Ali Landry Bomis Ring

Ali Landry online interview:

Questions: meriwidow says: Ali, did winning the Miss USA Pagent open
many doors for you?

AliLandry: It was definitely a wonderful stepping stone for me
AliLandry: I would not be where I am today without that extra push
AliLandry: and again, it is what you make of it!

Questions: parkie says: Ali, Are all the apperances you have to make
tiring? How do you keep up with where you are?

AliLandry: Actually, I'm probably more busy now
AliLandry: that I'm not Miss USA, then when I was!
AliLandry: Yes, it's a hectic schedule
AliLandry: but it's part of the job,
AliLandry: and you make do, and make the best of it.

Questions: minerva says: there's a lot of controversy of Beauty
Pagents, especially for the little girls. What are your thoughts on
their validity..and their pitfalls?

AliLandry: well, I definitely do not agree with pushing a child
AliLandry: to do anything that a child does not want to do
AliLandry: that's a big no-no in my book.
AliLandry: For myself, I love competition,
AliLandry: and I think it's important that a child understands that
AliLandry: winning or losing doesn't reflect on them personally
AliLandry: and it's all for fun.
AliLandry: However, some of the girls are very strong personalities
AliLandry: and a beauty pageant can really boost their self-esteem
AliLandry: so that's a great thing ... but really,
AliLandry: it's only if the child wants to do it.

Questions: chopin says: Ali, I think you have a great deal of poise and
are an ideal spokesperson. What's in your future? And how the Miss USA
Pagent shaped your goals and future plans?

AliLandry: First, thank you very much.
AliLandry: Right now, I just did a national commercial for Doritos
AliLandry: that aired during the Super Bowl
AliLandry: and that's pretty well turned my life upside down
AliLandry: I've been getting a lot of offers
AliLandry: both in the hosting field, and in acting.
AliLandry: Hosting is definitely that comes naturally for me,
AliLandry: it's easy for me to do, so I would like to pursue that
further,
AliLandry: but what I really want to concentrate on acting.
AliLandry: I'll be in TV Guide in this week or next week's issue
AliLandry: and I just did an interview and photo shoot for
AliLandry: Maxim magazine and I was also chosen by
AliLandry: People Magazine for the May issue of the
AliLandry: 50 most Beautiful People ... so that's a great honor for me
AliLandry: because it's mostly people who are established in the
entertainment
AliLandry: industry, so I was very surprised and excited about that!

Questions: elsbeth says: Ali what are some of the causes you support
and why?

AliLandry: I worked Special Olympics a lot last year.
AliLandry: Right now I'm working with a home in LA called McLaren Hall
AliLandry: where they take children from the court system and put them
here
AliLandry: and also the Los Angeles Womens Mission, a home for
homeless women
AliLandry: I worked with so many wonderful charities last year
AliLandry: but the one that is closest to my heart is
AliLandry: the Cancer Foundation, because
AliLandry: I had someone in my family who had cancer.

Questions: dottie says: What was your most nervous moment during a
pagent?

AliLandry: I guess from going to the Top Ten, and waiting for it to be
called in the Top Five
AliLandry: and then the Top Three,
AliLandry: I had a pretty good feeling that I was going to win,
AliLandry: but that was a nervous moment; also speaking
AliLandry: in front of millions and millions of people!

Questions: lillianh says: Are you treated differently back home now
that Fame has found you?

AliLandry: My family, well, they could care less! They treat me the
same, but of course
AliLandry: they're very proud of me.
AliLandry: But no, where I am from everyone is very down to earth,
AliLandry: and while they are proud, they treat me just the same.

Questions: elsbeth says: who are your role models and why?

AliLandry: That's easy!
AliLandry: Oprah and Rosie, definitely.
AliLandry: These are two absolutely amazing women
AliLandry: who are using their voice and position in society
AliLandry: to really make a difference.
AliLandry: I am in awe every time I see them.

Questions: ednam says: You probably don't have a great deal of free
time but what sort of "off time" activites do you like? Any hobbies or
sports?

AliLandry: I don't have a lot of free time at all
AliLandry: but I am a total homebody
AliLandry: my favorite thing to do is stay in bed and read all day!
AliLandry: I love to have fun, I love sports
AliLandry: I love to be outdoors; I'm game for anything!

