No Miss World crown but Irish girl takes European title
Alexandria Mills, 18, from Louisville, Kentucky, won the international pageant on Saturday in Sanya, China, followed by Miss Botswana, Miss Venezuela and Miss Ireland.
“It’s a cliche but this really is a dream come true,” she said, crying. “I can’t believe it’s happening to me. My time has come. I’m loving it!”
It was announced yesterday that Ms Waldron, from Kildare, now holds the title Miss Continental Beauty Europe as well as ranking fourth in the overall Miss World competition.
The jury included former Miss World winners Denise Perrier Lanfranchi (1953), Ann Sidney (1964), Mary Stävin (1977), Agbani Darego (2001) and Maria Julia Mantilla (2004).
Emma was among the final five girls who were chosen as the most beautiful women in the world, along with Miss USA, Miss China, Miss Venezuela and Miss Botswana. In a nail-biting final with just five girls chosen out of 120 countries, third place was won by Miss Venezuela, second place was won by Miss Botswana and then there were just Miss Ireland Emma Waldron and two other girls left on the stage, one of whom would be crowned Miss World 2010. In the end Miss USA was crowned Miss World.
Earlier Ms Waldron became the darling of the contest when she won the talent competition with a magnificent performance on the electric violin and her rendition of the traditional Irish tune, An Chualainn, along with Chinese tunes. Contestants from over 120 countries competed in Miss World’s 60th final which will begin the contest’s diamond anniversary year.
Former Miss Irelands have had successful careers in modelling, entertainment, TV presenting, acting and business. Rosanna Davison enjoyed great success as Miss World in 2003 and former Miss Irelands such as Michelle Rocca, Siobhan McClafferty, Olivia Tracey and Andrea Roche made it to the top ten finalists in the Miss World contest.
Miss World is the longest running event of its kind. Launched in 1951, it has become the world’s most watched annual event, with a worldwide viewing audience of over one billion.
