Oh What A Night!

One of the best parts about interviewing so many titleholders who visit Section 36 is what happens after. It’s so wonderful to watch these amazing young women go on to accomplish so much after their visits. Whether it’s advancing to another level within the Miss America organization, or advancing in their post pageant careers. I always get a flutter of excitement to see them doing so well.

Which happened to a degree Sunday night never before reached.

Thanks to Alexandra Coppa for sending along the pic!

On Sunday, a fantastic five forever visitors took the stage at Miss America. Miss New Hampshire Marissa Moorhouse, Miss Massachusetts Gabriela Taveras, Miss Vermont Julia Crane, Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei, and Miss Rhode Island Alexandra Coppa. If that’s not a record, it certainly could be. It was such an amazing feeling watching each of them walk out on stage. I can’t imagine what it feels like for people who actually know them well. But it was such an honor to be able to think “I interviewed her!” each time one of them came out on stage to introduce themselves. It’s what makes all the interviews even more fun.

Of course, if this year might be a record as far as sheer quantity of visitors appearing on stage, it was definitely a record as far as advancement!

Prior to this year, the highest finisher to ever visit Section 36 was also my very first visitor. Lauren Kuhn made it to the top five at Miss America prior to visiting with Section 36. The best showing by a titleholder after visiting was Alissa Musto. After visiting Section 36 as Miss Cambridge, she went on to win Miss Massachusetts and then finish in the top fifteen at Miss America. So, I would definitely like to mention two amazing women who raised that bar even higher.

Gabriela Taveras is my most recent visitor, and she was able to make it to the top five on Sunday night! Bridget Oei also made it to the top five, and eventually made it all the way to first runner up to Miss America! It was so exciting! As nervous as I was for them, I can't imagine what must have been going through their mind standing up on that stage. The best part was getting to see those two compete in all the phases of the competition, and follow along with their night.

So I want to offer a huge congratulations to all the former visitors why graced the Miss America stage. They definitely made us proud!

I'm flattered that they all visited.

A New Single From Alissa Musto!

 I'm sure you all remember Alissa Musto's visit with Section 36. When she visited in March of 2016, she had just been crowned Miss Cambridge. As I'm sure you know, she was on her way to

being crowned Miss Massachusetts before finishing in the top 15 at Miss America. 

During her visit, we discussed many topics, including her successful music career and her piano performances at venues around New England. 

If you follow Alissa's official website, like you should be doing, you know that she's releasing a new album, X Post Facto, later this month. In her own words, she took a minimalist approach with the arrangements for this album. It will let you focus on her piano and vocals without other distractions. It will really allow you to make an emotional connection to each song, the way it is intended.

To start things off, Alissa will be releasing the album's first single, Good Old Days, this Monday! This song is a perfect example of what she wanted out of the album. It is full of emotion for her personally, as it touches on highs and lows she has experienced. The simple arrangement allows her to wonderfully transfer those emotions to you as you listen to the track. It feels like she's talking directly to you as she lets her feelings pour out. It's simply beautiful.

You should definitely remind yourself to get the single when it's released on Monday. It will be available all the usual places: Spotify, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and more. Even better, subscribe to her Spotify channel ahead of time, just to be sure.

And you should also check out her website. She has a wonderful behind-the-scenes look into the creation of the album that you won't want to miss.

And, on Monday, be sure to let Alissa know how much you loved Good Old Days!

I'm sure you will!