Latest news with #MissCongeniality
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
My cultural awakening: Miss Congeniality helped me to save my friend's life
It was a brie and cranberry panini that nearly killed my friend George. Six of us were squashed on to one picnic bench in Edinburgh, nine years ago, on our lunch break at a magazine. I felt an instant click with George when he we first met. I was an intern when I first met George, nauseous with first-day nerves. 'Is that a Welsh twang I can hear? Sorry, I'm George!' he'd said, before talking me through the office milk-buying etiquette. We had that frenetic compatibility that makes you assume you'll be friends for ever. Within a couple of years I'd become part of the team. That day at lunch, as someone cracked a joke, George mistimed his bite. He cleared his throat while we slapped his back and chuckled. Then the colour drained from his lips. His coughs turned to rattly gasps, his fingers flew to his collarbone and his eyes rolled back. I realised then the stark difference between movies and reality. When someone chokes in real life, there's no dramatic music tipping you off to impending tragedy – just your friend gasping for air. Ambulances arrive instantly in films; realistically, they can take much longer. You can die from choking waiting for one. On the picnic bench that day, I was paralysed – until I remembered a scene from a certain 2000 Sandra Bullock action romcom. One Christmas in the early 00s, my sister unwrapped a shiny new VHS of Miss Congeniality Miss Congeniality, the cover of which featured– Bullock in a fuchsia gown, black boots and a gun holster strapped to her thigh. The VHS quickly came under my custody and an obsession began – I'd watch it, rewind the tape and watch it again on my bedroom TV. I probably still know it word for word. It's all dance routines, pastel chiffon and ticker tape – one big glittery sleepover. But it also solved my childhood dilemma over whether to be a fearless tomboy or manicured beauty queen. Kickboxing and bagel-inhaling FBI agent Gracie Hart, played by Bullock, tries both and – huge relief – isn't perfect at either. Take, for example, one of the opening scenes, in which Hart risks her career – and life – when she defies orders during an undercover sting to save a Russian target who's choking on a peanut. The line 'That's one really, really purple Russian, sir' used to make me laugh – but now George's face was the exact same colour. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion In the film, Gracie throws her arms around the Russian man's waist and places her thumbs at his navel. Years later, the image of her thrusting at his abdomen, over and over until the peanut flies out, sprung into my mind as George gasped. Suddenly, I was behind him, arms around his waist. 'Am I really doing first aid informed by nothing but a 00s VHS?' I thought. On one of my final thrusts, the lump of panini came flying out. I didn't even notice – in my panic I had rushed off to a nearby cafe, bargaining with the universe to deliver an off‑duty medical professional. When I returned, George was sipping water, pallid but alive. 'Kate, you'd already saved him!' my colleagues laughed. When George gathered the strength, he gave me a very shaky hug. Another Hollywood cliche that doesn't bear out in real life is that saving a life creates a permanent bond. Reality is less sentimental. I left the magazine, moved to London, and George and I stopped speaking. But I like to think we both hold that day as a postcard from our funny friendship – and that he's more careful nowadays when eating sandwiches. Years later, the story of Miss Congeniality and the brie and cranberry panini would play another major role in my life. When I applied for a dream role at Cosmopolitan, I had to submit a first-person piece. I wrote about panini-gate, got the job, and it changed the trajectory of my career. I eventually became an investigative journalist – and have even been undercover several times, just like FBI agent Gracie Hart. Did a cultural moment prompt you to make a major life change? Email us at You can tell us how a cultural moment has prompted you to make a major life change by filling in the form below or emailing us on Please include as much detail as possible Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you include other people's names please ask them first.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
My cultural awakening: Miss Congeniality helped me to save my friend's life
