Miss Shreveport, Laryssa Bonacquisti, has been crowned as Miss Louisiana 2017 on Saturday.
She will now represent her state at the Miss America 2018 to be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September10, 2017. The event will be broadcast by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). Miss America 2017 from Arkansas, Savvy Shields will officially crown her successor.
During the three-day contest held in Monroe Louisiana, Bonacquisti defeated over 32 women between 18 to 24 years olds who competed in talent, evening gown, Lifestyle and Fitness (swimsuit) and interview categories. She made herself particularly noticeable on Thursday during the preliminary talent competition when she exhibited her skills as a ventriloquist.
Bonacquisti performed the 1930s tune "I Want to be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" with the help of two puppets. According to an account by Bonnie Bolden of the “The News-Star of Monroe”, Bonacquisti sang, yodeled and auctioned in three voices, including her own," which made her win the title of Miss Louisiana 2017.
Laryssa won scholarship of $600,000 in cash and in kind scholarships are still at stake. She also won Lifestyle and Fitness (Swimsuit Competition) award at the pageant and now she is looking forward to win the Miss America 2018 title.
Louisiana has never had a Queen crowned in the nationwide pageant.