Kiara Sherman was crowned Miss Bahamas Universe 2009 under the theme "A Taste of the Bahamas Through Elegance" at the Nassau Wyndham Resorts, Rain Forest Theatre on Sunday, May 25th.
The sold out gala event featured a plethora of young, talented ladies who were narrowed down stepwise to first 12, 8, then 5 and eventually the final three who were crowned Miss Bahamas International, Miss Bahamas Earth and Miss Bahamas Universe in order of ascendancy.
Sherman will now play as hostess to the eighty plus international beauty queens at the 58th Annual Misss Universe pageant on August 23.
Crowned as Miss Bahamas Earth is the heavy favourite IFE Bethel Sears. Many fans have been disappointed when she did not get the Miss Bahamas Universe title.
Amanda Appleyard is crowned as the Miss Bahamas International.
Alyssa Knowles and Camille Kenny were crowned third and fourth runners-up respectively.
The pageant is not without controversies.
Originally, there were seventeen women who signed up for the pageant, but three dropped out citing personal differences with pageant organizer Gaynell Rolle-Stubbs.
Last year's Miss Bahamas Universe Sacha Scott did not show up; rumour has it that she refused to attend the pageant because she has never received her prizes. In place of Scott, her runner-up Garnell Storr, Miss Bahamas Earth 2008, was introduced simply as "Miss Bahamas."
One of the contestants, Enna Thomas, a big favorite but failed to reach the semifinals, walked out of the event before it was finished and did not claim her two special awards.
When you look at the caliber of women that have won the Miss Universe Titles, it is evident that countries should only certify Women who fit that description. Last evening the only Women that fit that description was the Beautiful, Intelligent and poised Amanda Appleyard. She commanded presence on that stage and stood out from all the other girls. She was natural and did not respond to her answer in a rehearsed manner like the winner did. In fact, why did they not give each contestant a random question? The pageant was an embarassment to the Bahamas, that is another story in itself. The absolute best should have been chosen...we blew it Bahamas!
ReplyDeleteEnna Thomas won S I X awards - but when they realized thats she was no longer in the building, they did not announce the other awards.
ReplyDeleteYes, so many people were disappointed. The committee should be ashamed. The judges also, apparently they are not given any guidelines. They certainly were not looking at Miss Universe material, that is why the pretty girls are turned off. Amanda would have had a chance.
ReplyDeleteI sense some jealousy from all of these comments. A lot of hard work and determination is put into preparing for these pageants. Kiara has come from a long way and nothing about her question was rehearsed or fake.... she was real and straight to the point. That is the thing about Bahamian people instead of encouraging people we bring them down. But I guess in life we always have haters to make us even stronger.You can hate all you want in the end she is still MISS BAHAMAS UNIVERSE 2009! :)
ReplyDeleteLook, based on the level of competition this young lady is being asked to compete at, another young lady/ contestant could
ReplyDeletebe a far better representative for the Bahamas... our BAHAMAS... ( Camille, Amanda, Sharie, Aquelle) We did blow it. The MISS UNIVERSE ( nuot Miss Blue Hill
or some other local pageant) representative should be OUR BEST, a contestant who has a shot at being Miss UNIVERSE even at
FIRST glance, natural beauty, facial features, poise and especially INTELLEGENCE. Come on, half stepping, who ya know and
our other practices have no place here, especially at this level of competition. Our chance to shine has really, really
been compromised and severly dampened.
The judges may not be totally at fault, it appears many were shocked at the outcome. I really hope the scoring and tally
was done at the required professional level and rechecked !
Also, I do not sense any jealousy in the previous coments, we need to be honest with ourselves and what is good for our
BAHAMIAN image ! Bringing anyone down and being honest are very different (this last comment must be strait from the new
queen? It really is a very silly comment) . Let's see if Trump or any other international judge can see this new queen as their ' MISS UNIVERSE'. WAKE UP
Bahamas!
I could not agree more. I mean really, Amanda won Miss Intellect, it was said that she impressed the judges with her intelligence, beauty, height, brains, talent and personality. I am also pleased to see that I am not the only one questioning why the s 6'1" Sharie Delva, another very beautiful talented and poised young lady did not even make it to the finals. I am sorry but the Sears girls has is obviously well schooled but she is not beauty pageant material. We really need to take a moment to look at the young women that are going to be competing in the Miss Universe 2009,... like Miss Dominican Republic,(hello!!!) need I say more. Does anyone remember the reigning Miss Universe, Miss Venezuela.
