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PHOTO GALLERY: Miss Tennessee - Grace Burgess
For the first time in 30 years, a Miss Tennessee has won her talent preliminary competition on the Miss America stage.
“We’ve had so many talented Miss Tennessees who’ve represented our state on the Miss America stage, many of whom could have won a talent preliminary award, but I’m so happy that happened to a lady as talented and gracious as Grace,” said Allison DeMarcus, assistant executive director of the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant.
Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess sang “Desperado” in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Tuesday night. She performed wearing what DeMarcus called “the most gorgeous and fabulous dress to ever hit the Miss America stage.”
She competes in onstage question Wednesday night, then has swimsuit and evening gown preliminaries Thursday night.
The last Miss Tennessee to win a talent preliminary was Kellye Cash in 1986. She went on to become Miss America.
Burgess wasn’t the only Tennessean honored Tuesday night.
Jane Alderson, executive director of the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant and DeMarcus’ mother, received the Academy of Honor Award.
DeMarcus said the award considered the pageant’s economic impact on Jackson, including how it brought more than $2 million to Jackson in 2015 and how Alderson has raised almost $1 million for the scholarship foundation during her time as executive director.
“That was a very special moment,” DeMarcus said.
On Friday, contestants have a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital walk.
Saturday, the 52 contestants — including all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico — don the most elaborate shoes for the “Show us your shoes parade.”
Burgess will wear a sparkling pair of purple, Iris-themed shoes designed by Alderson.
In addition to her talent win, Burgess also was named a finalist for the Quality of Life award.
“Grace is ecstatic, because she’s been recognized for the work she’s done for her platform of literacy,” DeMarcus said. “She’s worked for six years to champion the cause and for her to be recognized for all she’s done for six years is truly an honor.”
On Sunday, a new Miss America will be crowned. The pageant will air live on ABC at 8 p.m.
Reach Katherine at (731) 425-9748. Follow her on Twitter: @kathsburgess
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