Questions: diomita says: how do you feel young girls are affected by
some of the terribly thin models seen on tv and in advertising? What are
ways you help promote a good sense of self worth and healthy attitudes
with young women?

AliLandry: I totally think that young girls are affected
AliLandry: by what they see in the magazines
AliLandry: Not only young girls, but all of society
AliLandry: I think it's totally wrong!
AliLandry: However, I think among designers and advertisers, I see a
change.
AliLandry: Yes, we still see stick thin models but
AliLandry: we see more realistic bodies too.
AliLandry: Also, now in the 90s, health and exercise
AliLandry: and good nutrition are very hip things.
AliLandry: So I think if you exercise, and you’re healthy
AliLandry: that's a good thing -- and I think that should be promoted
AliLandry: more than the stick-thin models.

Questions: bestwoman says: It must be exciting, having been Miss USA,
and it seems to me it's every girl's dream. Do you have any advise as
to how to go from the dream state into the reality? What does it take,
and how would someone prepare to compete?

AliLandry: Well if you watch the pageant on Tuesday night
AliLandry: there will be very numbers flashed on the screen
AliLandry: to get in contact with the State contact.
AliLandry: If you want to do it, then you must do it,
AliLandry: because it's a great experience.
AliLandry: You'll be in contact with great girls with aspirations,
AliLandry: you'll learn, you'll grow,
AliLandry: whether you win or not, it will be a wonderful experience
for you.
AliLandry: So it's very easy -- just call the number and they'll
AliLandry: put you in touch with who you need to talk to.

Questions: belle says: Ali I think you're the greatest thing to come
out of Louisiana since Cajun Food! Have you lived there all your life?
What was it like growing up there?

AliLandry: Thank you belle!
AliLandry: I grew up in Louisiana, but I moved away,
AliLandry: I lived in New York, in Paris, and now in LA.
AliLandry: But Louisiana will always be home to me.
AliLandry: Of all the places I've travelled, I've never met
AliLandry: such wonderful people as there are there.
AliLandry: So ... it will always be home!

Questions: seashell says: What does it take mentally to become a Miss
USA?

AliLandry: A lot!
AliLandry: You really have to stick it out till the end,
AliLandry: and shine right till the end,
AliLandry: you really have to be a strong person,
AliLandry: you need to know who you are
AliLandry: and be comfortable with who you are.
AliLandry: You can't be concerned with the other girls
AliLandry: because they are all so beautiful.
AliLandry: The goal of each contestant should be
AliLandry: to let the person within shine through --
AliLandry: that's what's really important!

Questions: bestwoman says: Are you friends with any other former Miss
USA's? If so whom?

AliLandry: You know, I haven't really met many Miss USAs.
AliLandry: The other day I met Tanya Moore;
AliLandry: and I've met Chelsea Smith;
AliLandry: but really, when your time is done,
AliLandry: you move on -- but I do adore
AliLandry: Brandy, the current Miss USA!

Questions: denise says: what's the weirdest public apperance you've had
to make?

AliLandry: There are so many!
AliLandry: I'll have to think about that one.
AliLandry: I think I was supposed to go to the Playboy Mansion,
AliLandry: which I thought was a bit odd,
AliLandry: but I ended up not going-- Miss Universe went instead.
AliLandry: There have been lots of places that I thought
AliLandry: "What am I doing here?"
AliLandry: but -- it's all part of the job!

Questions: bestwoman says: I hear you are hosting this year's Miss USA,
are you excited about it (of course you are!), and what do you hope to
bring to the program?

AliLandry: Myself and Julie Moran from Entertainment Tonight
AliLandry: are co-hosting the show, and
AliLandry: we're pulling all stops!
AliLandry: We're going to SAY what everything else is THINKING;
AliLandry: it should be a lot of fun, so tune in
AliLandry: tomorrow at 9 on CBS!

Questions: ocean says: I find pagents can be degrading, how do you
feel?

