What Should Pageant Singers Wear? | Best Pageant Costuming for Vocalists

A pageant singer’s costuming should instantly convey the mood of her musical selection in the talent competition.

A singer’s costuming in the talent competition is one of the most important aspects of creating a cohesive, effective talentperformance. “We try to work the talent outfit around the whole song,” explains Robin Elliott-Bear, of Robin Elliott Ltd. She cites the example of a state finalist whose costuming helped create an aquatic mood for her performance of The Little Mermaid. “We did a sequin dress that was royal blue and turquoise and she looked like The Little Mermaid. She was a great actress with a pretty good voice — but her ‘total package’ made you feel like you were in the water with her while she sang.”

Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012, wore an elegant red gown for her performance of “Il Bacio” in the talent competition.

One of the secrets to selling opera is wearing a spectacular costume that gets — and keeps — judges’ attention.

Never sing classical music in a contemporary beaded gown. A singers performing a contemporary popular song should use costuming that is an extension of her pageant music.

Rebecca King, Miss America 1974, set the mood for “If I Ruled the World” with a regal scarlet velvet gown encrusted with rhinestones.

Leanza Cornett, an AIDS prevention advocate, used symbolism in her choice of attire. She performed the tearjerker, “A New Life,” clad in a pure white gown accented with a blood-red AIDS ribbon.

Susan Powell, Miss America 1981 (Oklahoma), won the talent competition performing the comedic area, The Telephone, in a pastel blue gown trimmed with rhinestones and boa feathers.

Kati Stam, Miss America 2009, wore a beautiful white gown with a full train that beautifully reflected for her vocal performance of Via Delarosa (The Road of Suffering of Jesus Christ).

Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012, wore an elegant red gown for her performance of the Italian aria Il Bacio in the talent competition.

Kellye Cash, Miss America 1987, opted for a fitted black gown with sequin artwork across the shoulders and back when she sang the popular vocal, I’ll be Home.

Vanessa Williams chose a perfect glittery silver sequin gown when she sang Happy Days Are Here Again during the talent competition.

Carolyn Sapp, Miss America 1992, performed Ain’t Misbehavin’ in a stunning, sensual white and silver gown that was so pretty, we couldn’t take out eyes off her.