It was a brie and cranberry panini that nearly killed my friend George. Six of us were squashed on to one picnic bench in Edinburgh, nine years ago, on our lunch break at a magazine. I felt an instant click with George when he we first met. I was an intern when I first met George, nauseous with first-day nerves. 'Is that a Welsh twang I can hear? Sorry, I'm George!' he'd said, before talking me through the office milk-buying etiquette. We had that frenetic compatibility that makes you assume you'll be friends for ever. Within a couple of years I'd become part of the team. That day at lunch, as someone cracked a joke, George mistimed his bite. He cleared his throat while we slapped his back and chuckled. Then the colour drained from his lips. His coughs turned to rattly gasps, his fingers flew to his collarbone and his eyes rolled back. I realised then the stark difference between movies and reality. When someone chokes in real life, there's no dramatic music tipping you off to impending tragedy – just your friend gasping for air. Ambulances arrive instantly in films; realistically, they can take much longer. You can die from choking waiting for one. On the picnic bench that day, I was paralysed – until I remembered a scene from a certain 2000 Sandra Bullock action romcom. One Christmas in the early 00s, my sister unwrapped a shiny new VHS of Miss Congeniality Miss Congeniality, the cover of which featured– Bullock in a fuchsia gown, black boots and a gun holster strapped to her thigh. The VHS quickly came under my custody and an obsession began – I'd watch it, rewind the tape and watch it again on my bedroom TV. I probably still know it word for word. It's all dance routines, pastel chiffon and ticker tape – one big glittery sleepover. But it also solved my childhood dilemma over whether to be a fearless tomboy or manicured beauty queen. Kickboxing and bagel-inhaling FBI agent Gracie Hart, played by Bullock, tries both and – huge relief – isn't perfect at either. Take, for example, one of the opening scenes, in which Hart risks her career – and life – when she defies orders during an undercover sting to save a Russian target who's choking on a peanut. The line 'That's one really, really purple Russian, sir' used to make me laugh – but now George's face was the exact same colour. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion In the film, Gracie throws her arms around the Russian man's waist and places her thumbs at his navel. Years later, the image of her thrusting at his abdomen, over and over until the peanut flies out, sprung into my mind as George gasped. Suddenly, I was behind him, arms around his waist. 'Am I really doing first aid informed by nothing but a 00s VHS?' I thought. On one of my final thrusts, the lump of panini came flying out. I didn't even notice – in my panic I had rushed off to a nearby cafe, bargaining with the universe to deliver an off‑duty medical professional. When I returned, George was sipping water, pallid but alive. 'Kate, you'd already saved him!' my colleagues laughed. When George gathered the strength, he gave me a very shaky hug. Another Hollywood cliche that doesn't bear out in real life is that saving a life creates a permanent bond. Reality is less sentimental. I left the magazine, moved to London, and George and I stopped speaking. But I like to think we both hold that day as a postcard from our funny friendship – and that he's more careful nowadays when eating sandwiches. Years later, the story of Miss Congeniality and the brie and cranberry panini would play another major role in my life. When I applied for a dream role at Cosmopolitan, I had to submit a first-person piece. I wrote about panini-gate, got the job, and it changed the trajectory of my career. I eventually became an investigative journalist – and have even been undercover several times, just like FBI agent Gracie Hart. Did a cultural moment prompt you to make a major life change? Email us at You can tell us how a cultural moment has prompted you to make a major life change by filling in the form below or emailing us on Please include as much detail as possible Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you include other people's names please ask them first.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drag Race's Xunami Muse moves to Panama—cites 'complicated' U.S. 'situation'
Xunami Muse, a crowned Miss Congeniality and beloved queen in the RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, shared a statement to announce that she's relocated to Panama — explaining that her "situation in the United States was a difficult and complicated one." While filming season 16 of Drag Race, Xunami disclosed that she had been legally residing in the U.S. under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Earlier on Wednesday, Xunami shared an Instagram post in Spanish that, translated into English, reads: "Watch out world!I have something to tell you. From now on, I will be living in my beautiful land of Panama. You heard that right, I left the States! And the reason is simple: To be able to explore the WORLD! My situation in the United States was a difficult and complicated one, but it introduced many blessings into my life. This August, we're touring Europe, and then in November, we're playing Australia!And so I'm going to take this moment to tell you that if you want to see me in your countries, send me a message via this email teamxunami@ and let's make it a reality! There are so many countries I would love to visit to share our love of DRAG!Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Nicaragua, Argentina, Spain, England, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, France, the Philippines, Japan, China, Thailand, Canada, South Africa, and, well, wherever the art of drag is celebrated!I hope to eat your meals, dance to your songs, and learn the dirty words of your languages! [laughing emojis]. I just touched down in my beautiful land of Panama, and I will spend it with my family, fighting here for our thing, reconnecting with my roots, and lots of practice for the Haus of Aja tour!!! I love you, and thank you so much for all the love and good vibes you always share with details later. But, for now, FROM PANAMA TO THE WORLD!!!" Xunami Muse's latest Instagram post announcing this relocation to Panama has been filled with emotional and supportive comments from RuPaul's Drag Race alumni, fans, creative partners, and beyond. RELATED: Below are responses from Geneva Karr, Leexa Fox, Alyssa Hunter, Jorgeous, Morphine Love Dion, Lucky Starzzz, Raja, Kandy Muse, and Symone. Instagram (@xunamimuse) RuPaul's Drag Race alumni react to Xunami Muse's Instagram post about relocating to Panama. Nicky Doll, Dahlia Sin, Luxx Noir London, Mhi'ya Iman Le'Paige, Marko Monroe, Gigi Goode, Plane Jane, Denali, and June Jambalaya were also among the top comments under Xunami's post. You can read their responses below. Instagram (@xunamimuse) RuPaul's Drag Race alumni react to Xunami Muse's Instagram post about relocating to Panama. Famous for her infectious laughter and sense of humor even while facing adversities, Xunami subsequently replied (in Spanish) to a few fans asking her questions (in Spanish) via X posts. The following exchanges have been translated into English. A fan asked, "If you leave the United States, can you not return?" "I really don't know," Xunami responded. Another fan wrote, "I can already imagine @XunamiMuse as the patron saint of drag in Panama. Periodt. This is gonna be fun." "BUT OF COURSE!!! The Panamanian Nicky Doll [laughing emojis]," Xunami replied. Another fan commented on X, "Chiqui [a term of endearment] nooo!!!! Panamá is a mess at this moment. USA is a better option." "I prefer fighting in my homeland than to fight in foreign territory! I'm not here for other people's business anymore, I'm here for my own! [laughing emoji; heart emojis]," Xunami wrote. An emotional discussion about DACA was one of Xunami's standout moments in the werk room of Drag Race season 16 — which filmed in 2023 and aired in 2024. During those scenes, Xunami disclosed her legal resident status in the U.S. under DACA and explained to her fellow costars what that meant. "I really didn't know, like, what I was gonna do, if that hadn't gone through. It was during the Obama administration," she explained in the werk room. "We literally would not be able to be here if it wasn't for that. So, thank you, Obama!" RELATED: Xunami went on, "DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and it is a law that came into effect to grant kids — with no papers — a work permit and a Social Security Number so that they can be another member of this society. DACA is why I'm able to legally work and also be on Drag Race." "We're not citizens," she noted. "We're kind of in limbo. We're legally here because we were already here, but we don't have the full rights of a citizen." Xunami also broke down while discussing what being on Drag Race meant for her. "When I got the call for this, I literally—I was, like, bawling," she said. "I was like, 'I'm finally having a shot to live my dreams,' you know?" - YouTube Xunami also discussed the fan reaction to her DACA segment on Drag Race in an exit interview from February 2024. "A lot of people who are of the same experience have been saying things like, 'Thank you. I feel seen.' For me, there was a fear of just even letting people know, right? There are so many people who are malicious," Xunami told Out at the time. "Although we are protected, we're not fully protected…But at that moment, it just felt like, 'Yeah, this is what we go through.' It was really nothing other than that, you know what I mean? Sharing our reality in that moment and showing our humanity. We love the drag, and we love the aesthetics, and the glam, and all of it — but who are these people?" 