Las Vegas Weekly

April 14, 2009 · 2:07 PM

Photo Gallery: Contestants learn art of sushi and bocce ball ahead of prelims

By Robin Leach

Miss USA 2009 contestants at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas.

Photo: Patrick Prather

The fun and games are over, and now the really hard work has begun. The 51 contestants of the Miss USA 2009 pageant began their round-the-clock rehearsals and the first preliminary competition last night in the initial round of swimsuit and evening gown competitions. They posed and paraded for fans and family, plus the all-important judges, at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood.

Before getting down to the disciplined dance and walking routine rehearsals, they had their last series of Las Vegas vacation excursions, and official photographers Patrick Prather and Darren Decker captured them at play.

They learned the art of sushi making at Sushi Samba in the Palazzo and took bocce ball lessons before playing the ancient Italian game at Rao’s in Caesars Palace. They also visited the shark tank at the Golden Nugget downtown for a pool party before visiting the Fremont Street Experience. They wrapped up their adventures taking part in the Show in the Sky at The Rio.

Sushi chefs Yuki Leto and John Iacimi taught the art of sushi rolling to the glamour girls at Sushi Samba. At the Golden Nugget, Miss Indiana, Miss Delaware, Miss Arkansas and Miss Missouri performed with the band.

Ten contestants -- Miss Pennsylvania, Miss New York, Miss South Carolina, Miss New Mexico, Miss Rhode Island, Miss Oregon, Miss Oklahoma, Miss North Dakota, Miss Ohio and Miss North Carolina -- went high above The Rio’s casino floor to ride the riverboat and Pegasus fantasy floats. They threw out Carnivale beads in Mardi Gras spirit to the fans below.

Before the night was over, they went up 51 floors to the VooDoo Lounge and danced to old school hip-hop. Voodoo bartender Tommy, who was ranked fifth in the world for his flair in juggling bottles and drinks, entertained the ladies.

Meantime, TV cameras have been rolling on Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart, who has been on a “tour of terror” of first-ever experiences to conquer adrenaline-fueled fears while here in Las Vegas. Here’s her report after she succeeded in sky jumping:

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart.

“I have had a great time in Vegas so far. As part of my tour of terror in Las Vegas, I have been doing a lot of things that I have been afraid of doing my entire life. A sort of broadening of horizons, I figured what better time to face my fears than in Las Vegas. What sticks out the most is zip lining through the mountains and driving a NASCAR racecar. I was so terrified to go zip lining at first, but after an hour of saying no, I finally gave in.

“There were four zip lines. The first was great. It felt like I was flying. But the second one … oh my gosh ... I got stuck in the middle of the zip line. I was dangling between two mountains. I was proud of myself because I kept my cool, and I did not freak out. The tour guides were so professional, they got me back safe and sound. The other two lines were a breeze. I would totally recommend anyone to go zip lining. It was an awesome experience.

“The NASCAR driving experience was great, as well. When I got there, I was so ready to be a speed racer until they asked me if I could drive a stick shift. I replied, ‘Ummm, no." So they had to teach me how to drive a stick shift before getting on the racetracks. Well, I actually caught on fairly quickly, and I was on the tracks in no time. Did I mention I was driving alone? Well, I ended up going 130 mph, which was considered fast for a rookie who did not know how to drive a stick shift. I had a blast!

Photo: Patrick Prather

Miss USA 2009 contestants at Sushi Samba.

“By the way, the girls this year look great; every single one of them is beautiful. It is going to be a tough competition.”

As we near the big night of the live NBC telecast Sunday, we’ll also have an intimate peek at the grinding rehearsals as the girls work through their routines. Check back to Vegas DeLuxe for our updates and our interviews with Miss USA President Paula Shugart and the big boss, business mogul Donald Trump, when he arrives in town!

Tonight, also click on www.missusa.com not only to see all 51 contestants individually in their full photo sessions so you can begin making your picks for Sunday, but also to check out the one lone male contestant known simply as Awesome. The webisodes of his adventures have just started airing, and tonight you’ll find me there on camera with the first exclusive Vegas DeLuxe interview with the first genetically engineered man who found a loophole in pageant rules to enable him to enter the competition.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Miss USA 2009 contestants take part in the Show in the Sky at The Rio.

When the episode is posted on the Miss USA Web site, we’ll post a link from Vegas DeLuxe so you can go directly to the video report. We’ll have live reports during the pageant and bring you the first photos and interview with the new Miss USA. She will then go on to represent the U.S. in the Miss Universe Pageant to be held Aug. 23 at the Sol Kerzner-owned Atlantis casino resort in the Bahamas.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

— From Vegas Deluxe

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