Local judge's crowning moment

Winter Park resident David Gilbert is getting noticed – while buying coffee, scanning a bookstore's aisles, even at the restaurant where he's worked for 17 years. Maybe it helps that he's the head judge on the WE tv's original series "Little Miss Perfect."

In six episodes, the "docu-reality" show shadows the journey of 12 little girls preparing to compete in the Little Miss Perfect beauty pageant, and Gilbert calls the shots. They call him the show's Simon Cowell, minus the mean.

It's a role custom-made for Gilbert, who has been involved with the pageant industry for more than 30 years. As a child he was fascinated with the selection process of national beauty contests.

"I used to keep score," Gilbert said.

He sang, acted and performed locally at his church and schools including Winter Park High. At Stetson University he majored in speech and theater, performing in the prestigious the School of Music's concert choir and its public speaking team.

"It helps a judge to be well-rounded, familiar with the arts, music, theater and performing," Gilbert said. He judged local contests and gained experience within several pageant systems such as Miss Florida, Miss America and Miss USA. Gilbert assisted in the success of two Miss America winners and believes a good judge shows integrity, is thoughtful and takes the role seriously.

"So many positive things come from this, the lifelong friendships with contestants, judges, directors, plus the growth of the contestants," he said.

Mary Sullivan, executive director of the Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, has worked with Gilbert for many years through numerous pageants.

"David Gilbert is the epitome of what a judge should be in the Miss America program," Sullivan said. "He is well-prepared, thoughtful, professional and skilled in the judging process. His ability to make each young woman feel comfortable and confident during competition is incomparable."

Gilbert recalls helping a Miss Winter Park contestant prepare for her talent portion of the Miss Florida competition. "She received a standing ovation, which had never happened before," Gilbert said. "There's an old pageant saying, 'let's go change a life', and sometimes you really do."

Gilbert notices details. "If the fit is wrong even the most expensive gown won't win. When I watch talent or listen to an interview, I ask myself, do I want to keep on watching and listening?"

Gilbert was pleased with the "Little Miss Perfect" show.

"Most people don't see the real world of beauty pageants," he said. "We wanted to showcase this world by doing it in a positive way. I wasn't interested in participating in a format with bratty kids, horrible moms or stupid judges. This was a completely professional production."

Michael Galanes, pageant director for "Little Miss Perfect," said he respects Gilbert. "David brings professionalism and acute experience, coupled with a stern kindness. He is our Simon Cowell – without the mean factor."

Gilbert admits pageants aren't for everyone. "In any competitive venue involving children you will have overzealous parents. The children have to have a good time because it is a learning and growth experience for them and their families."

Galanes summed up David Gilbert's contribution. "David was instrumental to the success of the show. We were honored and privileged to have him serve as our head judge."

Shining stars

For more information about local judge David Gilbert and the "Little Miss Perfect" television program go to http://www.wetv.com/little-miss-perfect. The show airs at 10 p.m. Wednesdays on WE tv.