ReplyDeleteLets' get to another subject, the one of transparency and integrity, the year that are country is poised to host the Miss Universe Pageant we make a mockery of the process. I was in the audience last night and I am still waiting to hear the results for the evening gown, and the national costume... and dont tell me Kiara won the costume because that was made in Trinidad not The Bahamas..... rules folks!. By the way this is not jealousy talking, I am a fan of Kiara, she was one of my favorite contestants, and she is a beautiful girl but come on.. look at her stats, she is a mere 5ft 6in tall. She will look like a dwarf in the Miss Universe, if she even makes the first round of eliminations I will be shocked, and it will have to be political. I think a disservice was done to the country, the integrity of the pageant, other contestants with the ability to represent in this role as well as Kiara. She is talented and can sing like a dream. The Miss Bahamas International would have served her well and may have even provided an opportunity for a musical career.
I know a number of the judges, to be persons of stellar integrity so I find this whole matter distasteful. At some point in this country we seriously need to move on from putting a price tag on everything. TRANSPARENCY! As a bahamian citizen I look forward to seeing a listing of each of the categories i.e. swim suit/interview/costume/evening gown etc. posted in the local newspaper to explain how Kiara Sherman and Ife Bethel Sears got the two top spots. Kiara has beauty, but not to Miss Universe standard, as for Ife there were so many others that could have filled this spot.
Frankly I am sad to say that we are getting so bad in this country that when someone plays by the rules that is what surprises me. !
Someone needs to address this, take the politics and who u know out of these things..... this is exactly how Anna Nicole Smith could come here get a permit in weeks, and create a phenomenal scandal, but a hard working ex-pat male married to a Bahamian woman has to wait years to get residency!! This place is unbelievable.
Hi readers,
ReplyDeleteI don't think its jealousy at all. It is just pointing out the obvious. There is no way in the world Kiara should of won. In no way am i saying that she is ugly, however, she was NOT the best choice and we will NOT place in Miss. Universe. I agree with the person that said pretty girls never want to enter because they know it will not be judged fairly....why waste your time? I wouldnt eve waste my money on a ticket. C'mon Bahamas, let's try to play fair in at least ONE area of our community. I'm saddened :(
You know, you people have to be careful about what you say. The official pageant auditors were Deloitte & Touche. So does all this criticism of the judging and everything means that you guys are implying that Deloitte & Touche are crooked? Or are you saying the judges' REAL scores weren't turned in? If not, then what are you REALLY saying? Come on people. If you disagree with the judges' choice then say that but all this crap about "who u know" etc. etc. is utter foolishness. I have no views either way about the new Miss Bahamas. In fact I think beauty pageants are all a bunch of crap. But wouldn't it be something if she does do well at the Miss Universe !!! Oh yes, I forgot, someone has already said if that happened it would be "political". Yea right !!! Political how ?????? You people are just so small-minded !!!
ReplyDeleteYou know, you people have to be careful about what you say. The official pageant auditors were Deloitte & Touche. So does all this criticism of the judging and everything means that you guys are implying that Deloitte & Touche are crooked? Or are you saying the judges' REAL scores weren't turned in? If not, then what are you REALLY saying? Come on people. If you disagree with the judges' choice then say that but all this crap about "who u know" etc. etc. is utter foolishness. I have no views either way about the new Miss Bahamas. In fact I think beauty pageants are all a bunch of crap. But wouldn't it be something if she does do well at the Miss Universe !!! Oh yes, I forgot, someone has already said if that happened it would be "political". Yea right !!! Political how ?????? You people are just so small-minded !!!
ReplyDeleteWHO CARES IF "The official pageant auditors were Deloitte & Touche"?? It is quite possible for them to be crooked also...aren't they also human? Kiara has talent and is not bad looking but realistically, as already pointed out, she lacks many things that a "miss universe" judge will look for in a winner. Miss Appleyard was the obvious choice but, and quite sadly for us, it is what it is. Also, is it only me or isn't it a FACT that Kiara didn't even answer the question? I stand to be corrected but recall her saying something along the lines of "Before I even get to that let me just say...." Now the top contestants were only given a short time to answer and I am still waiting on Kiara to answer what was asked! You know, before she decided to announce that the will "get back to it" and rambled on about inner beauty or something of that nature. Well....good luck anyway Miss Sherman, at least you will have MORE pagaent EXPERIENCE when this is all over. Small minded? I don't think so. REAL is more like it.
