: Are you friends with any other former Miss USA's? If so who?

Ali Landry: You know, I haven't really met many Miss USAs. The other day I met Tanya Moore and I've met Chelsea Smith; but really, when your time is done, you move on -- but I do adore Brandy, the current Miss USA!

Denise Says: What's the weirdest public appearance you've had to make?

Ali Landry: There are so many! I'll have to think about that one. I think I was supposed to go to the Playboy Mansion which I thought was a bit odd, but I ended up not going-- Miss Universe went instead. There have been lots of places that I thought, "What am I doing here?" but it's all part of the job!

Bestwoman Says: I hear you are hosting this year's Miss USA, are you excited about it (of course you are!), and what do you hope to bring to the program?

Ali Landry: Myself and Julie Moran from Entertainment Tonight are co-hosting the show, and we're pulling all stops! We're going to SAY what everything else is THINKING; it should be a lot of fun, so tune in tomorrow at 9 on CBS!

Ocean Says: I find pageants can be degrading, how do you feel?

Ali Landry: I guess it's sort of each person's opinion. Someone who has gone through the system and had a totally positive experience, and benefited greatly, will disagree.

AliLandry: Someone else might not have had such a good experience and might agree with you. But it's like the Olympics, you have to train body mind and spirit. I have gained enormous personal benefits.

Lilac Says: What has been the greatest obstacle for you to overcome in achieving your dreams?

Ali Landry: Fortunately, I am very, very blessed in that I really have not run into any problems or anything that's a great challenge for me but then, I'm the sort of person who will hit things head on. If I want something, then nothing is going to get in my way.

Qubert Says: Do you feel that obtaining your status allowed you to positively influence today's youth?

Ali Landry: Of course! Definitely! Any television personalities, like Oprah Winfrey, can make a difference, and this has given me the opportunity to do the same, so I think it's very important that anyone in this position should take their responsibility very seriously and really do their best to make a positive influence.

Peace Says: What is the mission of the Miss USA Pageant?

Ali Landry: Right now, everything is changing. Miss Universe, the company, was purchased by CBS. We have new producers who are absolutely excellent and are really trying to change the face, the stereotypes. This show will be very "real;” you will really get to see the girls as they really are, beyond the face, beyond the body. The girls will be put into certain situations and you will really get to see what makes them tick! So, the whole pageant now is very updated, very 90s, very real, and fun!

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