Eva Leanza Cornett (June 10, 1971 – October 28, 2020) was an American television personality and beauty pageant titleholder. She was crowned Miss Florida 1992 and Miss America 1993 the same year.

Early life

Cornett was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and was a 1989 graduate of Terry Parker High School. She was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2006.

Pageantry

Cornett was previously National Sweetheart 1991. As Miss America 1993, she became the first Miss America to adopt AIDS awareness as her platform for her year of service, and was among the first titleholders who refused to wear her crown for public appearances. at the "Voyage of The Little Mermaid" show at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in 1991. She was also a member of the contemporary Christian music group Area Code, which released their single album, One Big World, before Cornett's big break.

She also served as a host for several television shows, including Entertainment Tonight (1994–1995), and Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? (2000). Cornett made television guest appearances in television series such as Melrose Place, The Tick, CSI, and Saved by the Bell, and Fear Factor. In addition, she served as a reporter for Animal Planet's coverage of the Eukanuba AKC National Dog Show programs, and hosted the "On The Block" show on DIY Network. Godspell, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Cornett and Steines had two sons, Kai Harper (born on February 19, 2002), and Avery James

References

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  • Delta Delta Delta Distinguished Alumnae profile