Michigan pageant success is in genes

A Michigan family has gone full circle in the Miss America pageant.

Sixty-four years after winning Miss Michigan, 83-year-old Iora Hunt is in town to watch her granddaughter, Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund, compete for the Miss America crown.

Hunt won Miss Michigan in 1944, with World War II raging and her husband-to-be fighting the Japanese in the South Pacific.

Her 19-year-old granddaughter, who was named the Lifestyle and Fitness winner Wednesday night in preliminary competition, made sure her grandmother arrived in Las Vegas with a crown.

"They didn't have state crowns back then," said Haglund. "So I got the word to my executive director and we made it happen. We ordered a crown for her."

Haglund grew up reading her grandmother's scrapbook and, upon turning 17, decided to follow in some famous footsteps.

"As soon as I was eligible, I said, 'I just have to try it, just once,' " said Haglund, who not only won the local competition in her first try but also claimed Miss Michigan on her first attempt.

She's taking a year off from the University of Cincinnati's Conservatory of Music, where she is majoring in musical theater, with Broadway as her goal as a singer or dancer.

She will be singing "Over the Rainbow" at the pageant.

In 1944, her grandmother sang "Goodnight, Wherever You Are," a patriotic salute to the troops.

Haglund's platform is raising awareness of eating disorders. She chose it because she has lived it. She had to confront the issue at 16.

COPPERFIELD'S SECRET IS OUT

Las Vegas headliner David Copperfield and a Czech model have had two children, who are being raised in Las Vegas, according to the National Enquirer.

Marie Petlickova's Las Vegas attorney quoted her as saying: "David is a wonderful, loving and caring father. Please respect our privacy."

The acknowledgment comes as a federal grand jury continues to investigate rape allegations made against Copperfield by a Seattle woman.

Petlickova, her mother and the children have lived in a $1.5 million home at a local country club since 2006. The Enquirer reported that property records show the home is owned by David Kotkin LLC, a company controlled by Copperfield. Copperfield's real name is David Kotkin.

MISS NEVADA

Miss Nevada Caleche Manos is among the top three candidates for Miss America's Quality of Life award. The winner will be announced at 11 a.m. today.

It was a given she would stand out this week.

"My 5-inch heels elevate me to a towering 6-3," said the blonde.

Her custom Sherri Hill gown, which she wore Wednesday night, is a peacock blue and "red carpet worthy," she said.

A senior at the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in interior design and communications, she rooms with Caydi Cole, Miss Nevada 2006.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

The red carpet for the world premiere of "Rambo" starts at 6:30 tonight on the mezzanine level of Planet Hollywood Resort. Sylvester Stallone and the cast will be joined by the 52 Miss America contestants and other surprise guests. The public is invited. The Miss America preliminaries continue at 8 tonight. Some tickets remain at the box office. ...

Luxor headliner Carrot Top started filming a reality show pilot this week for A&E. He's being followed around by the same producers who helmed "Family Jewels," the reality show featuring KISS frontman Gene Simmons. Another camera crew has been shooting the latest episode of Criss Angel's "Mindfreak" at the Luxor.

SIGHTINGS

Former U.S. Olympic ski star Picabo Street, filming a segment at the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort in Lee Canyon. ... At The Beatles Revolution Lounge (The Mirage) over the weekend: Drew Barrymore, chef Mario Batali and Lenny Kravitz, who had an ABC film crew interviewing him about his forthcoming release, aptly named "It is Time for a Love Revolution." He told ABC that he was 14 when he got his first Beatles album and that The Beatles influenced his career and his latest project. The CD comes out Feb. 5.

THE PUNCH LINE

"John Edwards looked like the moderator of 'Family Feud.' " -- David Letterman, on the Democratic presidential debate earlier this week.

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.