Entertainment

Laila Ali, Bobby Bones, Jessie James Decker, Randy Jackson, Soledad O’Brien, Alli Webb and Carnie Wilson celebrity judges of The 2019 Miss America Competition

Published

8 years ago

August 30, 2018

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – The Miss America Organization and ABC today announced the celebrity judges for the final night of “The 2019 Miss America Competition” airing live on ABC from Atlantic City’s Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 (9:00 – 11:00p.m. ET/PT).

This year’s judge panel includes a diverse group of artists and entrepreneurs from various fields, including music, television, radio and health & wellness. Featuring former boxer, author and television personality Laila Ali; nationally syndicated on-air personality and author Bobby Bones; country music singer/songwriter Jessie James Decker; award-winning music producer and television host Randy Jackson; news anchor Soledad O’Brien; entrepreneur and founder of Dry Bar Alli Webb and singer, songwriter, author and television host Carnie Wilson, these judges will evaluate the candidates during the “The 2019 Miss America Competition” when 51 exceptional women take center stage showcasing intellect and talent while representing their home states (and District of Columbia) all competing for the job and coveted title of Miss America 2019.

Laila Ali:

Laila Ali is a world-class athlete, fitness & wellness expert, TV host, cooking enthusiast, founder of the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand, and mother of two. The youngest daughter of late beloved global icon and humanitarian, Muhammad Ali, she is a three-time boxing hall of fame inductee and four-time undefeated boxing world champion, whose stellar record includes 24 wins (21 of which were “knockouts”) and zero losses. Laila is heralded as the most successful female in the history of women’s boxing. In 2012 when women’s boxing was included in the Olympics for the first time in history, Laila was the first woman in history to provide expert commentary for NBC Sports. Laila is the host of OWN Emmy award-winning series, “Home Made Simple” and the author of the best-selling cookbook, “Food For Life: Delicious & Healthy Comfort Food From My Table To Yours!”

Bobby Bones:

Dubbed “The most powerful man in country music” by Forbes Magazine, Bobby Bones continues to be an unstoppable force. His nationally syndicated radio show, The Bobby Bones Show, broadcasts to more than 120 stations and is the #1 Country morning show with millions of listeners each week. The show recently garnered its third ACM Award for National On-Air Personality of the Year, also winning a 2017 Country Music Association award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year and earned Bones the title of youngest ever inductee into the prestigious National Radio Hall of Fame. With his undeniable knack for recognizing and supporting new talent, Bones brought his expertise to the latest season of ABC’s American Idol as mentor. Bones is also a touring stand-up comedian, philanthropist, a two-time #1 New York Times best-selling author and chart-topping comedy artist – a true “jack of all trades” (ESPN).

Jessie James Decker:

Jessie James Decker is a country music singer/songwriter, style entrepreneur, television personality and author. Her most recent album, Southern Girl City Lights, debuted as #1 on the iTunes Top Country Albums Chart and billboard hot 100 following the success of her gold-certified single “Wanted.” A star of the hit reality show Eric and Jessie, she is the creator and designer of Kittenish, a playful fashion line inspired by her personal style. Decker’s first book, Just Jessie, is her guide to love, life, family and food, and will be released October 2 from Harper Collins Publishers.

Randy Jackson:

Randy Jackson is a Grammy Award®-winning producer, musician, songwriter and record-industry executive, business entrepreneur, best-selling author, talent manager, television producer and beloved television personality. Jackson has lent his talents to hit records by Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Madonna, to name a few. He’s also lived in the rock ‘n’ roll world, recording and performing with legendary musicians such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Keith Richards, Journey, Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and countless others. All in all, he has over 1,000 gold and platinum plaques to his name, with collective sales exceeding 200 million copies. However, it is on television where Randy Jackson became a household name and reached iconic status within pop culture as a judge on American Idol for 13 seasons.

