Chelsi Smith Interview
Miss Universe 1995
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Texas USA pageant?
A friend of mine had competed in pageants for a long time. She’d suggested I enter the Miss Houston USApageant (a preliminary of Miss Texas USA). I won 1st Runner Up and had a lot of interest from sponsors and the Miss Texas USA directors to keep going for it.
You competed in the Miss Texas USA pageant in 1994 and was a semi-finalist. What motivated you to come back and compete for the title the following year?
I actually wasn’t going to come back. I felt I had fun competing and was ready to move on to something else; but, I decided to go back as a contestant-at-large and give it one last shot.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
Oh wow…so MANY wonderful moments at Miss USA. I loved the process of rehearsals, etc and meeting all of the young women! There were so many different personalities and reasons for competing in the pageants. I’ve never been a “pageanty” person and seeing the wonderful similarities in each of us was amazing
What went through your head when you were announced as the new Miss USA?
A swirl of emotions! I had worked so hard and wanted it so bad…the time had finally come and all of the hard work had paid off! I was excited, relieved, exhausted, fired-up all at the same time hahaha! Being named Miss Congeniality was also a huge part of my wonderful experience! It was a true tribute to the friendships and bonds that were created while I was there!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss Universe?
I definitely can’t pick just one for Miss Universe. Experiencing Namibia, Southwest Africa was absolutely a breath-taking and incredible experience. The warmth and hospitality of the community and the feeling of adventure and belonging was amazing! Also getting to know the other beautiful young women…I loved hearing about their cultures and again how similar we all were. We talked about boys and clothes, not pageants and politics. I loved it!
What would be your first thought when you were announced as the new Miss Universe?
To be honest, I wanted to win Miss Universe, but would’ve been very satisfied with staying Miss USA. Miss Universe was really unexpected. As we were the last 2 standing there, I told Manpreet, “India will be so proud of you”. I really thought I would be 1st Runner Up. When they announced her first, I truly was in disbelief. It didn’t really sink in until the next day.
Tell us about your experience on the “Wheel of Fortune”
That was so much fun!! I got caught up in the game and forgot that I needed more money before I solved it hahaha! I loved meeting the other celebrities and Jeffrey Tambor was hysterical. I was happy he won.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Universe ended?
I’ve experienced a LOT since giving up my title. Married, divorced, acting, singing, getting fat then losing weight hahaha! I took a little hiatus that lasted a little longer than I wanted; but, I’m currently getting ready to make a “comeback”. The details are a secret for now, but I’ll definitely keep you posted! The entertainment industry keeps pulling me back in :)
A friend of mine had competed in pageants for a long time. She’d suggested I enter the Miss Houston USApageant (a preliminary of Miss Texas USA). I won 1st Runner Up and had a lot of interest from sponsors and the Miss Texas USA directors to keep going for it.
You competed in the Miss Texas USA pageant in 1994 and was a semi-finalist. What motivated you to come back and compete for the title the following year?
I actually wasn’t going to come back. I felt I had fun competing and was ready to move on to something else; but, I decided to go back as a contestant-at-large and give it one last shot.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
Oh wow…so MANY wonderful moments at Miss USA. I loved the process of rehearsals, etc and meeting all of the young women! There were so many different personalities and reasons for competing in the pageants. I’ve never been a “pageanty” person and seeing the wonderful similarities in each of us was amazing
What went through your head when you were announced as the new Miss USA?
A swirl of emotions! I had worked so hard and wanted it so bad…the time had finally come and all of the hard work had paid off! I was excited, relieved, exhausted, fired-up all at the same time hahaha! Being named Miss Congeniality was also a huge part of my wonderful experience! It was a true tribute to the friendships and bonds that were created while I was there!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss Universe?
I definitely can’t pick just one for Miss Universe. Experiencing Namibia, Southwest Africa was absolutely a breath-taking and incredible experience. The warmth and hospitality of the community and the feeling of adventure and belonging was amazing! Also getting to know the other beautiful young women…I loved hearing about their cultures and again how similar we all were. We talked about boys and clothes, not pageants and politics. I loved it!
What would be your first thought when you were announced as the new Miss Universe?
To be honest, I wanted to win Miss Universe, but would’ve been very satisfied with staying Miss USA. Miss Universe was really unexpected. As we were the last 2 standing there, I told Manpreet, “India will be so proud of you”. I really thought I would be 1st Runner Up. When they announced her first, I truly was in disbelief. It didn’t really sink in until the next day.
Tell us about your experience on the “Wheel of Fortune”
That was so much fun!! I got caught up in the game and forgot that I needed more money before I solved it hahaha! I loved meeting the other celebrities and Jeffrey Tambor was hysterical. I was happy he won.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Universe ended?
I’ve experienced a LOT since giving up my title. Married, divorced, acting, singing, getting fat then losing weight hahaha! I took a little hiatus that lasted a little longer than I wanted; but, I’m currently getting ready to make a “comeback”. The details are a secret for now, but I’ll definitely keep you posted! The entertainment industry keeps pulling me back in :)