Miss World contestants battle their nerves, and each other, for place at the top

Under the bright stage lights it is all beaming white smiles and sequined gowns, but backstage at Miss World Australia is where the real action takes place. Sydney Confidential takes a peek.

UNDER the bright stage lights it is all beaming white smiles and sequined gowns, but backstage at Miss World Australia is where the real action takes place.

Six women have been selected to represent NSW at the Miss World Australia finals next month.

Janelle Somasundram, 23, from Lidcombe. Picture: David Swift

Excited competitors line up backstage to make their appearance. Picture: David Swift

Confidential went backstage at the recent state finals held in Sydney.

It is an eye-opening experience to witness the secrets behind the curtains of the pageant world.

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Sparkly gowns are flying and hair straighteners are sizzling as girls flip through their Instagram feeds and relieve their feet with 40 seconds out of strappy stilettos which are one size too small.

Jeannette Lambert, 20, from Coffs Harbour, and Lavinia White, 23, from Woollahra, check out each other’s dresses backstage. Picture: David Swift

A stylist helps Claudia Curac, 22, from Jervis Bay, into her evening wear. Picture: David Swift

While the women all play nice, you cannot help but notice the occasional side look or eye roll.

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The hopefuls may appear to be focusing on their own race but they are certainly staying tuned in to their rivals.

Janelle Somasundram, 23, from Lidcombe, Emma Moore, 17, from the Central Coast, and Isabella Ali, 17, from Sydney, pass the time. Picture: David Swift

Ejay Stokes, 17, gets her hair done. Picture: David Swift

Finalist Elice Craig said the tension was undeniable.

“Everyone is pretty nervous,” she said. “People and throwing clothes everywhere — it can get pretty hectic.

Competitors line up backstage before walking in front of the judges. Picture: David Swift

The six NSW finalists (from left) are Elice Craig, 20, from Blacktown; Claudia Curac, 21, from Jervis Bay; Lavinia White, 23, from Woollahra; Alexandra Wallace, 26, from Orange; Lily Kirkby, 20, from Wagga Wagga; and Emily Said, 22, from Wagga Wagga. Picture: David Swift.

“There are a lot of girls. Some approach you; others are more insecure and keep to themselves.

“You are always nervous, no matter how many times you have competed.”

Isabella Ali, 17, from Sydney, ready to go onstage. Picture: David Swift

Olympia Hitner, 20, from Kellyville, in her evening wear. Picture: David Swift

Lily Kirkby, 20, from Wagga Wagga. Picture: David Swift

For the 20-year-old, who is a veteran of the competition, a bit of last-minute exercise is the secret to keeping calm.

Wardrobe emergencies are being resolved with double-sided tape as some girls practise their interview answers and others battle their nerves by dancing.

The six finalists can finally relax. Picture: David Swift

Olympia Hitner, 20, from Kellyville, in performance mode. Picture: David Swift

Alexandra Wallace receives her sash as a finalist. Picture: David Swift

The stress and tension builds as the clock counts down to the presentation of the silky sashes.

For Lavinia White, it feels like it’s her year to win.

White made the top five last year.

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“Everything feels right and fingers crossed it will be a good year for me,” she said.

The national finals of Miss World Australia will be held on the Gold Coast in August.

Claudia Curac, 22, from Jervis Bay, walks backstage after making her appearance in the competition. Picture: David Swift

Karolina Jazwinski, 22, from Potts Point; Jay Stokes, 17, from Newcastle; and Olympia Hitner, 20, from Kellyville let loose backstage. Picture: David Swift

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Originally published as Miss World contestants battle their nerves, and each other, for place at the top