Soledad O’Brien:

Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist who anchors and produces the Hearst Television political magazine program “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.” O’Brien, founder and CEO of Starfish Media Group also reports for HBO Real Sports, the PBS NewsHour, WebMD and has authored two books. She has appeared on networks, Fox and Oxygen and anchored and reported for NBC, MSNBC and CNN. She has won numerous awards, including three Emmys, the George Peabody award, an Alfred I DuPont prize and the Gracie. Newsweek Magazine named her one of the “15 People Who Make America Great.” With her husband, she is founder of the PowHERful Foundation that helps young women get to and through college.

Alli Webb:

Alli Webb is an Entrepreneur, N.Y. Times Bestselling Author, and Founder of Drybar. After spending 15 years as a professional hair stylist, Webb left the hair industry in 2005 to start a family. A few years later, she began offering affordable in-home blowout services to mommy friends, which quickly expanded into a mobile operation by 2009. In 2010, Webb opened the first Drybar in Brentwood, CA. Eight years later, there are over 100 locations across the U.S. Webb also diversified the Drybar brand, creating a line of products and tools. Webb has been named one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, featured on Fortune’s “40 Under 40” list, and Marie Claire’s “Most Fascinating Women.”Recently, Webb launched a podcast with her brother and business partner Michael Landau called “Raising the Bar” the latest extension of her ever-expanding empire. The weekly show provides a platform to budding entrepreneurs.

Carnie Wilson:

Carnie Wilson, daughter of legendary Beach Boy founder, Brian Wilson, has a varied career as a singer, songwriter, actress, voice over artist, author and talk show host. She currently is a regular guest co-host for CBS’S “The Talk” and has guest co-hosted “The View” and is Emmy-Award®-nominated for hosting “The Newlywed Game” and E!’s “100 Celebrity Slimdowns.” As a member of Wilson Phillips, Carnie achieved unparalleled first album success, selling ten million albums with three #1 hit singles, including the song “Hold On,” which was featured in her cameo role in the movie “Bridesmaids.” The group’s second album achieved international multiplatinum success selling three million albums. Carnie is the founder and co-owner of a national dessert company featuring delicious bite size desserts called “Love Bites by Carnie.”

Entertainment

Regan Hutsell of Texas Crowned Miss America 2027 in West Palm Beach

Published

4 days ago

September 7, 2026

FNN NEWS

Regan Hutsell, representing Texas, reacts as she is crowned the 99th Miss America during the national competition in West Palm Beach, Florida. Hutsell became the fourth Miss Texas to capture the Miss America title. Photo: Miss America

The former Radio City Rockette and Birmingham Royal Ballet performer captured the national title in West Palm Beach after winning preliminary fitness and talent awards.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Regan Hutsell, representing Texas, has been crowned the 99th Miss America, capturing the national title following several days of competition in West Palm Beach.

Hutsell emerged from a field of 52 delegates representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Her victory makes her the fourth Miss Texas to win the Miss America title in the organization’s 105-year history, according to the Miss America Organization.

The final competition was held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

From Radio City Rockette to Miss America

Hutsell entered the competition with an extensive professional dance background.

At 18, she began her professional dance career as a Radio City Rockette and later performed internationally with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, traveling throughout Europe.

Her dance background proved significant during Miss America competition. Hutsell captured preliminary awards in both fitness and talent, earning the talent honor for her jazz dance performance to “Le Jazz Hot.”

Personal Journey Inspires Service Initiative

Hutsell has also publicly discussed overcoming an eating disorder and struggles involving perfectionism and body image while pursuing her professional dance career.

Those experiences became the foundation for her community service initiative, “Your Body Is Your Home.”

Through the initiative, Hutsell seeks to encourage positive self-worth, healthier internal dialogue and the message that a person’s value should not be determined by physical appearance.

Her personal experience gives the initiative a direct connection to the challenges she encountered while working in elite performing arts.

Hutsell Marks Historic Milestone

According to the Miss America Organization, Hutsell also made history as the first woman of color to win the Miss America crown while wearing her natural hair.

The milestone adds another chapter to the evolution of a competition that has increasingly emphasized education, service, leadership and professional development alongside its longstanding traditions.

