Miss Lalelei, Matauaina Gwendolyn Toomalatai was crowned the new Miss American Samoa before a packed crowd at the Lee Auditorium Friday night.
The Onenoa beauty made a clean sweep of the annual beauty pageant winning five of the 7 awards on offer, and topped the tally sheet to win the crown over five other contestants.
Matauaina won Miss Photogenic, Best talent, Traditionally inspired wear, Siva Samoa and Best interview. 
Throughout the competition, Matauaina displayed confidence, charm and poise and sealed the victory with her answer to her interview question which related to how she would empower women and be a source of empowerment to women if she won.
Emcee Maotaoalii Savusa, who co hosted the pageant with Whilmena Thompson, posed the question.
Play AudioTauaina-interview
Best Sarong: Salamasina Aumua Miss O &O
Miss Personality: Feiloai Thompson Miss Family & friends
MASI Award: Salamasina Aumua, Miss O&O Inc
Best float: Sharane Smith, Miss NAPA Auto Parts
Best Pre Pageant Interview: Salamasina Aumua, Miss O&O Inc
The standings were:
Winner: Matauaina Gwendolyn Toomalatai, Miss Lalelei
1st Runner Up: Salamasina Aumua, Miss O&O Inc.
2nd: Shalom Vasai: Miss Paradise Pizza
3rd: Annie Masoe, Miss MC’s Auto Shop
4th: Feiloai Thompson, Miss Families & Friends
5th: Sharane Smith, Miss NAPA Auto Parts.
The judges were Leifi Aliitama Sotoa-Director of Territorial Energy Office, Fiti Leung Wai – Owner, SSAB Pago, Lupe Aumavae Tauanu’u-former Miss American Samoa/Miss South Pacific, Francine Gaisoa-Tautua mo Oe and Ben Sauvao-Tutuila Store.
