Miss America pageant crowns Miss Georgia, apologizes to 1984 winner Vanessa Williams
On Sunday in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell was named Miss America 2016:
Cantrell, who sang a Puccini aria to win the talent portion last week, took the crown despite fumbling the question portion. "New England Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended for his part in the so-called Deflategate scandal — legalities aside, did Tom Brady cheat?" she was asked by judge Brett Eldridge. Cantrell asked him to repeat the question, then answered: "Did he cheat? That's a really good question. I'm not sure.... I think I'd have to be there and see the ball and feel it and make sure it was deflated or not deflated. If there was question there, then yes, I think he cheated."
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Williams recovered from the scandal to become one of the most famous ex-Miss Americas to date, with a successful career in TV, movies, and music. "I did the best I could in my reign as Miss America," she said during Sunday's pageant.
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