Hutsell received a distinctive crown featuring red and blue stones commemorating America’s semiquincentennial, the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Nearly $90,000 in Scholarships

Education will remain a major component of Hutsell’s year as Miss America.

According to the organization, she has earned nearly $90,000 in scholarships through the Miss America Opportunity.

Hutsell is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health sciences and plans to become a physical therapist.

“Miss America has always represented hope and inspiration,” Hutsell said in a statement.

She said she looks forward to using the title to encourage people “to walk boldly in their purpose, pursue their wildest dreams, and never give up on themselves.”

Louisiana’s Shelby Bordelon Finishes First Runner-Up

Hutsell advanced to the Top 5 alongside four finalists:

Shelby Bordelon, Louisiana — First runner-up
Kate Dimmett, Illinois — Second runner-up
Sharlize True Trujillo, California — Third runner-up
Evelyn Smith, District of Columbia — Fourth runner-up

The semifinalists were Carly Yoshida of Hawaii, Erika Dalton of Utah, Madison Oh of New York, Lindsay Jones of South Carolina, McKenzie Kerry of Iowa and Jane Granberry of Mississippi.

Celebrity Panel Selects Miss America

The final night was hosted by Jennifer Hale and Billy Gilman.

The celebrity judging panel included Kate Shindle, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Vicki Vlahos, Hal Rubenstein, Ubah Hassan and Ellen Latham.

The competition followed two nights of preliminary events before the field was narrowed for the final rounds.

Scholarships Remain Central to Miss America

The Miss America Organization says its national, state and local programs provide more than $5 million in tuition scholarships annually, along with an additional $35 million in in-kind scholarship opportunities.

Hutsell’s nearly $90,000 in scholarship earnings will help support her health sciences education as she works toward her goal of becoming a physical therapist.

What’s Next for the New Miss America?

As Miss America, Hutsell begins a year of appearances, community engagement and advocacy centered on the organization’s mission of “Empowering Women to Lead with Purpose.”

Her year of service is also expected to expand the reach of Your Body Is Your Home, combining her personal experience with her focus on self-worth and healthy body image.

From professional dancer to national titleholder, Hutsell now takes her message to a national audience while representing Miss America during its 105th anniversary era.

Follow Florida National News for continuing coverage from West Palm Beach and major entertainment, lifestyle and cultural events across Florida.

Entertainment

Tom Cruise Brings Hollywood Star Power to Daytona as ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel Energizes NASCAR

Published

4 days ago

September 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise waves to fans during his appearance at Daytona International Speedway during the 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend. Cruise visited Daytona as excitement builds around his return as Cole Trickle in the upcoming Days of Thunder sequel. Source: Arthur Dell Morgan / Florida National News

Cruise’s Daytona appearance puts NASCAR in the global entertainment spotlight as Cole Trickle prepares to return to the track in 2028

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tom Cruise brought Hollywood star power to Daytona International Speedway, energizing the NASCAR garage and putting one of racing’s most recognizable movie characters back on the starting grid.

The global superstar’s appearance during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend was more than a celebrity visit. Cruise came to Daytona to reconnect with NASCAR, meet today’s drivers and team owners, and introduce the next chapter of Days of Thunder, with Cruise returning as Cole Trickle and Anne Hathaway joining the franchise.

Florida National News was at Daytona capturing Cruise’s interaction with drivers, teams and fans as Hollywood and NASCAR came together at the World Center of Racing.

Cruise Brings Hollywood Star Power to Daytona

Cruise’s presence immediately became one of the biggest stories surrounding the NASCAR weekend.

The actor attended the pre-race drivers meeting and spent time with competitors and team owners as he learned more about how NASCAR has changed since the original Days of Thunder was released in 1990.

Cruise told NASCAR competitors that he wants the new movie to capture more than racing. His interest extends to the teams, people and culture surrounding the sport — an approach that could give NASCAR significant exposure beyond its traditional fan base.

For NASCAR, that star power matters.