AliLandry: I guess it's sort of each person's opinion.
AliLandry: Someone who has gone through the system and had a totally
positive
AliLandry: experience, and benefitted greatly, will disagree.
AliLandry: Someone else might not have had such a good experience and
might agree with you.
AliLandry: But it's like the Olympics, you have to train
AliLandry: body mind and spirit.
AliLandry: I have gained enormous personal benefits.

Questions: lilac says: What has been the greatest obstacle for you to
overcome in acheiving your dreams?

AliLandry: Fortunately, I am very very blessed
AliLandry: in that I really have not run into any problems
AliLandry: or anything that's a great challenge for me
AliLandry: but then, I'm the sort of person who will
AliLandry: hit things head on,
AliLandry: If I want something, then nothing is going to get in my
way.

Questions: qubert says: Do you feel that obtaining your status allowed
you to positively influence today's youth?

AliLandry: Of course!
AliLandry: Definitely!
AliLandry: Any television personalities, like Oprah Winfrey, can make
a difference, and this
AliLandry: has given me the opportunity to do the same,
AliLandry: so I think it's very important that anyone in this position
should
AliLandry: take their responsibility very seriously
AliLandry: and really do their best to make a
AliLandry: positive influence.

Questions: peace says: What is the mission of the Miss USA Pagent?

AliLandry: Right now, everything is changing.
AliLandry: Miss Universe, the company, was purchased by CBS.
AliLandry: We have new producers who are absolutely excellent,
AliLandry: and are really trying to change the face, the stereotypes,
AliLandry: This show will be very "real",
AliLandry: you will really get to see the girls as they really are,
AliLandry: beyond the face, beyond the body.
AliLandry: The girls will be put into certain situations
AliLandry: and you will really get to see what makes them tick!
AliLandry: So, the whole pageant now is very updated,
AliLandry: very 90s, very real, and fun!

Questions: bestwoman says: What tips and tricks do pageant beauties use
that the general public might not know about?

AliLandry: There are so many!
AliLandry: Actually, we're going to reveal some of the tricks
AliLandry: during the show.
AliLandry: Some girls pump iron backstage
AliLandry: so that their muscles look tight and not loose.
AliLandry: They use tape on various parts of their bodies,
AliLandry: spray on glue so their swimsuits don't ride up,
AliLandry: vaseline on the teeth so their mouths don't get dry!

Questions: californiagirl says: Hi Ali, it's great to have you here
with us tonight! I hear you helped design your gown in the Miss Universe
competition. Have you thought about designing clothing?

AliLandry: No, I haven't really thought about it. I've always designed
my own clothes
AliLandry: especially when I need a special dress for a special event.
AliLandry: I guess I get it from my mother.
AliLandry: I've always done it for myself, but
AliLandry: it's just a hobby, I guess.

Questions: bren says: I heard that you are now acting....what would be
your ideal role? - TV or movie?

AliLandry: Well, the ultimate goal is films
AliLandry: but right now I'm not one to jump into anything
AliLandry: I'm just totally enjoying life
AliLandry: I'm doing everything I want to do, life is great!
AliLandry: I will probably do TV first,
AliLandry: but definitely films later on.

Questions: annie says: What was the most enjoyable aspect of being Miss
USA?

AliLandry: I guess travelling around,
AliLandry: meeting all the different people,
AliLandry: having the opportunity to give back something
AliLandry: because that was one thing I learned --
AliLandry: giving something back makes all the difference in the
world!

Questions: xtra says: What was pageant week like?

AliLandry: I've only just got here last night, but
AliLandry: the girls have been here for over two weeks and
AliLandry: it is crazy!
AliLandry: They go from morning until night,
AliLandry: from all day rehearsals, to a formal event at night,
AliLandry: having maybe 15 mins to change into a formal gown
AliLandry: after being sweaty all day.
AliLandry: They are very very hectic, very busy
AliLandry: and not glamorous at all!!

Questions: bren says: Why are you prohibited by Pageant rules from
returning to your residence for one year?

AliLandry: Because the office is located in Los Angeles
AliLandry: in Century City, and you are based out of there
AliLandry: you are travelling all year long,
AliLandry: and you need to be accessible,
AliLandry: and Los Angeles is really where you need to be based
AliLandry: for that year.

Questions: louisvuittonluggage says: how many stops and tour dates
did you have while Miss America ? What type of schedule did you keep?

AliLandry: Miss USA travels all year long
AliLandry: around the US. Very seldom she will go out of the country.
AliLandry: There are events all over -- charity events, speaking
engagements,
AliLandry: school appearances -- basically it's all over the country
AliLandry: for the entire year.

Questions: mysterygirl says: Hi Ali, it's wonderful to have you with
us tonight! Life is a continual learning process. What have you learned
since winning the pageant?

AliLandry: I completely and totally agree with you.
AliLandry: I have learned who I am, most of all.
AliLandry: The person I am, and the person I want to be.
AliLandry: For the year, you are exposed to so much.
AliLandry: people of all walks of life --
AliLandry: the rich and famous, people with disease,
AliLandry: people who are dying,
AliLandry: you learn a lot about yourself and about the world,
AliLandry: and I really think you become a better person because
AliLandry: like you said, you are constantly learning!

Questions: bren says: Do you have a daily motto that you live your life
by?

AliLandry: Not really, I think for me
AliLandry: it's just to be the best person I can be.
AliLandry: I basically wake up every morning
AliLandry: and give it my all, every day.
AliLandry: But there's not one specific thing I can think of.

Questions: aconner says: Ali there are many people on campus(USL), that
are inspired by you. What, if anything, would you say to them to give
them a feel for what's happened in your life since winning Miss USA?

AliLandry: For me, the only reason that I competed
AliLandry: to begin with was because I really wanted to secure
AliLandry: a really great position for whatever career I chose.
AliLandry: So really, it was all about education.
AliLandry: I know people from small towns, who get stuck in ruts,
AliLandry: who don't feel they can live out their dreams
AliLandry: but I am living proof that you can!
AliLandry: So I say, live your dreams,
AliLandry: but get your education first!
AliLandry: Also, I really want to personally thank you for asking that
question
AliLandry: and making those commments, because
AliLandry: what really means the most to me is
AliLandry: hearing those kind of remarks from my peers. Thank you!

Questions: fashionable says: What things did you learn from your
mother, that someday you will pass on?

AliLandry: A lot! Where do I even begin?
AliLandry: My mother still plays a very important role in my life,
AliLandry: even though sometimes I don't want her to be right!
AliLandry: She is my very dearest friend,
AliLandry: and whatever advice she gives me,
AliLandry: I pay very close attention because
AliLandry: she only has my best interests at heart.

Questions: carlg says: Ali, as a man it's hard for me to visualize what
you have to go through to become the most beautiful person, never mind
Miss USA. Are all the things good, OR are there bad moments too? If
so, what have some of them been in your case?

AliLandry: Of course there are bad moments.
AliLandry: Again, though, I am very blessed, very fortunate
AliLandry: I have an unbelievably supportive family
AliLandry: but there are things I have to go through on an everyday
basis.
AliLandry: One thing I went through, was really trying to change the
stereotype of Miss USA.
AliLandry: It was a challenge to show people who I really was as a
person,
AliLandry: not just another pretty face.

Questions: alienbeing says: Would you consider trying again to get the
title of Miss USA????

AliLandry: I don't think so!
AliLandry: One time is enough!
AliLandry: I accomplished what I wanted to during my reign,
AliLandry: and now it's time to go on
AliLandry: to bigger and better things!

Questions: casper1 says: how did you learn the doritos walk

AliLandry: LOL! It took probably about two days.
AliLandry: We practiced for two days to get it just right
AliLandry: so that it would have that effect!

Questions: ripper says: Have you ever made a mistake in a pagent

AliLandry: I competed a little bit when I was a younger but
AliLandry: it's not as if pageants have been my life in any way.
AliLandry: No, it's not something I've ever really thought about. I
don't think so.

Questions: sweety2 says: What is you most favorite memory

AliLandry: My favorite memory would have to be
AliLandry: of my dad, he used to be a farmer,
AliLandry: and when they took the soybeans in,
AliLandry: we could jump into the back of the truck filled with
soybeans/
AliLandry: It was better than the ball pit at McDonalds.
AliLandry: My sister and I used to do flips off this bar on the back
of the truck into a big
AliLandry: pile of soybeans!

