AND … the new Miss American Samoa is Pauliana Angelfromheaven Felise-Vitale

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — "And the first runner-up is Contestant Number … 2!” the MC announced, as the audience erupted in thunderous cheer because it meant that the new Miss American Samoa, was the beautiful, talented, intelligent and witty Contestant Number 3, Pauliana Angelfromheaven Felise-Vitale.

Prior to the announcement, the two remaining contestants had been asked to step forward on center stage.

Consequently, the announcement ended a night of suspense and speculation as to who of the five lovely contestants would be crowned in the end by outgoing Miss American Samoa, Judy Fa'afetai Taunu'u.

Controlled by MCs Don Maifala and former Miss American Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, Matauaina Toomalatai-Whitcombe, the 30th Miss American Samoa Pageant last Friday at the Governor H. Rex Lee was described by many who attended as one of the best pageant staged.

It was well-choreographed with high level performance acts like new dance troupes Maluali'i and Teine Lalelei, up-and-coming singer Vasati Tavita and special guest who was flown in from Australia, The Voice Australia 2022 finalist Faith Sosene, keeping the audience entertained while the contestants got ready for the next category of competition.

After the opening prayer by Rev. Filomena Hunt-Leituala followed by special remarks from former Miss American Samoa and current director of the Department of Youth and Women's Affairs (DYWA), Dr. Salote Aoelua-Fanene.

The five contestants then performed the opening Samoan dance led by reigning Miss American Samoa Judy Fa'afetai Taunu'u, after which the contestants reappeared one by one for their official introductions.

The evening's entertainment kicked off with the Maluali'i all male dance troupe followed by the young aspiring vocalist Vasati Tavita who wowed the audience with her rendition of the song "Sa fai lau miti" by the New Zealand-based all-female group All Stars.

The first pageant category was the Sarong which saw the contestants displaying beautiful colorful sarongs.

The standout sarong which won first place was displayed by Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale which at first looked like a plain white sarong with black Samoan motifs bordering it, until she took an ultra violet tube which had strategically been left for her at the front end of the stage.

Slowly and seductively, she moved it slowly up and down the front part of her sarong which was wrapped around her body to her knees, and more Samoan designs magically appeared! The audience applauded with appreciation.

After the Sarong Category, the audience were treated to more entertainment this time from the Teine Lalelei Dance Troupe and The Samoa Trio comprised of Junior Iosefa, Peni Vaki and Elijah Tavai with their version of Lio Tuana'i's 'La'u Samoa Matalasi.'

The Talent Category which followed showcased the artistic talents  of the five contestants.

Contestant #1 Francine Iopu-Masoe performed a solo skit highlighting domestic violence and the need to stamp it out.

Contestant #2 Penicia Hunkin-Pene performed a Pacific islands dance mix which started with an imaginary appearance in the My Idol and audio recordings of founder and host Simon Cowell wishing her the best in her performance.

She then plays a piano piece similar to 'Chopsticks' which the outspoken Simon interrupts saying that it was boring, then Penicia whips of her full length skirt to reveal a figure-hugging black dress and performs a slow sensual 'hula' followed by a fast Tahitian 'tamure' culminating in a Samoan siva.

Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale talent highlighted one of the traditional role of the Tama'ita'i Samoa and her significance in the Fa'asamoa by performing the 'sula toga' (articulating the beauty of the fine mat) and singing a popular Samoan song 'Pei o Auma.'

Contestant #4 Destiny Lagafuaina-Lauvaoin her talent acted out the myth of War Goddess Nafanua by displaying the various war weapons used by Nafanua.

Contestant #5 Jenavee Upulelei Herrera's talent showcased her talent as painter and dancer, where she left the audience in suspense as to what she was painting on a table to lively background music.

Every 30 seconds or so, the music would change and she would leave her painting to perform a 10 second tik tok dance routine which she did about four times increasing the suspense until finally, she held up her painting of a colorful butterfly.

The next entertainment slot featuring special guest, Australian-based vocalist Faith Sosene was what many were waiting for, and she did not disappoint.