Cruise is one of the world’s most recognizable movie stars, and a major theatrical production built around stock-car racing could introduce NASCAR’s drivers, teams and tracks to audiences who may rarely, if ever, watch a Cup Series race.

Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway pose alongside a “Cole Trickle” Days of Thunder race car in a promotional image for Days of Thunder 2.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo: Tom Cruise’s X social media

‘Days of Thunder’ Returns for a New NASCAR Generation

Cruise will reprise his role as Cole Trickle, the fearless young driver at the center of the original movie.

Hathaway will co-star as a race-team owner and engineer. Jonathan Levine is set to direct from a screenplay by Will Staples, while Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper are producing.

Paramount Pictures has scheduled the movie for June 2, 2028.

The sequel arrives nearly four decades after the original Days of Thunder brought NASCAR racing to movie theaters around the world.

The 1990 film starred Cruise alongside Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, Michael Rooker, Randy Quaid and Cary Elwes. Real NASCAR personalities were also incorporated into the production, establishing a connection between Hollywood fiction and the actual racing community.

Now Cruise is returning to a NASCAR that is dramatically different from the sport Cole Trickle entered in 1990.

NASCAR Drivers Already Want In

Cruise’s Daytona appearance also created another storyline: Which NASCAR stars will make it into the movie?

Three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano, along with Chase Briscoe and Kyle Larson, has expressed interest in appearing in the sequel. Production is expected to begin in early 2027, leaving casting and potential NASCAR cameos among the major developments still ahead.

Their enthusiasm illustrates the cultural reach of the original film within NASCAR itself.

Many of today’s drivers grew up in an era when Days of Thunder had already become part of racing’s popular culture. Appearing alongside Cruise could now give a new generation of NASCAR competitors the opportunity once held by drivers who appeared in the original movie.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Helps Connect Hollywood With Modern NASCAR

NASCAR’s involvement may extend well beyond cameos.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has said he has been communicating with people developing the story, including discussions about how the movie can authentically portray today’s NASCAR while respecting what made the original memorable.

That input could prove valuable.

NASCAR has changed dramatically since 1990 — from its race cars and safety technology to team operations, media coverage and the way fans experience the sport. Capturing modern NASCAR while preserving the personality of the original movie will be one of the sequel’s central challenges.

Rick Hendrick Sees a Major Opportunity for NASCAR

Few people have a stronger connection to both chapters than legendary NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick.

Hendrick Motorsports provided technical support for the original movie, beginning a relationship among Hendrick, Cruise and producer Jerry Bruckheimer that stretches back decades.

Hendrick believes the sequel could provide a significant boost for NASCAR, saying the movie could do the sport “a tremendous amount of good.”

That assessment gets to the larger significance of Cruise’s Daytona appearance.

A Days of Thunder sequel isn’t simply another Hollywood production using racing as a backdrop. If NASCAR teams, drivers and tracks become part of the production, the movie could function as a global showcase for the sport.

From ‘Top Gun’ to ‘Days of Thunder’

Cruise has already demonstrated the potential of revisiting a signature movie decades later.

Top Gun: Maverick introduced the Top Gun franchise to a new generation while bringing longtime fans back to theaters. There is no guarantee Days of Thunder will duplicate that success, but NASCAR offers many of the elements associated with Cruise’s biggest action films — speed, technology, competition, danger and spectacle.

The difference this time is that NASCAR itself could share the spotlight.

Cruise isn’t simply returning to the fictional world of Cole Trickle. He is immersing himself in the real NASCAR garage before cameras begin rolling.

Daytona Becomes the Starting Line

That makes Daytona an important part of the sequel’s developing story.

Daytona International Speedway represents generations of NASCAR history. Cruise’s decision to bring Days of Thunder back into that environment connected the original film, today’s NASCAR and Hollywood’s upcoming sequel in one place.

For longtime NASCAR fans, Cruise’s return revives memories of Cole Trickle.

For younger audiences, the new film could provide their first introduction to the character — and potentially their first meaningful exposure to NASCAR.

