Story By Esteban Escobar, Diversity News
Proof read by Linda Krongold
for Diversity News
_____________________
The 3 floors of the House of Blues were full of fans, celebrities and personalities waiting for hours to see who would be crowned "Miss Entertainer of The Year." The event was done in association with the NO H8 Campaign fundraiser, with open photo shoots and an open silent auction benefiting The Matthew Shepard Foundation.
The contestants were ChaCha Cache, Chad Michaels, Delta Work, Detox Icunt, Fontasia L'Amour, Jasmine Masters, Lady K, Samantha Starr, Shae Shae LaReese, Shangela (Shangela TheDebutantess) and Willam (Willam Belli).
"I am so thrilled and honored to be the first ever California Entertainer of the Year! I plan on representing California proudly at the national EOY pageant in July!" said Shangela, Winner of 2010 EOY.
Celebrity judges included Nina West (head judge) Miss National Entertainer of the Year 2008, Alyssa Edwards (multi-pageant system national titleholder), Calpernia Addams Miss Tennessee EOY 1999 and GLBTQ activist and performer, Aubrey O'Day from Danity Kane, Tiffany "New York" Pollard, Shanna Moakler Miss USA 1995 and co-director of the Miss California USA Pageant, Bridgette Marquadt from The Girls Next Door, Holly Madison from The Girls Next Door, Jai Rodriguez of Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! and Matthew Rose, producer of Rupaul's Drag Race.
Shangela (Shangela TheDebutantess) won the 2010 Miss California Entertainer of the Year. She won the crown, $5000 in cash and $5000 in prizes. The winner SHANGELA will appear on the new season of Rupaul's Drag Race beginning February 1 on Logo and VH1. The runner up was Chad Michaels, who won $1500 in cash and $5000 in prizes. The second runner up was Shae Shae LaResse, who received $1000 in cash and $2000 in prizes. Shangela and Chad Michaels have the option to compete in the Nationals in July in Louisville, Kentucky with all expenses paid by California Entertainer of the Year.
"I entered the contest to show everyone I was a triple threat and not just a perrenial television guest star. Plus I wanted to ride around on my Segway in Louboutins I returned to Neiman's the very next day. I totally accomplished my goal and made everyone crack up. I think the show could've used a bit more funny and a bit less serious pageant-y atmosphere. Hopefully next year, I'll be able to provide some because they've talked to me about a feature spot or hosting gig already." said Willam Belli, EOY contestant.
The House of Blues is located at 8430 W. Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. The event was held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 from 7:30 pm to 1:30 pm in the main room. The No H8 photoshoot was done by photographer Adam Bouska from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. More then 500 people attended the event. The event was hosted by Alec Mapa of the Ugly Betty Show.
"At the last minute Brandy number was visually appealing because Bianca Nicole was gorgeous but a ballad at that point in the already long night slowed it down even more making almost necessary to secure an after hours permit." Concluded Willam.
California EOY donated $15,000 to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Andrew Tweedie from the Foundation was there to see the event.
The silent auction, called "Heel Hate", was added by California EOY. Autographed high heels from celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Shania Twain, Paula Deen, Salma Hayek, Paris Hilton and more are being auctioned on http://www.charitybuzz.com/ with 100% of the proceeds going to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The auction will last through January 21. Fans, Celebrities and personalities were able to view the heels in person because they were on display at the pageant event.
Per Nicole Walther, Metro Public Relations Publicist, this is the first-ever California Entertainer of the Year Pageant to benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Eleven of California's fiercest drag performers battled it out for the crown and nearly $20,000 in cash and prizes were awarded. She added that the girls competed in the categories of creative evening gown, on stage questions, presentation, and talent.
Ms. Walther concluded the after 4 hours of show-stopping, jawdropping performances, the judge's scores were tallied in accordance with the National Entertainer of the Year guidelines by head judge Nina West and certified by current Miss National Entertainer of the Year, Bianca Nicole (who did two incredible special performances).
The Pageant Director was Erin White. There was a special surprise performance by 80's pop superstar Tiffany, who acknowledged International Dance Diva Pepper MaShay who was in the VIP area.
For more information about Entertainer of The Year visit http://www.californiaeoy.com/ For the event's public relations agency information and updates visit http://www.metropublicrelations.com/
Photo By Esteban "Steven" Escobar (C) 2010 Diversity News Publications. All Rights Are Reserved.
Editor Note: Story was proof read by Linda Krongold, our New York, NY Special Correspondent For Diversity News. For more information you can contact her at andmeljar@aol.com
Congratulations to all the contestants and Shangela for winning this competition. We wish her good luck in the Nationals. Photos courtesy of Diversity News Publications.
