ASHLAND ― Miss South Central Lexi Miller of Newark, Ohio was the preliminary talent winner at Miss Ohio on June 18, singing a rousing rendition of “Natural Woman.”
The 23-year-old said she chose the song because other songs she considered were performed in the show in one way or another.
Miller said something in the song really spoke to her, “feeling confident in that song to really be the most natural version,” she said.
Singing since she could “probably sing,” Miller said her love of singing is one of the main things that brought her to Miss Ohio.
“I’ve gained so many other amazing skills,” she said. She also has performed in shows at Newark Catholic High School and competed in the Miss Ohio Teen program.
Making her second trip to the Miss Ohio stage, Miller was on a $500 scholarship for winning the preliminary award. She also competed in the teen program.
A registered nurse in Columbus, Miller’s community initiative is “Take Heart,” promoting good cardiovascular health.
“I’m having a great time and I’m so happy to be here,” Miller said.
Health and fitness winner is from St. Henry
Winning the $500 preliminary health and fitness award was Miss Lake Festival MacKenzie Harmer, 19, of St. Henry, making her first appearance at Miss Ohio. She previously competed in the teen program.
She studies fashion merchandising and product development management at Bowling Green State University. Harmer is also completing an internship as a bridal stylist.
Harmer said she did “lots and lots of working out” to achieve the health and fitness award, thanking her mom and sister.
“They have been acting as my personal trainers for a few months now and I have noticed some extreme improvements,” Harmer said at the press conference after winning. Her community initiative for Miss Ohio is “Fire Safety: Preparing for the Unexpected.”
Both young women said they were not expecting their names to be called Thursday night as preliminary winners.
Miss Ohio show includes Broadway hits, more
Thursday night’s show was filled with entertainment, including a patriotic medley performed by Miss Ohio 2006 Melanie Murphy Miller. Miss Ohio Olivia Fosson also delighted the crowd with songs throughout the show, including a duet with Miss Ohio performer and vocal director Ellie Nickoli of Lexington, singing a song from “Wicked.”
Seventeen girls are competing to become Miss Ohio Teen, with the winner crowned on June 19.
On June 20, the final night of competition will be held, with 10 semi-finalists named along with one People’s Choice Award contestant selected by votes online.
Contact Lou Whitmire at 419-521-7223 She can be reached on X at @lwhitmir.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Newark singer wins Miss Ohio Thursday preliminary talent award
Reporting by Lou Whitmire, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lou Whitmire, Mansfield News Journal | USA TODAY Network
