Arianna Afsar Interview
Miss California's Outstanding Teen 2005, Preliminary Talent winner @ Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2006 & 1st runner up @ Miss America's Outstanding Teen
(later Miss California 2010, top 10 @ Miss America 2011)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss San Diego’s Outstanding Teen pageant?
I originally thought the pageant was a talent competition and then when I went to the orientation it was not what I expected, but it seemed like a bunch of fun and a great way to earn scholarships, so I decided to give it a shot.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss California’s Outstanding Teen?
If you see any of my pictures while I was being crowned, I look like I am so confused and I just am balling my eyes out. I literally was so shocked, for every girl was so beautiful and talented; I just happened to be the lucky one that night.
Tell us about the platform you used during your reign as Miss CA’s Outstanding Teen.
I actually still to this day am involved in the organization I started which is called Adopt-A-Grandfriend. In the self-created program, Adopt-A-Grandfriend, High School students attend a Senior Home once a month perform. The Elderly enjoy being a part of the recital, for we don’t just show off our talents, we include them. After, we talk to the seniors in order to build a relationship with them, for we are able to gain their wisdom while they are able to revive their youth. I founded this program in order for teens to contribute to their community in a mutually beneficial experience.
What would be your first thought when you were called as the 1st runner up at Miss America's Outstanding Teen?
I was so thrilled to be in the top 10 nonetheless 1st runner up. As the youngest competitor, I definitely felt out of my league, but when it came down to Megan and me, I was in a state of shock to have gotten that far!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America's Outstanding Teen?
My favorite moment was singing the first time on that national stage. I have always loved singing, and being able to perform on a larger scale was a thrill for me. On top of that I received preliminary talent for my night which was a great cherry on top!
Tell us about your experience on “American Idol”.
American Idol was such an amazing roller coaster ride! I started last July auditioning in Phoenix Arizona and received 4 yes’s to Hollywood! Then in Hollywood week we had individual performances which led us to group night which led us to individual performances with a band! I am able to say I have sung on the Kodak stage 3 times! I most definitely could feel all of the past performers high energy on that stage, it was an unforgettable experience. We then were split up into four groups and placed in separate rooms; I fortunately was one of the 3 groups who made it to the top 50! After, we went to the judges’ mansion and were told individually whether or not we would be singing on national television, top 36. It was such a great feeling when the judges told me I would be moving on, I definitely screamed for joy! From that point we were treated like celebrities and were able to work with world re-known coaches for singing and dancing such as Ricky Minor, Dorian Holley, Michael Slezak, Debra Byrd, and Mandy Moore. Performing live on the American Idol stage was such a treat, and I am so grateful to have this experience under my belt.
What would be your most memorable moment on “American Idol”?
The first day of Hollywood week, everyone sang individual songs and I performed “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess. Unfortunately they were not able to show this on TV, but all judges gave me so many appraisals and Simon even called me at times “Brilliant.” That performance and judges’ reactions gave me so much satisfaction.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign ended as Miss California’s Outstanding Teen?
I have keeping up with my singing and going on many auditions up in LA. I am so glad American Idol has been a part of my life, for it has been such a great resume booster and I can’t wait what the future has in store for me! I also am going to be a freshman at UCLA studying Musical Theater, and I am so excited to start!
I originally thought the pageant was a talent competition and then when I went to the orientation it was not what I expected, but it seemed like a bunch of fun and a great way to earn scholarships, so I decided to give it a shot.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss California’s Outstanding Teen?
If you see any of my pictures while I was being crowned, I look like I am so confused and I just am balling my eyes out. I literally was so shocked, for every girl was so beautiful and talented; I just happened to be the lucky one that night.
Tell us about the platform you used during your reign as Miss CA’s Outstanding Teen.
I actually still to this day am involved in the organization I started which is called Adopt-A-Grandfriend. In the self-created program, Adopt-A-Grandfriend, High School students attend a Senior Home once a month perform. The Elderly enjoy being a part of the recital, for we don’t just show off our talents, we include them. After, we talk to the seniors in order to build a relationship with them, for we are able to gain their wisdom while they are able to revive their youth. I founded this program in order for teens to contribute to their community in a mutually beneficial experience.
What would be your first thought when you were called as the 1st runner up at Miss America's Outstanding Teen?
I was so thrilled to be in the top 10 nonetheless 1st runner up. As the youngest competitor, I definitely felt out of my league, but when it came down to Megan and me, I was in a state of shock to have gotten that far!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America's Outstanding Teen?
My favorite moment was singing the first time on that national stage. I have always loved singing, and being able to perform on a larger scale was a thrill for me. On top of that I received preliminary talent for my night which was a great cherry on top!
Tell us about your experience on “American Idol”.
American Idol was such an amazing roller coaster ride! I started last July auditioning in Phoenix Arizona and received 4 yes’s to Hollywood! Then in Hollywood week we had individual performances which led us to group night which led us to individual performances with a band! I am able to say I have sung on the Kodak stage 3 times! I most definitely could feel all of the past performers high energy on that stage, it was an unforgettable experience. We then were split up into four groups and placed in separate rooms; I fortunately was one of the 3 groups who made it to the top 50! After, we went to the judges’ mansion and were told individually whether or not we would be singing on national television, top 36. It was such a great feeling when the judges told me I would be moving on, I definitely screamed for joy! From that point we were treated like celebrities and were able to work with world re-known coaches for singing and dancing such as Ricky Minor, Dorian Holley, Michael Slezak, Debra Byrd, and Mandy Moore. Performing live on the American Idol stage was such a treat, and I am so grateful to have this experience under my belt.
What would be your most memorable moment on “American Idol”?
The first day of Hollywood week, everyone sang individual songs and I performed “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess. Unfortunately they were not able to show this on TV, but all judges gave me so many appraisals and Simon even called me at times “Brilliant.” That performance and judges’ reactions gave me so much satisfaction.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign ended as Miss California’s Outstanding Teen?
I have keeping up with my singing and going on many auditions up in LA. I am so glad American Idol has been a part of my life, for it has been such a great resume booster and I can’t wait what the future has in store for me! I also am going to be a freshman at UCLA studying Musical Theater, and I am so excited to start!