04/20/2026
Miss Exquisite Review
4/17/2026
There’s been another pageant this past weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and through the rain and tornado sirens, the search for the Miss Exquisite has left some thoughts. Upon my arrival, I was early in case any of the contestants or performers needed me. I picture it as a duty that comes with reigning. The first thing I noticed was the decorations.With all of the lights up in the nightclub there were orange and fuchsia balloons of different sizes and ostrich feathers spread through it as it blended the stage in with the wall that met the audience. It was a good start to Miss Exquisite.
I was excited, overwhelmed, and amazed. From my personal taste, understanding of pageantry, and experience witnessing some of these competitors compete, I saw the new Miss Exquisite going one of three ways. Aryiah Jackson St. Klaire, Aviana C. Laurent, or Wynter Sodi were the contestants I envisioned reigning next. With the pageant starting around 8:20pm and after tornado warnings, it was time to sit back and enjoy the show.
As a frequent contestant, pageant lover, and reigning champ, I think that there are a few key points to take away from every pageant.
For Presentation, Swimsuit or Fashion Sections- SLOW ALL THE WAY DOWN. It doesn’t feel like the contestants were living in the moment. You set the pace (in the bar/nightclub), the MC will follow.
For Q&A - None of the contestants said their name and contestant number. Out of eight, two contestants said one or the other.
For Solo Talent - Your act should be clean and bookable/ a signature act. If you're doing reveals- toss them to the side of the stage because onstage it disrupts the view.
Overall, the glamour was there. I got to work the spotlight for a moment. Mercedes Benzova had the best hair. Mama J made me laugh the most, Shelby Cummins LIVED the most, and our newly reigning Miss Exquisite, Wynter, had the best makeup of the evening. It was an amazing pageant, and the packages made it a tough one to call out from the audience, and that was the most thrilling.
Maybe I’ll run next time.
Mr. Twin Cities Black Diamond
Neimo Cristal