Faith Sosene whose powerful vocals on the popular singing competition “The Voice 2022 (Australian TV Series”) performing Beyoncé’s hit song 'Listen' earned her a standing ovation from the judges, all established singer-songwriters, Jessica Mauboy, Rita Ora, Guy Sebastion and Australian country superstar Keith Urban and propelled her to the final.

On Friday night, she appeared on stage in a full length glittering gown and started off with Celine Dion's 'Because You Love Me' and followed it up with Aretha Franklin's 'Ain't No Way' wrapping it up with Beyonce's 'Listen' which she performed at The Voice Australia 2022 semifinals.

Like the judges and audience of The Voice Australia 2022, the audience were blown away by her spectacular voice as she hit the high notes effortlessly.

Local crooner Elijah Tavai gave an outstanding rendition of George Viti 'Fiji' Veikoso's rendition of Tiama'a's 'Sosefina.'

The Traditional Inspired Category followed where all five contestants spectacular costumes which must have taken days if not weeks to put together. The two that stood out were Contestant #2 and Contestant #3.

Contestant #2 Penicia Hunkin-Pene came on stage encased up to her waist in a circular structure which at first looked like a part of her attire but also looked like the taualuga or roof of a Samoan fale which 'depicts the wholesome of a Tama'ita'i Samoa.

'Each lau or thatch of the taualuga was individually hand-stitched similar to the hard work women put into our Samoan culture. Oftentimes, the fale Samoa symbolizes the strength of a Samoan household.'

She then opened the circular structure to reveal an elegant gown made of tapa with an additional circular structure made of sennit hanging down her waist, which was also discarded to reveal her elegant traditional gown in all its glory.

Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale's traditional-inspired wear was a close second featured another beautifully assembled ensemble made of dark tapa complemented by red fulu moa or feathers, and what looked like long human hair dyed brown making the lower part of her attire giving it a unique but sinister look.

Newly crowned Pauliana Angelfromheaven Felise-Vitale performs the siva for the first time as the new Miss American Samoa at the end of last Friday night's 30th Annual Miss American Samoa Pageant at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium. [photo: Asi Andrew Fa’asau}

On her back was a large eight-pointed star-like structure made up of two squares decorated with red feathers, and the audience cheered as it started to rotate.

Each contestant picked a question for the Stage Interview Category and eventual winner Pauliana Felise-Vitale's question was, "Many people don't believe that climate change is real. What would you say or do to convince them otherwise?"

She replied, "I would take them on a field trip to Utulei Beach or the Lions Park, then I would show them where the line of the water is now at, and I would explain to them that just a couple of years ago, about five years ago, there used to be sand here, and with the sea level rise and climate change impacts, it has risen up now to where it's at. I would also explain to them how sea level rise from climate change has a detrimental effect on our people and the Pacific Islands."

After the Stage Interview, the reigning Miss American Samoa Judy Fa'afetai Taunu'u made her Farewell Speech and performed her farewell siva Samoa.

And then it was the moment of truth. The 30th Annual Miss American Samoa Pageant's official results are as follows.

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Miss MASI Award - Contestant #1 Francine Iopu-Masoe

Miss Photogenic - Contestant #2 - Penicia Hunkin-Pene

Miss Personality - Contestant #1 Francine Iopu-Masoe

MAIN CATEGORY AWARDS:

Best Sarong - Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale

Best Pre-Pageant Interview - Contestant #1 Francine Iopu-Masoe

Best Siva Samoa - Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale

Best Ava Ceremony Performance - Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale

Best Talent - Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale

Best Traditional Inspired Wear - Contestant #2 Penicia Hunkin-Pene

Best Stage Interview - Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale

PLACING AWARDS:

4th Runner-Up - Contestant #5 Jenavee Herrera

3rd Runner-Up - Contestant #4 Destiny Lagafuaina-Lauvao

2nd Runner-Up - Contestant #1 Francine Iopu-Masoe

1st Runner-Up - Contestant #2 Penicia Hunkin-Masoe

Miss American Samoa - Contestant #3 Pauliana Felise-Vitale