Two contestants representing metro Atlanta won preliminary talent awards in Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen competition Wednesday night.
Miss Cobb County Chari Guzman won the talent award in the Miss division for a full throttle performance of “Proud Mary.” Dressed in a Tina Turner-esque fringed leotard, Guzman sang the iconic song complete with choreography. This is the second year Guzman has won the award for that routine.
Miss Georgia 2017: Meet the metro Atlanta women vying for the crown
Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen 2017: Meet metro Atlanta contestants
Guzman, a Georgia State - Perimeter College student, beat out other strong vocalists, including Miss Northside Nayah Terry. Terry performed Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” showing off a full, sultry voice. Miss Hummingbird Festival Austin Caruth commanded the audience’s attention when she sang Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” evoking 80s diva Bonnie Tyler with the raspy, rock-tinged belt.
Miss Capital City’s Outstanding Teen Alaylla Watkins won the teen talent preliminary award for an energetic musical theater dance. The 16-year-old Wadley native showed off finely honed dance skills in an intricate 90 seconds of choreography.
Kennesaw State University graduate Brooke Doss, competing as Miss Conyers Cherry Blossom, won the preliminary award for lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit. The preliminary award for teen on-stage question and evening gown was presented to Miss Starrs Mill’s Outstanding Teen Cara Clements, who discussed her passion for making costumes for her school’s theater productions.
Contestants compete in preliminary competition for three nights. The scores they earn determine if they move forward to the final competition on Saturday for Miss Georgia or Friday for Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen. Preliminary awards are given each night to contestants who score highest in certain categories.
Preliminary competition resumes Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen are being broadcast online for free by Columbus news station WRBL-TV. You can find out when and how to watch here.
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