There was little debate. Williams gave up the crown and it was turned over to the runner-up, Suzette Charles. The dream had been realized. She would go on from there.
Ten years later, Charles is back in Atlantic City, appearing with comedian Freddie Roman - he of Catskills on Broadway fame - at Harrah's Casino/Hotel. And while Charles hasn't achieved superstar status, the entertainer says she is happy with the course her career has taken.
She has just returned from a long stay in Europe, where she was promoting two singles released by RCA Records, "Free to Love Again" and "Don't Stop," both hot on the British dance charts.
Charles also hosts a program, Arts Break, for the Bravo cable network. The show originates from various cities around the country, focusing on their artistic institutions - orchestra, museums and such.
And she frequently has been booked into Atlantic City and Las Vegas showrooms, opening for many top names.
"I've appeared with Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, George Burns, Alan King, Sammy Davis Jr., Stevie Wonder - everybody. I've been exposed to a lot of the greatest talent in the world."
She's also been in two movies and has had stints on a couple of soap operas.
"I have been blessed to have been able to do a number of different types of things," Charles said. "I even hosted a talk show, Talk of the Town, in Atlanta. That's a city where there was a lot of talk-show competition from talented people, and I feel good about being able to hold my own in that market."
Oh yes, there's something else. Charles reported she will be getting married in another month. He's not in show business. She confided the groom- to-be is a doctor in New York, where she resides. No, she would prefer not to name him.
