Miss Colorado, Kelley Johnson, was asked during the Miss America pageant which woman she would like to see on the $10 bill. She answered, “Ellen DeGeneres,” an answer which caused cheers from the the crowd, contestants and judges.
According to Us Weekly, Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary asked Johnson this question (you can see it around the 1:00 mark on the video above): “The treasury wants to put the face of a woman on the $10 bill, besides Alexander Hamilton. Which woman should get that honor and you tell me why.”
US reports Johnson as closing her eyes “for a fleeting moment,” and then saying, “Thank you for that question. The person that I would put on the $10 bill would be Ellen DeGeneres.” This answer caused the contestant behind her to smile hugely and possibly mouth, “I love Ellen,” while the crowd cheered and O’Leary smiled as well. Johnson went on to explain: “Not only is she kind. Not only is she intelligent. Not only is her entire platform speaking tolerance and equality for all and kindness, but she’s able to be funny without insulting someone and I think that is an incredible feat. Thank you.”
That’s a good answer, but I guess some people have a different notion about who is allowed to grace our currency.
Miss Colorado wants to put Ellen on the $10 bill. I really like Ellen. But really? Not Sojourner Truth or Eleanor… Oh never mind.
— Mkay (@JoyAnnReid) September 14, 2015
“Your face should be on the $10 bill” is not a compliment when addressed to a living person. It is a threat. http://t.co/VgxvT1idEo
— Catherine Rampell (@crampell) September 14, 2015
Johnson also made headlines for the talent portion of the competition, where she dressed up in her nurse’s scrubs and delivered a monologue about a patient she’s treating for Alzheimer’s. She ultimately won second runner up in the competition.