ReplyDeleteI am disgusted at what happened. While Kiara is clearly a beautiful and intelligent girl, I do not believe she should have won. She did not have the level of poise that Camile, Ife or Amanda had, all of her responses seemed rehearsed. If you have watched Miss Universe and look at the caliber of women that do well, they are tall (Kiara is not), they are relaxed and natural in their speech (Kiare was not), they are graceful and elegant (can someone tell why the hell she was walking that way?). She can not compete with the Miss Unvierse women. We had a chance with Amanda, Camille or even Ife. We blew it!
ReplyDeleteWell, Well, Well...I have no interest in beauty pageants...think it is a bunch of garbage but since it is here in my humble opinion I should abhere to the international standards. Height,intelligence beauty etc. The night of the event the winner beauty was point on...she had the prettiest face but the height was not there. My point is, is that the organisers have to allow girls to enter that meet all the criterias...not just one or two. o Shame on the organisers!! Sorry, most of those girls should not have been in the competition. We have a lot of girls out there that can represent...what happen? My only pick would have been Garelle Hudson...she has it all.
ReplyDeleteWell from the start of the pageant, Kiara and Ife were two of my favorite contestants. Ife possesses the intellect that is fitting for a representative at that level and Kiara has a beautiful persona. However it is mind boggling that since these questions were provided before hand, the contestants weren’t prepared to answer more intelligently and confidently. Elaborating on one’s platform and definition of a “beauty ambassador” are impromptus type questions
ReplyDeleteKiara appeared nervous and it reflected in her first answer. The second question she was able to redeem herself a bit. On the flip side, Ife answered the first question eloquently but clearly misconstrue the second. The fact that Kiara is a popular Bahamian entertainer and Ife being the daughter of Hon Alfred Sears, just adds fuel to the “conspiracy” theory some are suggesting.
Nonetheless, in any event, I think random questions should have been given to showcase intellect, ability to handle pressure and confidence level as it is done in all well managed and structured pageants around the world. Miss Bahamas is blantly an amateurish event.
But did these young ladies deserve their rankings? As an outsider, it is difficult to make a comprehensive assessment. Prior to the grand night, there was a string of preliminary judging. Hence we do not know how the judges rated the contestants and what scores they each received.
But if it was based solely on Sunday night’s performance, my opinion would be the results were inaccurate. Nonetheless it is what it is and despite this so called “recount” that will allegedly occur, nothing is going to change. Kiara is our Miss Bahamas, rigged or deserving.
It is so unfortunate that the Bahamas has still not realized that “cheating” and “buying out” does not get us anywhere in the international arena. While Kiara appears to be an attractive girl, she is certainly not Miss Universe material. She is better suited signing “I’m your private dancer” at the many functions she participates in at Arawak Cay, wearing nothing but a bra and blue jeans.
ReplyDeleteHow could you mess up a supposedly rehearsed question? Based on the final question Amanda and Camille would have been much better representatives at the Miss Universe Pageant especially since Amanda won the Intellect award, she is beautiful and intelligent. Normally the host country’s contestant is given a place in the first cut during the competition and therefore it was imperative that we choose someone who could possibly stand a chance among the international beauties. Sadly, Kiara is the best we have to offer. I agree, we really did blow it Bahamas!
Camille Kenny should have won.She is the best choice to represent this country, check her portfolio
ReplyDeletewhat is happening 242? Kiara is a
jungaless and does not deserve that crown!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe even Amanda Appleyard..anyone deserved it..anyone except Kiara Sherman. She does not define a true Queen. She should run for Miss Nigard, not Miss Bahamas. Lots of young girls are looking up to her, but the things she has done does not represent her title well.
P.S Gaynell Needs to get it together QUICK QUICK QUICK! this time around she is going to get exposed for the crap she is doing!
hey guys..was this a beauty pageant or animal farm LOL!!
Well Bahamas another year we won't make it out of the first round at Miss Universe. A national disgrace - She does not deserve the crown!
ReplyDeleteI am not from Bahamas but I am pageant lover. Seeing the pictures of the Top 5 winners and reading your comments, it seems Amanda should have been the rightful winner. But I've seen also a picture of Kiara where she looks like a real beauty queen with sparks. Let's just hope she will make it to the Top 10 since she has the advantage being the hostess of Miss U 2009
ReplyDeleteI think judges looked at the fact that Kiara is a singer and could put on a good show for the Miss Universe contestants and the panal. Because of this and the fact she has the home court advantage, they probably feel she has a good shot at claiming a spot in the top 12 at the Miss Universe pageant.
