Emilie Esparon crowned Miss Regatta 2019 |30 September 2019
Emilie Esparon, Miss Regatta 2019
Nineteen-year-old business studies student Emilie Esparon was on Saturday evening crowned Miss Regatta 2019 ahead of nine other contestants.
The Miss Regatta pageant has been a highlight of the Seychelles Round Table’s annual regatta for the last few years and this year was no different with the presence of a huge crowd, despite the rainy weather.
Starting at 8pm, an hour later than scheduled, the show comprised three segments – casual wear, swimwear and evening wear – as well as several performances by an impressive line-up of renowned Cable Tunes artists.
The glitzy show opened with a jungle-inspired dance by the contestants, all dressed in jungle themed costumes while fire-breathers got the crowds roaring with a fire-display.
Following a lively performance by T-Trey and Damassy, contestants Nisha Belmont (C1), Karin Moncherry (C2), Stephie Rath (C3), Jill Henri (C4), Emilie Esparon (C5), Maresa Labonte (C6), Elsa Marimba (C7), Beverly Brioche (C8), Phillippa Philoe (C9) and Velma Sinon (C10), took to the stage in their casual wear and later in swimwear after an energetic performance by dance outfit Emergency crew.
As the contestants glammed up for the evening wear category, several artists stomped the stage much to the delight of the dancing and singing crowd. Pusso, dancehall queen Julia, Brave Carlos and Elijah performed hits back-to-back before the contestants were once again called to parade in their elegant evening gowns.
The evening wear round was followed by a prize giving ceremony which this year included a new category, Miss Bloom, in recognition of the contestant who has been most transformed through the Miss Regatta journey. Elsa Marimba was presented as Miss Bloom.
People’s Choice Awards went to Nisha Belmont while Beverly Brioche was voted as Miss Congeniality by the other contestants. Miss Brioche clinched two other prizes and was also awarded for Best Catwalk and Miss Talent.
Stephie Rath won the title of Miss Photogenic, while Miss Flair went to Karin Moncherry. The Best Dancer award went to Jill Henri and Best Swimwear to Phillipa Philoe.
Emilie Esparon, the contestant crowned Miss Regatta at the end of the evening and a crowd favourite for the night, won prizes for the Best Charity Project and Best Evening Gown for a shimmering gold sequined dress.
The evening continued with performances by Master of Ceremony Richie B and XTra Big as the panel of judges, including Johanna Didon and John Perkins, deliberated to select the 5 finalists – Nisha Belmont, Velma Sinon, Beverly Brioche, Phillipa Philoe and Emilie Esparon.
The five finalists were then required to answer questions submitted by the judges before the final deliberations. Among the themes explored were their personal thoughts on making prostitution a formal taxable job, advice for young people on social media and choosing being beautiful or intelligent.
All contestants had crowds roaring as they comfortably answered their respective questions. Emilie Esparon was asked to choose between beauty and brains to which she chose brains stating that “intelligence is a form of beauty and an intelligent individual can go far in life”, a response that had the crowds clapping and cheering.
As the judges deliberated on the final verdict, Jade Jolene got the crowd swaying with a beautiful rendition of Elton John’s ‘Can you feel the love tonight’. Mia also brought the diva to the stage with the help of some talented back-up dancers.
The crowds grew ever so impatient but remained in high-spirits bobbing along to the music as rain showered over them, some under the protection of umbrellas while others braved it for the grand finale as suspense filled the air.
Velma Sinon (C10) was crowned Second Princess securing her 6 months of coaching with Inspire International, flowers, lunch and a smartphone by various sponsors. First Princess Beverly Brioche won 9 months of coaching, a smartphone, dinner at a high-end establishment and a weekend for two among other prizes.
Finally Miss Regatta 2019 was announced by hosts Travis and Amanda Bernstein. Emilie Esparon was crowned by Miss Regatta 2018 Gabriella Gonthier. Among her prizes are a smartphone, social media management throughout her one-year reign and 1 year of life coaching.
The Miss Regatta pageant is a platform which provides young women with opportunities to acquire new skills, build their confidence and fellowship in a diverse group while working towards the good of the community through projects initiated by the Seychelles Round Table.
This year’s Regatta, which kicked off on Friday evening, ended yesterday with the famous lottery draw (see top three results on page 3).
