Vanessa Williams - Road To Miss America 1984

Williams made history on September 17, 1983 when she became the first woman of African descent to be crowned Miss America. Williams' reign as Miss America came to an abrupt end when a scandal led to her subsequent resignation of the title. Williams rebounded by launching a career as an entertainer, earning Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award nominations.

Included in this clip is her remarkable performance of Happy Days Are Here Again (made famous by Barbra Streisand) which she went on to win the talent competition of the beauty pageant.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• vanessa williams
• miss america 1983
• barbra streisand
• pageant

[dmsmith1002]

Vanessa is someone I greatly admire, not just because of her talent, but because she took an embarrasing, humiliating situation and turned it into a positive, successful career. As far as I'm concerned, she IS Miss America, 1984. You go, girl! :)

[Iris35211]

Just think of it, she's the only "Miss America" most people can name.

[PArTuie]

@Iris35211 I can name them all in order. Did you know that Vanessa is the only one though with the title "Miss America" on her birth announcement? :)

[PArTuie]

@maxbaby29 Check your inbox whippersnapper. I can name them all in order starting with Margeret Gorman 1921 and ending with Laura Eppeler 2012. :)

[bleachbred]

Fate is destiny!

[besorgesmir]

Vanessa knew where she had to go with her incredibel talent. Thanks a lot for making us happy with your personality! Greetings from Ecuador!

[ger6111]

i was so young, i think 9, and remember thinking this was stupid,"so what she has nude photos"....i still don't understand ppls odd hangups.

[miguelkelley123]

a fabulous classy lady through and through....

[tefnutbellsouthnet]

We will always be proud of you Vanessa- your greatest gift will never be your class, your style, your stage presence, your intellect, your grace- but that of a true role model one with a heart of Gold. You have endured a nightmare and in the style of an American Dream may you continue to be blessed.

[maxbaby29]

only miss american anyone know of

[tuadolcefanciulla]

I think Vanessa is one of the most beautiful, talented, and strong women that ever was crowned Miss America. I think she an excellent embodiment of any era's Miss America. I enjoy her as an actress, singer, and personality. I have great respect for her, and she makes me proud to be an American.