Questions: cajun says: what sports do you like?

AliLandry: I like basketball
AliLandry: I just acquired an interest in football.
AliLandry: I played softball and volleyball in school.
AliLandry: I like gymnastics.
AliLandry: Actually, I'm pretty well rounded, and sports-inclined, so
I like most of them!

Questions: traal says: Ali, you mentioned that you like reading...
Could you specify your taste a bit? Favourite authors/genres? Which
books do you feel are important, that everyone should read?

AliLandry: I basically read anything I can get my hands on.
AliLandry: I read a lot of self-help books, and I think that's good
for anybody
AliLandry: because it gives you a positive perspective.
AliLandry: I've been reading a lot of non-fiction lately.

Questions: juan2 says: I heard your sister is going to follow in your
foot steps is that true?

AliLandry: That's news to me!
AliLandry: I don't know, she's mentioned she might be interested in
competing in Miss Louisiana,
AliLandry: but she's a totally different person to me,
AliLandry: If she decides to do it, I will support her completely
AliLandry: and give her any help that I can, but
AliLandry: she really hasn't made a decision about it yet.

Questions: gasguzz says: Have you Ever been to Mardi Gras ?

AliLandry: Of course I have! I'm from Louisiana!
AliLandry: the only thing is, I have never been to Mardi Gras in New
Orleans,
AliLandry: because my mother and father would never let me,
AliLandry: and now that I'm old enough, I haven't had the chance yet.
AliLandry: So it's something I want to do, but only if
AliLandry: I can spend the day on a balcony!

Questions: evergreen says: Ali what is the minimum age to compete in
the Miss USA program?

AliLandry: I think Miss USA is 18.
AliLandry: But they will tell you, and if you are too young
AliLandry: there is Miss Teen USA.

Questions: ripper says: How long does it take for you to get ready to
go on stage?

AliLandry: To go on stage, it would take about 2 hours.

Questions: lynn1 says: Do you plan on maybe continuing college

AliLandry: Yes, I definitely want to finish school,
AliLandry: I have only one year left, and I will definitely finish
AliLandry: both for my children (I want them to know their mother
finished school)
AliLandry: and for myself, because I miss it! I love learning things
AliLandry: and I miss being in college. I don't miss the tests! But I
miss the rest.

Questions: juan2 says: Are you the reason the pagent is being held in
Shreveport, La.

AliLandry: I think that initially Louisiana expressed some interest
AliLandry: in holding the pageant, but
AliLandry: when it comes to holding it, it's completely a money
situation.
AliLandry: The cities benefit greatly from the exposure,
AliLandry: and from the visitors, but yes, I think that
AliLandry: because I was Miss USA, the cities here expressed an
interest
AliLandry: in holding the pageant here.

Questions: evergreen says: Ali ,one question, how would you like to be
remembered as opposed to all the former Miss USA winners?

AliLandry: Actualy right now I think I am better known as
AliLandry: the Doritos Girl rather than Miss USA!
AliLandry: More than the achievements, I want to be remembered as the
person I am,
AliLandry: for example, through my children one day,
AliLandry: whether I was a good mother to them.

Questions: mike2 says: ALI, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH ALL THIS NEW ATTENTION
SINCE THE DORITOES COMMERCIAL?

AliLandry: I've pretty much had to deal with the public
AliLandry: all my life, because I was always so active and involved,
AliLandry: and I am really glad I was Miss USA, because it prepared me
AliLandry: to a large degree!

Questions: jlt says: Ali, which t.v. show would be your favorite to
guest star on ?

AliLandry: Right now? My favorite show is Dawson's Creek
AliLandry: I think it attacks some very real issues
AliLandry: and things that are going on in the lives of teenagers.
AliLandry: It was controversial!
AliLandry: Also ... shooting big --
AliLandry: the last episode of Seinfeld!!

Questions: mericcc says: ***Ali, it's been great to have you with us
tonight. Our time grows short, is there anything you'd like to say to
our Audience that we haven't had time to ask?

AliLandry: Thank you so much for tuning in!
AliLandry: I really appreciate it, and everyone, please
AliLandry: tune into tomorrow night to watch the pageant!
AliLandry: CBS! 9 oclock!