2015 Stories of the Year: Betty Cantrell crowned Miss America
No. 2 Story of the Year
January 1, 2016
2015 Stories of the Year: Betty Cantrell crowned Miss America
Georgians yearning for the state’s second Miss America title hit the jackpot in Atlantic City, New Jersey in September.
Betty Cantrell became the only Miss Warner Robins to reach the scholarship pageant’s pinnacle.
The 21-year-old who grew up on the outskirts of Peach County has deep roots in the International City and in Macon, where she has been studying voice at Mercer University.
The competition for the crown was a nail-biter. She slid a bit in her evening gown, lost a couple of earrings, couldn't get her hair to stay in the low chignon she planned for the talent competition and fumbled a bit on a “Deflategate” question about New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
But she likely clinched the competition with her stunning, live opera performance in a flowing red gown.
The judges panel, headed by former Miss America Vanessa Williams, chose the brunette beauty, who advocates fitness for children and hopes to be Broadway-bound.
Her reign began with cosy chats with major network television hosts and has included doling out awards at the Country Music Association and American Music Awards.
People lined the streets of Warner Robins for her November homecoming that also drew a dozen other state title holders she befriended during the competition. Weeks later she cruised through New York City atop a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
This story was originally published January 1, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "2015 Stories of the Year: Betty Cantrell crowned Miss America."