38 pageant contestants have gathered in Vicksburg as the annual Miss Mississippi competition is set to kick off with Wednesday’s preliminary rounds.
Candidates will be judged in three preliminary events including a talent portion, on-stage interview, and red carpet walk throughout the week before an overall winner is crowned Saturday night.
The winner of the title of Miss Mississippi will not only receive a large scholarship prize but also participate in next year’s Miss America competition.
Hattiesburg native Emmie Perkins was crowned Miss Mississippi 2022 following a high-ranking score from the judges during the preliminary rounds of the competition.
Perkins, formerly Miss Mississippi State University, was named the winner of the Red Carpet portion while wearing an evening gown from Mia Bella Prom and Pageant located in Flowood.
“Now, I get to encourage other young women to vie for the title of Miss Mississippi, and eventually at the end of this week, we get to see another Miss Mississippi live out her dream,” Perkins said. “I encourage those girls to trust God and trust themselves because if the timing is right and you’ve done the work, then it will be yours.”
Miss Mississippi Holly Brand, who held the title in 2021, explained during a recent interview on Good Things with Rebecca Turner that she’s looking forward to cheering on each contestant during this year’s competition.
“I think this time, I’ll really be able to go and just enjoy it and not have to worry about anything,” Brand stated. “I’m really excited to be on the other side of things this time and to go and just cheer every single girl on.”
Brand added that she advises each candidate to “soak in every single moment” of the competition throughout the week.
“The best advice that I can give is to try not to worry too much. Trust yourself, trust your preparation,” Brand said. “You’ve got this and just enjoy every single moment because there’s only one time you’re going to be able to be involved in something like Miss Mississippi as a competitor.”
Returning to compete for the crown again this year are the following:
- First Alternate – Miss Jones County, Charity Lockridge
- Second Alternative – Miss Pine Belt, Vivian O’Neal
- Third Alternative – Miss Biloxi, Katelyn Perry
- Semi-finalists – McKay Lee Bray, Angel Gail Lang, Ally Hopper, Abigail Church, and Karsyn Ulmer
Tickets to watch the preliminary competitions and Saturday crowning are still available.