ReplyDeleteI think this was strategic. Fair--probably not.
They all spoke about the fact that a beauty queen should have inner beauty that would reflect outward. To me that speaks of some sort of values. If you are going to run for any pageant, you should at least make sure that your background reflects what you are saying from stage. In my opinion, I was shocked to hear one thing coming from Miss Sherman's mouth about inner beauty and then to see her lap dancing on her my space and taking pictures with playboy bunny ears with half of her "boobs" out -which according to her is her official website, not something, someone else caught her doing and then posted. I am ashamed to have originally supported her that night and feel that her past will only be laid open should she get to the finals and more embarrassing things will lead to a bigger embarrassment for the Bahamas. The committee really needs to do their homework and make sure these girls have the reputation of really having inner beauty and a good reputation.
ReplyDeleteI myself attended the Miss Bahamas pageant and I was pleased to see Kiara being crowned. Actually I was there to support another contesteant however she did not progress to the final 8. Kiara and Krystle Brown then became my two favorites along with Allyssa Knowles.
ReplyDeleteI really hate the way our people are behaving about this pageant and about OUR Miss Bahamas. The way I feel is whether or not you agree with the judges decision she will continue her reign as Miss Bahamas 2009-2010 and we should all give her our support. The way our Bahamian people are acting towards this pageant saddens me and actually reduces my desire to participate in any of our Bahamian pageants.
P.S. I always wanted to enter Miss Teen Bahamas from I was a little girl.
It is very sad to see how the Bahamian people are acting in their country. Does anyone have any idea what type of preparations go on leading up to a final production of a pageant? The ladies aren't just judged the night of, well in most cases they are not. The lady has won, what is the big deal? And what does the lady wearing bunny ears matter? Didn't they all strut their stuff on a stage with ONLY a swimsuit, which is practically being naked...lol You people are funny...lol. Sounds hypocritical to me. Maybe Mr. Trump should seek elsewhere to host Ms. Universe pageant. Disappointed in the behavior of the Bahamian people.
ReplyDeleteDear All Readers,
ReplyDeleteI personally had the chance to meet all the contestants for the 2009 Miss Bahamas Universe Pagent. The ladies that stood out the most were Kiara, Amanada and Iffe... Not picking sides or anything but Kiara deserve what has been given to her. Everyone dont get to see what goes on behind the backstage off these events. Maybe if we do then we would have a better appreciation. Camille had a chance of wearing one of those crowns but she was overly sheltered by her coach. A queen is surpose to be able to tink and work on her own... One that note some of the contestant were just out right dumb. Not knowing any information on the Island they were representing... Enna you had all rights to walk off the stage because this competition was not for you. from what Ive seen you were a mess from day one... Ms. Rolle shud be commended for an excellent job. The judges has made thier final decission... It was already design by God that Kira would have walked away with the crown on May 24th, 2009... Bahamian lets support our Queen. Is this how we want to showcase the Bahamas August 24th, 2009.... If we gonna sit around and bitch about the new queen then its quite clear that yall have nothing better to do.....
come on my Bahamian fellows, why r we putting ourselves down let we r beneath white folks if u don't have any confidence in urself, don't try to bring us all down with u. what do u mean Ms. Universe material, u don't have to be 5-8 or 6 something to win a crown she has what it takes be crown Ms. Bahamas. height has nothing to do with it she is not the shortest queen you have ever seen, so get a grip on it stop putting yourself down and have confidence and as for Ms. Thomas she couldn't even make pass the top 12, if she was so good why didn't she make it in the top 12. sweety it just wasn't your time, whatever the lord has for u, u would get it and only in the time u r suppose to have it. all this fuss is only going to show a negative impact on the Bahamian people, not just Ms. Sherman because u all showing ur true colour. u all don't believe in unity. get over it and let's unite as one
ReplyDeleteThe Miss Bahamas Universe contest was truly a dissapointment. The production was disorganized and seemed to the work of amateurs. This was the first time all eyes was on the Miss Bahamas pageant and we seemed to blow it. I am sure that the signers were not the best that the Bahamas has to offer.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the pageant, if the goal was to win Miss Universe then the finalist would have been Miss Appleyard, Sharie Delva, and Camille Kenny. If anyone of them won we would have stood a better chance. But apparently this was not the goal. I think they chose Kiara because they felt she would have made an excellent host and entertainer for the Bahamas. Whilst this may be true the competetion was called MISS BAHAMAS UNIVERSE!
I'm sure that nothing will come of this so called re-count. However I will support Kiara because thats what a community does.
Thanks to all and try to keep it positive as we dont want to discourage future talent.
Kiara Sherman has been choosen our MISS BAHAMAS 2009 so now its time to move on to more pressing business like getting her ready for THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGENT.There's nothing we can do now whether we like or dont like the choice that has been made. She is Bahamian so we should support her and make sure she has everything necessary to get her as far as she can, because when she stands on that stage she will be representing the Bahamas and the people that reside in everyone of our islands.She should stand with her head held high and be proud of herself and no matter what we should be proud of her too.
ReplyDeleteI know for a fact that one of the judges had been preparing Kiara Sherman AND Sherman alone months prior to the pageant. I was not aware that this person was actaully a judge until the night of the pageant!! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON BAHAMAS!!! That is sooo unfair!! Kiara Sherman is a beautiful girl but come on she doesn't meet ALL or even the basic international standards. With judges like Tyra Banks coming to judge teh pageant in August do we really stand a chance!? Do we really think Donald Trump is even going to consider Kiara as their Miss Universe??????? I can bet my life that even when he saw who we had chosen expressed some disappointment! Oh and Ife? Alfred Sears' daughter? I don't know if im more perplexed over who won, who ALMOST won and who should have won! Come on this was our time to shine and we definitely blew it!
ReplyDeleteThis says it all Kiara Sherman is a jungaless!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myspace.com/kiarasongbird
Kiara Sherman...should be supported yes, and indeed eventually if this is who we have to settle with hten so be it....Miss universe Criteria is set high look at all the girls that won their country titles....now look at kiara...hmmm does something seem wrong?? kiara, you are beautiful and we are not downing you all we are saying is that the young lady who posed the best criteria for miss universe should have been THE BEST WE HAVE TO PRODUCE EVERRRR, since we are the host this year, especially. The Miss Bahamas is so unorganize that they had sposors who were not even given complimentary tickets to the event....If the MIss Bahamas Committe is smart they will FIND A WAY OUT OF THIS....for many reasons, to please THE BAHAMAIAN PPL OF WHO NEEDS TO REPRESENT THIS COUNTRY, TO SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE HAVE THE BEST OF THE BEST (beauty and brains) AND TO REPRESENT US AS BAHAMIANS....
ReplyDeleteIm unhappy to know that amanda did not won....Kiara, regardless if you still reign until miss universe, i hope that you can represents us well!
KIARA IS OURRRR...OUR MISS BAHAMAS....yes she does not meet the standards but this is who we have time to prepare, to groom to train to become the best we have have to offer>>>lets all, make suggestions as to how we can help make her better.
ReplyDeleteIma start
my suggestion is:
to give her training on better stage presence...to walk, talk and present herslef like a Miss Universe top placement
she is beautiful (dark n beautiful)
a real black beauty
lets make her into a MISS UNIVDERSE!!
any other POSITIVE SUGGESTIONS
stop tripping.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely nothing wrong with being 5ft 6.
Most girls at miss universe are average around 5ft 8.. 2 inches taller not gonna dwarf her.
also this year korea is 5ft 6, curacao is 5ft 5, turks and caicos is 5ft 1!
in 2006 miss USA was 5ft 4 and got the final 5.
however at this height you MUST be very facially pretty to make up for it. kiara is not.
who cares, miss bahamas universe is
ReplyDeletenot a good role model, shaking that ass up on stage half naked with visage. not good
Yinna could hate aye, you aint gat nothing better to do aye?
ReplyDeleteYa mad cause she move well aye?lol And as far as being naked, what you think selling the pageants, sex baby, why you think they have a swimsuit segment, to keep the rates up. Yall don't even know the girl ad talk as if you do.
But see that's the problem with the Bahamian people naw, they like to play so reserved and conservative. The woman helping to promote OUR caribbean culture and you trash her for that? Yall silly boy. You think as a singer on stage she suppose to stand still aye? Well since you living in 400 AD, I advise you seek the 21 st century and learn the new times. Yall act like the queen don't suppose to be a flicken human, BE REAL FAKE BIMBOS!!!!
And if your comment was so valid why be anonymous.