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The Swan: A Pageant Of Dreams
Recap By Kelley Rhodes
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May 25, 2004
The Swan swims to its season finale tonight in what promises to be the most unique beauty pageant ever held. Each contestant has gone from an ordinary woman to a fantastic beauty. Which woman has undergone the most dramatic transformation to be crowned the ultimate Swan? Let's find out now.
Clips from past episodes show that our contestants have undergone their dramatic transformations through the help of plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentistry, therapy, physical training and life coaching. It hasn't been a walk in the park. The women suffered through painful surgeries, dental procedures and performed rigorous workout regimens to be in top form for tonight's competition.
The judges for the pageant are: Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003; Valerie Trott, Champagne Trott Model Management; Judith Regan, publisher, Regan Books; Tara Kraft, Beauty Director, Star Magazine; and Mike Ruiz, Fashion Photographer. They will rate each contestant on beauty, poise and overall best transformation.
The winner will receive these prizes: A modeling contract with Champagne Trott Agency of Los Angeles; a designer wardrobe which includes Tadashi, St. Pucchi and Claire's Collection; a relaxing week in Hawaii and an action-packed weekend in Vegas; a $50,000 educational scholarship at Western International University; a $10,000 continuing transformation scholarship at Anthony Robbins Mastery University; a 2004 Jaguar and $50,000 in cash.
We are now reintroduced to the nine women as they compete in the evening gown competition. I am no fashion maven, so my descriptions will be amateurish at best.
Our first contestant is Beth L., a 25-year-old married mother of one from Milton WA. Beth wants to focus on herself for the first time in her life. Her goal was to deal with her feeling about her husband's infidelity and feel sexy enough to walk into a room and turn heads. Beth is wearing a long black dress with a thigh high split above one leg and adorned with silver rhinestones.
Our second contestant is Cindy I., a 32-year-old military wife and mom of two sons. Cindy wished to be rid of her 'witchy' nose and bothersome facial hair that she was forced to shave every day. Cindy has met these goals, and more. Cindy is wearing a lovely blue gown with lots of sparkly jewels and sequins.
Third up is wildcard Kelly A., a 28- year-old flight attendant from Hartford County Maryland. She recalls being made fun of middle school; she was isolated and spit on. Kelly has never felt pretty. Kelly admits that she and boyfriend Bob have only been intimate a few times over the past three years. Kelly believes she will feel more intimate if her appearance improves. Kelly's emotional nature threatened her success in the swan program, but she managed to succeed. Kelly is wearing a red strapless, sparkly top and a long black skirt.
Next up is Rachel L, a 27-year-old construction clerk from Sammamish WA. Rachel, married one year, has always felt average. When Rachel was in the third grade, her dad told her teacher not to expect too much out of her. She admits that this was probably the lowest point in her life. Rachel doesn't want to feel sorry for herself any longer. She has worked very hard during her Swan program to change her life.
Rachel is wearing a long, black, strapless, sparkly dress.
She receives very high marks.
Cristina T., 27, from Rancho Cordova, CA. Cristina is an administrative assistant and mother of one son. Cristina's goal was to improve her childbirth-ravaged stomach so that she could once again enjoy belly dancing for her husband. After her swan program, she has increased her self-esteem and can now deal with her marital issues. A lovely, and clearly very confidant Cristina is wearing a long black dress with lots of sequins on the bodice. Her husband Dan and son Alex cheer for her from the audience.
Sarina B. a 36-year-old charity volunteer from Denver CO who once described herself as the 'ultimate plain Jane'. A few years ago, Sarina caught her husband Lucky cheating on her and divorced him. Sarina was a bit distracted by her continued attachment to Lucky during her swan program, but she finally re-focused and worked hard on herself. Sarina is wearing a long black dress with a sheer middle bodice. Her mom holds up a t-shirt from the audience announcing: "Plain Jane has left the building."
Merline N., a 29-year-old single mom of three and sign language interpreter from Victorville CA. Merline was raised by deaf parents and served as their interpreter her whole life. Merline has wanted braces for over 10 years but her children's needs come first. Her dream is to be able to 'laugh and not think twice about it'. Merline is wearing a low-cut red sparkly dress with lots of rhinestones on the bodice.
Belinda B., a 28-year-old single mother and a nurse from Las Vegas NV, who used to be a model, but later entered into several abusive relationships. After the birth of her son, Belinda gained weight and no longer had guys chasing her down the street. Belinda wanted to return to her former model form and be a happier person for herself and her son. "My dream for myself is to learn to know that I deserve someone to treat me good," she said.
Belinda is wearing a low-cut, sparkly black dress with sheer sleeves.
Marnie R. a 35-year-old medical assistant from Chesterfield IL who is studying to be a nurse. Marnie is a single mom of two who has her dreams of having a normal family shattered. "I would love to look sexy and glamorous just to feel like I'm alive again," she said. Marnie was very lonely and hadn't had a date in ten years. She shouldn't be lonely much longer. Marnie is wearing a gorgeous low-cut sparkly turquoise dress.
The bathing suit competition begins with Merline, followed by Beth, Sarina, Kelly, Rachel, Belinda, Cristina, Marnie and finally Cindy.
The judges have selected the six semi-finalists. The first is Cindy, second is Beth, Rachel, Marnie, Sarina and Kelly.
Cristina, Merline and Belinda are eliminated.
Our remaining six semi-finalists will now face the judges for a round of questions. Each woman will choose a card with the name of a judge on it, the judge will then ask each contestant one question about their transformation. The women walk onto stage wearing famous-name designer gowns.
First up is Cindy, who chooses Valerie Trott. Valerie asks Cindy if her time away from her family was worthwhile. She feels her four months away from her family will have long-lasting benefits because she will now be a happier mom and wife. She thanks her family for all the love and support they have given her during her program.
Next, Beth chooses Mike Ruiz who asks her "Since you've been away from your husband so long what do you think your marriage is going to be like once this is all over and you go home?" Beth answers that she has worked through a lot of her emotional issues with her husband. She will use the tools she learned from therapist Dr. Lynn Ianni and Nely Galan to make her marriage better.
She receives high scores for her answer.
Rachel chooses Judith Regan, who asks Rachel if she has exceeded her expectations during her swan program? Rachel says she does believe she has exceeded her own expectations. Before the program she didn't put a lot of expectations on herself. She never felt that she mattered before the swan program, but now she does. Rachel feels she has a lot to offer to the world, and she now has the confidence to do it.
Marnie's question will be from Tara Croft. What has Marnie learned about self-esteem that she can pass on to her sons? Marnie learned that we only limit ourselves. You can accomplish so much more than you think. You must always put your best foot forward and that will hopefully make your life easier.
Susie Castillo asks Sarina who Sarina is today and what are her goals for her future? Sarina says she is still a person who likes to do for others, but she has learned to take care of and love herself first - she will never settle again. She wants to go forth and give joy.
Last, Amanda asks Kelly if she is finally able to let go of the past and feel comfortable in her own skin. Kelly says yes, she is. She can now wear a bathing suit in public, she is very confident and ready to begin her new life.
Next, our six semi-finalists, who have NEVER even worn lingerie before, strut their stuff in front of the live audience. We are shown clips of their fashion sessions with professional photographers.
Cindy walks out wearing a little black number with a pink skirt.
Beth vamps in an ice blue silky teddy. Rachel slithers out wearing a very daring bustier with garter belts. Marnie cruises down the runway in a bikini top and sarong skirt. Sarina is wearing a two piece aqua and black bikini semi-covered with a see-through black jacket. Finally, Kelly emerges in a black strapless outfit with a slinky white jacket.
All six very confident women parade around the stage in their lingerie. I'm sure someone is enjoying this, but it's not me.
The judges will now make another cut. Only three women will remain in the contest. Chosen to continue are: Rachel, Beth and Cindy.
Marnie, Sarina and Kelly are now out of the competition.
The three finalists now have 30 seconds to tell the judges why they should be the crowned the Swan.
Rachel goes first. She says he believes the program has given her so much and she wants to give something back. She wants to teach others to believe in themselves and in their own dreams - because she thinks she is living proof that dreams really do come true.
Beth says she entered the program with very low self-esteem, but she has now found her heart and soul. She has a man in her life she loves; and now she loves herself too. With help from the experts, Beth has learned to value herself and believes that if she can share what she's learned with even one person, she will have accomplished something important.
Cindy says she is proud of all the women who competed for the title. She wants all women to know that they can work to make their dreams come true. She says she would be a good representative for the show; she wants to represent all women who have had a dream and, despite being brought down, went for it.
The moment is finally here, hmmm, what do I get for enduring the pain of watching this show? Never mind.
All the former contestants are brought onto stage, Amanda tells them that the beautiful three-diamond necklaces they are wearing represent their past, present and future and are theirs to keep forever.
Life coach and executive producer Nely Galan will have the honors of crowning the winner. The second runner up is Cindy Ingle. Nely gives her a bouquet of white roses. Our first runner up is Beth Lay…. the winner is Rachel Love Fraser!
Nely hands Rachel a bouquet of flowers and places a crown with the symbol of a swan on her head. Amongst a display of pyrotechnics and confetti Rachel walks down the runway to soak up the applause and savor her victory. Rachel's husband Mike joins her onstage for a long, passionate kiss.
Congratulations Rachel!
Kelley Rhodes is a full-time mom, part-time reality tv junky and would-be writer.
You can contact Kelley at kacir03@yahoo.com.
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