SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2014 Preliminaries Evening Gowns Part 1: My Top 10 Best

 Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition Evening Gown Show--Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge Louisiana

Last night were the all-important Preliminaries for the Miss USA 2014 beauty pageant. This is when a separate panel of judges (different from the NBC-Universal "talent" that judges the Final Live Telecast) chooses the Semi-Finalists who will be named on Sunday night's Final Show who will go on to compete for the Miss USA 2014 crown. The Preliminary Competition involves an Introduction of all the contestants in "cocktail wear", the Swimsuit Competition and finally, the Evening Gowns... 

 Gown Applause: The Miss USA 2014 contestants in their evening gowns--Miss USA 2014 preliminary Competition Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge Louisiana

The 51 contestants modeled their evening gowns to be judged on their poise, presence and overall impact when dressed up. And yes, they were been judged on their style choices. One can tell with an evening gown choice whether this young woman is "Stately", "Queen-like" or Too Sexi-Licious (read: Hoochie!). Some of the contestants did "Gown Changes" from what they previously wore for the Evening Gown Portraits which I talked about HERE and HERE.
So, without further ado, let's get to my Top Ten Picks for Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition. 

We begin with Miss LOUISIANA:

Miss Louisiana USA Brittany Guidry: Wow! Two words: simply stunning! Brittany wore a beautiful metallic sequined gown for the Evening Gown Portraits which I LOVED and this one is a change from the portrait gown. And I LOVE this one even more! The gown is a violet empire-cut dress with heavy sequined applique at the bust, neckline and drop shoulders. It's majestic, impacting and looks outstanding on her. I also think she did her hair and makeup just right.
Gown score: 9.8

Miss Florida USA Brittany Oldehoff: Fort Lauderdale native Brittany shimmered in this showstopping beaded fringe column gown with nude base. This was also a Gown Change from what she wore for the Evening Gown Portraits (above, bottom)--and definitely a change for the better! I also love the side-swept hairstyle. One of the best gowns of the night; it has movement, impacts well on stage and works for her hourglass figure.
Gown score: 9.7

Miss Nebraska USA Amanda Soltero: Amanda definitely gets an award for "Most Improved Gown Choice" to what she had worn for the Gown Portraits (above, bottom). I wasn't a total fan of this but I am a MAJOR fan of the silver and nude gown choice for the Preliminaries. This gown hints at a Couture creation from Zuhair Murad and has just the right amount of Red Carpet Wattage. Good job Amanda!
Gown Score: 9.7

Miss Colorado USA Eleanna Livaditis: I placed Eleanna as one of my favorites for the gowns in the Evening gown Portraits and now, it's "two for two". She wore the same gown and this was wise; it's a gorgeous Grecian Goddess gown that works well for her. She looks like a Miss Greece at the Miss Universe pageant (It's safe to assume she's probably of Greek descent from that name so, it's PERFECT!).
Gown Score: 9.7

Miss Oklahoma USA Brooklynne Young: Beautiful Brooklynne wore this black simple gown (above, bottom) for the Gown Portraits but changed into this STUNNER of a gown at the top pic. This gown change was VERY GOOD. The golden Mermaid-shaped gown with oversized jeweled crystals is much more impacting and looks much more expensive. I think she looks very regal and still very approachable. This is one of my favorites of the night.
Gown Score: 9.6

Miss Ohio USA Madison Gesiotto: Madison did not do a Gown Change for the Preliminary Competition and frankly, she didn't need to. I placed her at the TOP of my favorite gowns from the Gown Portraits in this dress and now she's here in the top again. This is a beautiful gown and from head to toe, she is perfection. I might lose those big ol' earrings because it does take her into "Miss Puerto Rico" territory. Nothing wrong with that but for "Miss USA" I'd say less is more.
Gown Score: 9.5

Miss South Carolina USA Christina Zapolski: This is probably the best mermaid-type gown of the Preliminaries. It's a lot of gown but it is quite impressive, well-made and looks gorgeous on the six foot tall Christina. I absolutely love the silver and creme colored sequined torso. This is the type of gown you see at Cannes on a fabulous actress no one has ever heard of but suddenly becomes a Red Carpet Fashionista. The only thing I would do here is remove those big ol' earrings. The gown is enough! Sometimes the Glam Squad takes it too far and they should use that old adage to "remove one thing before leaving the house".
Gown Score: 9.5

Miss District of Columbia USA Ciera Nicole Butts: Ciera changed her gown (like so many others did) for last night's Preliminaries. As you can see, the previous one (above, bottom) was on the same vein of "Grecian Goddess' and ivory and with a full gathered skirt. I liked both of them. Ciera looks great in an ivory Goddess gown with some "sparkle"; she knows what works and sticks with it. If there was any critique, it would be her hair, I like it down but understand that because of all the crystal beading in the neckline and shoulders, she wanted to showcase it (therefore, the hair goes up).
Gown Score: 9.4

Miss Hawaii USA Moani Hara: Moani (as you can see in above, bottom pic) wore a nude-colored gown for the Gown Portraits. it wasn't impressive and rather bland. thank Goodness she changed. I love this midnight blue sequined sheer gown on Moani; it's sexy but not vulgar and has enough of a Red Carpet Awards Show vibe that can make the judges stand up and take notice. I also love that she put her hair up (which works for such a halter neckline style).
Gown Score: 9.3

And finally...

Miss Wisconsin USA Bishara Dorre: I loved this gown in the Gown Portraits (Bishara didn't change gowns) and I'm happy to see it again on her. The canary yellow color is beautiful on her and the silhouette of fitted strapless bustier and full multi-layered chiffon skirt is perfect for her to "work" the stage. her hair and makeup are Pageant Right. Congrats Bishara for making my Top Ten Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition :)
Gown Score: 9.3

***Next Up: The "Could Have Been Better" Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition!!