'RuPaul's Drag Race' alumni and fans are also reacting to Xunami Muse's update via X. Xunami Muse on RuPaul's Drag Race season 16. Kandy Muse, Xunami's drag mother, wrote in an X post: "It's a very bitter sweet day today, please respect my privacy- but my best friend & drag daughter has officially moved out of the united states and has relocated to her beautiful home in Panama- while I will miss you so much, I cannot wait till u finally discover the world [mending heart emoji]." X user @CTprogressive_ replied to Kandy's post, "DACA queens are self-deporting now [broken heart emoji] I hate how this country treats immigrants. She deserved better." Kandy re-posted that X user, adding: "It's the harsh reality of living in the United States." Drag Race season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall wrote: "Love you @XunamiMuse." Xunami's season 16 costar, Mirage, wrote: "Love you Xunami can't wait to come visit." YouTuber and content creator @GreenGayYT wrote the X post below, which was then re-shared by Kandy. "Thinking about when Xunami spoke on s16 about being DACA recipient & the blessings that came from that policy. But now we have Trump who plans on getting rid of it entirely. Can't imagine any immigrant feeling safe in the states at all [frowning face emoji]." Xunami Muse will soon be going on the Haus of Aja tour along with her drag family — Aja, Kandy Muse, and Dahlia Sin — across Europe and Australia. For tickets and more information about the tour, you can visit . Tickets for the , as well as the , are all available for purchase. This story is still developing… This article originally appeared on Out: Drag Race's Xunami Muse moves to Panama—cites 'complicated' U.S. 'situation' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Crowned in Clarksville: Miss Tennessee USA, Miss Tennessee Teen USA win top spot
Madison Kunst, representing Madison County, was crowned Miss Tennessee USA 2025 on Saturday evening at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. This year's event marked the 25th time the pageant was held at the University's George & Sharon Mabry Concert Hall. Rounding out the top five finalists in the Miss Tennessee USA pageant were: First Runner-Up: Mattie Barker, Miss Heart of Nashville Second Runner-Up: Sydney Grace Young, Miss Clarksville Third Runner-Up: Desiree Dyson, Miss Tennessee Valley Fourth Runner-Up: Taylor White, Miss Middle Tennessee 'This is our 25th anniversary partnering with the City of Clarksville and APSU,' said Kim Greenwood, executive director of Greenwood Productions. 'This community and the wonderful people who have supported our program throughout the years have become family to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to believe in our program and serve the women of Tennessee.' Miss Congeniality honors went to Kelsi Walters, Miss Secret City. Kelsey Craft, Miss Music City, received the Most Photogenic award. Miss Memphis Metro Malory Williams earned the People's Choice Award. In addition to a year of volunteering, representing Tennessee at numerous events and activities, and promoting causes close to their hearts, both the reigning Miss Tennessee USA, Christell Foote, and reigning Miss Tennessee Teen USA, Townsend Blackwell also achieved Third Runner Up in the Miss USA 2024 and Miss Teen USA 2024 pageants, respectively. Miss Bristol Aniston Barnette was crowned Miss Tennessee Teen. Other top five finalists were: First Runner-Up: Ella Cate Haynes, Miss Memphis Second Runner-Up: Claire Willis, Miss Rocky Top Third Runner-Up: London Haines, Miss West Tennessee Fourth Runner-Up: Caroline Holmes, Miss Hamilton County Lexi Hensley, Miss Knoxville, was named Teen Miss Congeniality and Most Photogenic. Presley Cavendar, Miss Hendersonville, earned the People's Choice Award. Earlier on Saturday, Clarksville hosted the Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia Teen USA Pageants. Savannah Miles, Miss Georgia South, was crowned Miss Georgia USA 2025. Other top five finalists included: First Runner-Up: Dorian Simpkins, Miss Fulton Second Runner-Up: Denim Lovett, Miss Warner Robins Third Runner-Up: Irielle Duncan, Miss Mid-South Fourth Runner-Up: Brooke Vanzant, Miss Georgia Olive Reigning Miss Georgia USA Emmaline Farmer, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, worked closely with the American Heart Association and played a key role in the passage of Georgia House Bill 874, which supports Cardiac Emergency Response Plans. Kalysia Negron, Miss Cobb County, was crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA 2025. The other top five teen finalists were: First Runner-Up: Brailyn Bailey, Miss Georgia North Second Runner-Up: Kiran Reddy, Miss Georgia South Third Runner-Up: Lillian Jones, Miss Fulton County Fourth Runner Up: Kaytlyn Crapps, Miss Nuclear City Reigning Miss Georgia Teen USA Ava Colindres achieved first runner-up at Miss Teen USA 2024. Kunst and Miles will represent their states at the Miss USA Pageants later this year. Barnette and Negron will represent their states at the Miss Teen USA Pageants later this year. Hosts for the evening were