Las Vegas Weekly

September 29, 2008 · 1:28 PM

Miss America heads to Vegas after introducing next contestants

By Robin Leach

2008 Miss America Kirsten Haglund and the contestants at IHOP.

Photo: Miss America Organization

Gorgeous Miss America Kirsten Haglund arrives in Vegas this week to check out the advance plans for January’s 2009 pageant -- and I’m going to take her on a secret shopping spree in one of her rare free moments on her crowded reigning year calendar. Kirsten will turn over her crown at the end of January when the new competition is held once again at the Planet Hollywood resort casino.

She introduced the new 52 challengers at FOX in Los Angeles – and it was the very first time they were all interviewed together. The footage will be used as part of the news features while they are here in Vegas on the Miss America Live pageant on TLC. It was a day of L.A. sightseeing with a hearty breakfast of huge pancakes at IHOP followed by visits to the legendary L.A Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

I’ve now learned that 24-year-old Julianna Erdeez from Reno will represent Nevada. She won the state nod after becoming Miss Carson City. Julianna will use her singing skills in the talent portion of the pageant. A former UNLV student, she’s attended the American Musical & Dramatic Academy and plans to obtain a Master’s Degree in drama in order to become a Broadway performer. A star is born!!

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