Pageantry: The Fight for the Crown

 

By Sulaiman Rashidat Mopelola

People compete, one wins, everyone claps. But pageantry is more than what meets the eye. The stage is quiet. 

The contestants stand backstage, adjusting their dresses and taking one final breath before the lights come on.

Behind the glitter, rehearsed smiles and carefully chosen outfits lies a nerve-wracking competition that demands more than beauty. For every contestant hoping to win the crown, there are weeks of preparation, nerves, expectations and pressure to prove that he or she deserves the title of king or queen.

Now, let’s talk about preparation.

First, the contestants have a general rehearsal, which may involve dance, drama or any other activity aimed at showing unity among them. Then there is the walk rehearsal for both male and female contestants, generally referred to as the boot camp. Marks are awarded during this stage and later included in the contestants’ general scores, so everyone strives to perform at their best and get noticed by the judges.

Then comes outfit preparation, which is also important. There is a popular saying, “Dressed to be addressed,” and this holds some truth in pageantry. Each contestant has to choose outfits that represent them well and help them make a good impression on the judges, even though appearance may not carry as many marks as talent or the quiz section.

There is also public speaking, which is where much of the contestants’ effort goes. I mean, who wants to embarrass themselves by stuttering or giving the wrong answer? No one, right? I thought as much.

Contestants practise answering questions such as, “Why do you think you deserve the crown?” and “What impact will you make if you are crowned king or queen?” Here, the answers each contestant gives can determine whether they are truly deserving of the crown.

Let’s talk about another important quality, one that is not about dance skills, talent or how beautiful or handsome the contestants are: confidence.

A king or queen must be confident, especially if they are expected to lead or represent their people. If a contestant cannot project confidence on stage, will they be able to lead or represent others effectively?

Another equally important aspect of pageantry is the quiz. This involves questions asked of the contestants on the day of the pageant, which may cover history, current affairs or life in general. As a result, contestants have to read, research and prepare themselves for a wide range of questions about the world around them.

Now, let’s talk about something only contestants truly understand: pressure.

There is already fear in the minds of contestants: the fear of embarrassing themselves, the fear of not performing well and the fear of being compared with others. There is always that lingering question: “What if I’m not good enough?”

This can be intensified by high expectations from family and friends, often expressed through statements such as, “You better win o, I’m only supporting you so you’ll bring the crown home.” While such comments may be intended as encouragement, they can create anxiety and self-doubt.

Contestants also have to deal with the pressure to look perfect and perform flawlessly. They must learn how to handle criticism, especially from instructors during boot camp. All of these expectations and demands can build immense pressure.

But is the crown just a prize? What does it actually represent?

Leadership? Responsibility? Influence? Representation? Confidence?

Perhaps it represents all of these things.

But what happens to everyone who does not win?

What happens to the boy or girl who practised for weeks and came second or third? What about the girl who spent hours walking in four-inch heels and even suffered a sprain, only to come second on the day? Or the girl who danced for hours until she was drenched in sweat but eventually came third?

This is not to say that the winners did not put in the effort. They did, and their efforts paid off. That is why they won, right?

But once the winners are crowned, people often forget the other contestants. They become background noise. Yet behind every winner are other people who had to lose for that winner to emerge victorious. After all, you cannot compete against yourself.

So, perhaps we should also recognise the runners-up and those who did not make it into the top three. Their efforts, courage and determination deserve recognition too.

Finally, why do people join pageants?

It is not always about the crown. For some, it is about building confidence, making connections, meeting new people and putting themselves out there instead of hiding in a corner and pretending they have low self-esteem.

When the final question is answered and the winner is announced, the spotlight may fall on one woman and one man. Yet every contestant who dared to stand before an audience and say, “This is who I am,” has already won a different kind of battle.

The crown may belong to one woman and one man, but the courage to fight for it belongs to them all.