LAS VEGAS — Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron won the 2010 Miss America title Saturday night after strutting in a yellow dress, belting Beyonce’s “Listen” from “Dreamgirls” and telling kids they should get outside more often.
Cameron, a 22-year-old from Fredericksburg, Va., won a $50,000 scholarship and the crown in Las Vegas after a pageant that started with 53 contestants. She outlasted her opponents in swimsuit, evening gown, talent and interview competitions.
Cameron is broadcast journalism student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and wants to become an anchor.
When asked about fighting childhood obesity, Cameron said parents should curb television and video games.
“We need to get our kids back outside, playing with sticks in the street like I did when I was little,” Cameron said. “Expand your mind, go outside and get to see what this world is like.”
Miss California Kristy Cavinder was the first runner-up, winning $25,000.
After a week of preliminary competition, they each introduced themselves to the crowd Saturday at the Planet Hollywood Resort &Casino. The judges, the public and contestants themselves then trimmed the field.
Actor and “Extra” host Mario Lopez hosted the 89-year-old pageant with help from Clinton Kelly of TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” The pageant was broadcast live on TLC.
The panel of judges included radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, actress Vivica Fox, musician Dave Koz, Miss America 2002 Katie Harman, gymnast Shawn Johnson and former “American Idol” finalist Brooke White. Comedian Paul Rodriguez was set to be a judge, but organizers said he pulled out because of a family emergency.
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