For the sport itself, the possibilities are considerably larger.

Cruise and Hathaway give the production international star power. NASCAR provides the speed, personalities, rivalries and authenticity. Daytona provided the stage where those worlds came together.

And NASCAR drivers are already lining up to become part of it.

What’s Next for ‘Days of Thunder’

Attention now turns toward production, which is expected to begin in early 2027. Additional casting, filming locations, participating NASCAR organizations and driver cameos remain among the biggest unanswered questions.

The finished movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters June 2, 2028.

Between now and then, NASCAR has an unusual opportunity: allow one of Hollywood’s biggest stars to take audiences behind the wheel and into the culture of American stock-car racing.

At Daytona, Cruise provided the first taste of what that combination could generate.

The thunder is coming back — and NASCAR could be one of its biggest stars.

Entertainment

Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson Crowned Miss America’s Teen 2027

Published

4 days ago

September 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson celebrates onstage after being crowned Miss America’s Teen 2027 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Anderson made history as the first Miss Utah’s Teen to capture the national title, emerging from a field of 52 delegates. Source: Miss America

Anderson makes history as Utah’s first Miss America’s Teen winner, earning the national crown after preliminary wins in talent and evening wear

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson was crowned Miss America’s Teen 2027 on Saturday, becoming the first representative from Utah to win the national title and the 21st young woman to wear the Miss America’s Teen crown.

Anderson emerged from a field of 52 state delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico during the national competition in West Palm Beach.

Her victory follows preliminary awards in talent and evening wear. Anderson earned the talent recognition for her violin performance of “Czardas” by Vittorio Monti.

Elle Anderson Makes History for Utah

Anderson’s victory marks a milestone for the Miss Utah organization as its first Miss America’s Teen national title.

Beyond competition, Anderson has focused her platform on youth leadership, service and emergency preparedness.

Her Community Service Initiative, Every Beat Matters, was created in honor of her late brother and promotes teen-focused CPR training and emergency readiness.

The initiative centers on three principles — Confidence, Preparation and Rescue — with the goal of giving young people practical skills that could help save lives.

More Than $40,000 in Scholarships

Anderson has earned more than $40,000 in scholarships through the Miss America Opportunity.

She is enrolled at Brigham Young University, where she plans to study journalism and business. Anderson also plans to pursue law school.

Her combination of academic goals, community service and performing arts experience helped distinguish her throughout the national competition.

Anderson: ‘You Don’t Need a Crown to Be a Leader’

As Miss America’s Teen 2027, Anderson will serve as a national ambassador for the program, traveling and encouraging young women to pursue leadership and community service.

“I want every young person I meet this year to walk away knowing that their voice matters, their choices matter, and most importantly, they matter,” Anderson said in a statement.

“You don’t need a crown to be a leader. You don’t need a title to serve. You don’t need to wait for someone to tell you that you’re ready. You are ready,” she added.

Anderson said she wants to spend her year as Miss America’s Teen reinforcing that message to young women across the country.

Miss America’s Teen 2027 Top Five

Anderson secured the crown after advancing through multiple rounds of competition and reaching the Top 5.

Madalyn Sullivan of Mississippi was named first runner-up, followed by Zoe Zogleman of Texas as second runner-up, Natalia Yurecko of Minnesota as third runner-up and Logan Wells of South Carolina as fourth runner-up.

Semifinalists included Melony Tidmore of Georgia, Aria Christensen of Oregon, Tianna Lei Wailehua of Hawaii, Camdyn Lee of North Carolina, Lucille Esler of New York and Kendall Laroche of New Hampshire.

A New National Role Begins

With the crown, Anderson begins a yearlong national role representing Miss America’s Teen and promoting her Every Beat Matters initiative.

Her historic victory combines several elements of the Miss America Opportunity — scholarship, talent, service, education and leadership — while giving Utah its first Miss America’s Teen national title.

For Anderson, the crown also provides a national platform for a deeply personal mission: helping young people develop the confidence and preparation to respond when someone’s life may depend on them.