Tag Archives: beauty

Laura Kaeppeler, Miss Wisconsin, named Miss America 2012

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Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) – There she is! Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012.

The beauty from Wisconsin was crowned Saturday night at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Hosted by Chris Harrison of The Bachelor and Brooke Burke-Charvet of Dancing With the Stars, the event featured blinding pearly white smiles, sparkling floor-length gowns and Barbie-doll figures.

Judges included “Dancing With the Stars” pro Mark Ballas; ABC reality honcho Mike Fleiss; Kris Jenner, matriarch of the Kardasian clan; actress Teri Polo; and “Good Morning America” anchor Lara Spencer.

Kaeppeler, 23, majored in music and vocal performance at a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Kenosha. She said she originally wanted to become a speech therapist. For the talent competition, Kaeppler sang an operatic piece.

After winning the $50,000 scholarship and the title, Kaeppeler said she plans to pursue a career specializing in helping children of incarcerated adults.

The fourth runner-up was Miss California; third was Miss Arizona; and second was Miss New York. Taking the spot as first runner-up was Miss Oklahoma, Betty Thompson.

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U2, Taylor Swift lead top grossing tours of 2011

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Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – A little bit of country and lots of rock and roll made up the highest grossing tours of 2011 in North America.

U2 took in $156 million from 25 shows in 21 North American cities in 2011, making the band the highest grossing tour act of the year, Pollstar reports. Worldwide, the group raked in $231.9 million for 2011.

Taylor Swift just missed breaking the $100 million mark in North America. The pop-country beauty earned $97.7 million over 80 dates in 59 cities on her “Speak Now” tour.

Kenny Chesney was third with $84.6 million, followed by Lady Gaga with $63.7 million and Bon Jovi with $57.1 million.

Rounding out the top 10 were Elton John, Sade, Jay-Z, Kayne West’s “Watch the Throne” tour, Lil Wayne and Celine.

Worldwide, the reunion tour of the British teen pop act Take That finished second, just behind U2, with $224 million. Bon Jovi took the number three slot, followed by Taylor Swift and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame.

The top 25 acts in North America for 2011 grossed $1.19 billion, down slightly from the $1.24 billion earned in 2010.

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