Vanessa Williams Part 1: Becoming Miss America

Mike tells Sarah how a 20-year-old singer, actress and French horn player became Miss America with less than six months of practice. Digressions include Ted Bundy, Stephen King’s “It” and a bonus debunking of the "bra-burning feminist" trope. We're sorry to say that this episode includes a description of child sexual abuse.  Support us:Subscribe on PatreonDonate on PaypalBuy cute merch Where else to find us: Sarah's other show, Why Are Dads Mike's other show, Maintenance PhaseClips!  Opening musical number Vanessa introduces herself Talent competition Swimsuit Vanessa wins! Links! Sarah's Miss America piece! Vanessa and Helen’s memoir, “You Have No Idea” Margot Mifflin’s “Looking for Miss America” Vanessa Williams, Whitney Houston and Hollywood’s Misogynoir Problem Vanessa Williams: A Beauty Queen’s Crown of Thorns Miss America--The Inside Story First Black Miss America Finds Unforeseen Issues Ain’t I a Beauty Queen?: Black Women, Beauty, and the Politics of Race  Life with Daughters: Watching the Miss America Pageant 'A Felony Just to Own': The Sleazy Story Behind Penthouse’s Most Controversial Issue There She Goes, Miss America Most Famous Miss America In History 1989 People magazine article In Black and White Putting on a Happy Face Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices