Pageant Fun Facts, Quotable Quotes, Crowning Comedy, and Royal Trivia

"The cardinal rule for hosting the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants is to expect the unexpected."  --Bob Barker, longtime host of both pageants   Gary Collins asked one Miss America finalist, "What's your favorite part of the pageant?" "Lunch," she replied.

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During one memorable moment at a Miss World Pageant, the short master of ceremonies couldn't resist teasing Miss United Kingdom, a six-foot-tall beauty who towered over him. "And what are you going to be when you grow up?" he asked.

"I don't know," the finalist replied without a smile. "What are you going to be when you grow up?"

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"It's thrilling! When you're a kid, you never dream that one day you'll be hosting the Miss America Pageant. I still can't believe it!" --Regis Philbin

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When asked who she thought would be crowned Miss Universe, pageant commentator Daisy Fuentes answered, "I'm kind of hoping I'll win."   Bob Barker once called his job hosting the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants, "a blind date with 83 of the most beautiful girls in the world."

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Sources: Atlantic City Magazine, Glamour, Miami Herald, Miss America Cookbook (Rutlege Hill Press), Miss America: In Pursuit of the Crown (MasterMedia), People, Press of Atlantic City, Union News, Tropic, TV Guide, TV Today