Vanessa Williams Gives Up Crown

What the hell ever happened to Suzette Charles (her runner-up who took over the crown)?

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I just found this on Charles...

MISS AMERICA 1984 SUZETTE CHARLES

SUZETTE Charles, representing New Jersey, assumed the crown shortly after Vanessa L. Williams resigned in 1984. She finished out the term and moved on to a successful singing career. Charles performed with such artists as Stevie Wonder and Lou Rawls, and appeared in soap operas. Now out of the public eye, Charles is married to Dr. Leonard Bley and has a daughter, Hannah, and son, Ilan, according to the Miss America Organization. The family resides in the New York City area.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_5_57/ai_83450363

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I can't believe it's been 23 years!!

I used to love to watch Miss America back then. The talent competition was always so cheesy/terrible, and then all of a sudden that year, it was a knockout. Both ladies delivered incredible solo performances.

I remember Vanessa sang "Happy Days Are Here Again" a la Streisand.

I THINK Charles sang something like "When the Sun Comes Out." Anybody remember?

I actually thought Charles had the (slightly) better voice, but both were outstanding, especially for that pageant.

Dang.

I don't even watch or care anymore. Times have changed.

So have I!

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Best- I was watching the night Vanessa was crowned. I do remember how incredible both talents were. I think I even liked Suzette's better and thought she was going to win. I am a fan of Vanessa Williams and did not think she should have had to give up the crown for something that occured in her past. I admire the way she handled everything and wondered if she wasn't a bit relieved that she didn't have to travel all over as Miss America. When she gave up her crown, she was free to pursue her career- which obviously she did quite well!

Man, I miss the 80s. lol

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