Beauty queens in the making

Jody-Anne Lawrence, Lifestyle Reporter

It is one of the most highly anticipated beauty competitions of the year and this year's event is well under way to becoming one to look forward to at the grand coronation on July 12 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

The elimination round was held on Saturday, May 31, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, where 48 contestants vied for one of the top 20 spots. Trying their best to keep their nerves at bay, the contestants modelled in swimwear and introduced themselves under the watchful eyes of judges that included former Miss Jamaica Worlds Joan McDonald and Christine Straw, Dr Kurdell Espinosa, Bernadette Matalon, Dr Saphire Longmore, Sophia Max-Brown, Richard Nevers and Robert Richards.

candid banter

Hosts, the vibrant Kiki and the charismatic Michael Anthony Cuffe Sr, kept the audience engaged with their candid banter. There was also live entertainment to help ease the nerves of the contestants. This included a performance by iCandy who performed her single Champion, the In Motion Dance Company performed to Beyoncé's Grown Woman, while the Jamaica Junior Theatre Company did their Aladdin-theme rendition of A Whole New World.

While the elimination competition did not go as smoothly as one would have liked, the few hiccups did not take away from the joy of the finalists. The sparkle in their eyes and overwhelming joy in their faces could not be missed. Now you will be able to follow the contestants on their journey through their new reality show, My World, to be broadcast on Flow, channel 199.

The top 20 contestants are:

Miss Rum Fire, Daniella Toyloy.
Miss Eye Q Optical, Lyeeka Walters.
Miss Sunset Beach Resorts, Kimberly Webb.
Miss Morfose, Jheri Graham - photos by Winston Sill/freelance photographer
Miss American Jewellery Company, Toni Oliver
Miss Klip Xtreme, Britany Pink
Miss Blue Beat, Jodi-Ann Lyn
Miss Oxx System, Jessica Taylor
Miss E-Media, Shantel Peters
Miss L'Oreal, Kimberley Bremmer
Miss Margaritaville, Shanna-Kay Ellis
Miss HiQo Art Gallery, Kyesha Randall
Miss Mystic Mountain, Kim-Moya Dawkins
Miss Dunn's Furniture and Home Decor, Shanta Spencer
Miss French Collection, Natalie Prout
Miss Chic Hair, Shantol White
Miss UCC, Laurie-Ann Chin
Miss Carmax, Regina Harding
Miss She H.>A. S It, Kadian Collins
Miss Evans Electrical, Shellianne Young