Introducing Miss Jamaica World, Danielle Crosskill

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Danielle Crosskill will carry the mantle of Miss Jamaica World to London after earning the top spot in the 49th installation of the Miss Jamaica World beauty pageant on Saturday night in The Jamaica Pegasus hotel's grand ballroom.

The décor for the grand coronation was simple, yet elegant. Praises should also be given to the producers for opting not to include tacky green flora in the stage decoration. The cheap tradition was not missed.

Although it was slated to begin at 8, the event was slightly behind schedule, beginning at 8:39 p.m.

The girls were introduced to the patrons representing different elements: earth, fire, water and wind, accompanied by a short dance intro by the Stella Maris dancers.

Once all the ladies were introduced and had paraded in their dazzling Uzuri outfits, they went straight into their opening number, a dance routine done to the song, Give Me Everything by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Nayer and Afrojack. The 20 hopefuls danced their hearts out as the lyrics "give me everything tonight!" blared from the speakers.

The hosts for the night, Denise Hunt and Adrian Atkinson did a superb job.

The judging panel took the spotlight while the girls went backstage to change into their swimwear. They would return to the stage for further scrutiny, this time parading in their Mushroom-designed swimwear. The audience was then treated to a performance by former Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires songbird, Ashley Martin. Though sometimes off beat Martin kept the crowd entertained.

Her performance also included Lenya Wilks, former Digicel Rising Star contestant, whom she had invited onstage for a duet.

It was then time for the girls to model evening wear. They sashayed onstage one by one in gorgeous Uzuri gowns, putting the crowd in a trance as they slinked down the runway. There was a $30,000 cash prize which was to be given to the contestant whom Uzuri International thought wore her gown the best. That prize went to Michele Daley, Miss 12 to 12 Promotions.

Shortly after, it was time for the top 10 to be revealed. The audience waited patiently in their seats, only to be greeted by the first twist of the night - there would be a top 12 instead of a top 10 because of the stiff competition. The girls were not going to make this easy for the judges.

The top 12 were announced and the crowd seemed content, for the most part, with the judges' decision.

Before the top 12 left the stage the Beauty With A Purpose award was presented to Chavoy Gordon, Miss Appleton Jamaica Rum, who seemed the most philanthropic of the bunch.

After the girls left the stage, Roxanne Elliot, Miss Ocean Spray Water, was invited onstage to be presented with an award for winning the Ocean Spray Express Yourself Photo Challenge. She won for herself a 32-inch plasma screen television.

The top 12 beauties were soon invited back onstage individually, for a short chat session with host Adrian Atkinson allowing the audience to get better acquainted with the beauties.

While the judges deliberated, the Silver Birds hip-hop dancers gave the patrons a spectacular performance. The routine was filled with high flying, daredevil stunts, but it was the final move that the audience would probably remember most.

One of the dancers finished off with a backflip that ended with a wardrobe malfunction. As he pulled his pants up and left the stage, patrons were left wondering if the apparent accident was an accident at all.

Lucky five

It was then time for the lucky 12 to become the lucky five.

Chavoy Gordon was the first contestant to earn a top-five placing and she strutted onstage to randomly select the judge from whom she would receive her question.

Her question came from former Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare, who asked the contestant her opinions on the false-start rule.

Ironically, Chavoy seemed to have had a false start herself, as she asked for the question to be repeated, but not before stating that it was an "interesting question". This seemed like nothing more than a ploy to have the judge repeat the admittedly lengthy question while she thought of an answer. She apparently still needed more time however, as her answer was a complete disaster. The crowd collectively cringed with embarrassment as she fumbled through her answer before storming off stage.

It was at this point that the night had its most controversial moment. Much to the audience's displeasure, Chavoy was reinvited to the stage for a second chance. Even then, she again fumbled through her second attempt.

The next girl announced was Danielle Crosskill, Miss Ocean Spray, who was poised and eloquent throughout her answer.

Zara McGraham, Miss Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records, was the third girl announced as part of the top five.

Her answer, however, wasn't memorable. The next lucky contestant was Chantel Davis, Miss Neutrogena. It was obvious that nerves were getting the better of her as she gave the most timid answer of the night.

The last contestant selected by the judges was Kayla Mendes, who had what was arguably the best answer of the night.

Many hopefuls waited with hopes that there would be another girl added to the group, especially since crowd favourite, Maya Wilkinson, Miss Maybelline, didn't make it into the top five.

Sectional prizes

It was then time for the sectional prizes. The Interlink People's Choice award went to Gabrielle Blackwood, Miss Kirov Premium Vodka. Most aware was, surprisingly, Chavoy Gordon who also nabbed best skin tone and best legs. Lisa Williams, Miss Dunn's Electrical, was awarded most congenial.

While the judges deliberated on the top-three girls, the audience was treated to a stellar performance from Tarrus Riley. He got the crowd re-energised and ready for the results.

Before the results were announced, the now former Miss Jamaica World, Chantal Raymond, took her final walk.

Second runner-up went to Davis, first runner-up was Mendes, while Crosskill earned the title of Miss Jamaica World 2011. Crosskill will represent Jamaica at the Miss World competition in London. Riley returned to close the show with his hit song, She's Royal, as the new queen took her first walk with the crown.