Allee-Sutton Hethcoat, actress, attorney, and Miss Tennessee USA 2017; Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020; and Shelly Moore Bartholomew, Miss Teen USA 1997, Miss Tennessee Teen 1997 and author of 'This Beautiful Mess.' Under the direction of Greenwood Productions, Inc., the Miss Tennessee USA pageants are affiliated with the Miss Universe Organization and have been hosted in Clarksville since 1999. Greenwood Productions is under the direction of Kimberly Payne Greenwood, Miss Tennessee USA 1989 and wife of Grammy award winner, Lee Greenwood. Information about all delegates can be found at and This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Miss Tennessee USA, Miss Tennessee Teen USA crowned in Clarksville
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Crowned in Clarksville: Miss Tennessee USA, Miss Tennessee Teen USA win top spot
Madison Kunst, representing Madison County, was crowned Miss Tennessee USA 2025 on Saturday evening at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. This year's event marked the 25th time the pageant was held at the University's George & Sharon Mabry Concert Hall. Rounding out the top five finalists in the Miss Tennessee USA pageant were: First Runner-Up: Mattie Barker, Miss Heart of Nashville Second Runner-Up: Sydney Grace Young, Miss Clarksville Third Runner-Up: Desiree Dyson, Miss Tennessee Valley Fourth Runner-Up: Taylor White, Miss Middle Tennessee 'This is our 25th anniversary partnering with the City of Clarksville and APSU,' said Kim Greenwood, executive director of Greenwood Productions. 'This community and the wonderful people who have supported our program throughout the years have become family to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to believe in our program and serve the women of Tennessee.' Miss Congeniality honors went to Kelsi Walters, Miss Secret City. Kelsey Craft, Miss Music City, received the Most Photogenic award. Miss Memphis Metro Malory Williams earned the People's Choice Award. In addition to a year of volunteering, representing Tennessee at numerous events and activities, and promoting causes close to their hearts, both the reigning Miss Tennessee USA, Christell Foote, and reigning Miss Tennessee Teen USA, Townsend Blackwell also achieved Third Runner Up in the Miss USA 2024 and Miss Teen USA 2024 pageants, respectively. Miss Bristol Aniston Barnette was crowned Miss Tennessee Teen. Other top five finalists were: First Runner-Up: Ella Cate Haynes, Miss Memphis Second Runner-Up: Claire Willis, Miss Rocky Top Third Runner-Up: London Haines, Miss West Tennessee Fourth Runner-Up: Caroline Holmes, Miss Hamilton County Lexi Hensley, Miss Knoxville, was named Teen Miss Congeniality and Most Photogenic. Presley Cavendar, Miss Hendersonville, earned the People's Choice Award. Earlier on Saturday, Clarksville hosted the Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia Teen USA Pageants. Savannah Miles, Miss Georgia South, was crowned Miss Georgia USA 2025. Other top five finalists included: First Runner-Up: Dorian Simpkins, Miss Fulton Second Runner-Up: Denim Lovett, Miss Warner Robins Third Runner-Up: Irielle Duncan, Miss Mid-South Fourth Runner-Up: Brooke Vanzant, Miss Georgia Olive Reigning Miss Georgia USA Emmaline Farmer, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, worked closely with the American Heart Association and played a key role in the passage of Georgia House Bill 874, which supports Cardiac Emergency Response Plans. Kalysia Negron, Miss Cobb County, was crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA 2025. The other top five teen finalists were: First Runner-Up: Brailyn Bailey, Miss Georgia North Second Runner-Up: Kiran Reddy, Miss Georgia South Third Runner-Up: Lillian Jones, Miss Fulton County Fourth Runner Up: Kaytlyn Crapps, Miss Nuclear City Reigning Miss Georgia Teen USA Ava Colindres achieved first runner-up at Miss Teen USA 2024. Kunst and Miles will represent their states at the Miss USA Pageants later this year. Barnette and Negron will represent their states at the Miss Teen USA Pageants later this year. Hosts for the evening were Allee-Sutton Hethcoat, actress, attorney, and Miss Tennessee USA 2017; Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020; and Shelly Moore Bartholomew, Miss Teen USA 1997, Miss Tennessee Teen 1997 and author of 'This Beautiful Mess.' Under the direction of Greenwood Productions, Inc., the Miss Tennessee USA pageants are affiliated with the Miss Universe Organization and have been hosted in Clarksville since 1999. Greenwood Productions is under the direction of Kimberly Payne Greenwood, Miss Tennessee USA 1989 and wife of Grammy award winner, Lee Greenwood. Information about all delegates can be found at and This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Miss Tennessee USA, Miss Tennessee Teen USA crowned in Clarksville
