The writer is a novelist
We only see the pouts and pirouettes, but much grunt work goes on behind the scenes in the beauty business. Pageants are an adrenaline rush not just for the contestants but for audiences too. As the winner gasps, so do we, living vicariously. And while the bikini round, talent displays and the actual coronation are the glam bits, the math turns the stakes high: Contestants are many, the crown only one. With everyone aware of the alluring career opportunities after a win, elimination rounds are nail-biting events. We only have to pick our favourites and cheer from the sidelines, but the contestants are at a crossroads. Having won at the state and national levels, here they are poised to take over the world. Cue dramatic music.