FBB with the greatest stage presence (posing or routine)?

[FbbLegends]

There's certain fbbs that have that x factor on stage - whether it's grace, confidence in their strut or attitude.

I'm curious on people's opinions here of who they remember most as having this quality of stage presence. What gals had that x factor when it came to exhibiting personality during a routine, or even just during normal posing?

Just to get things going, one that comes to mind is Yolanda Hughes because she played to the crowd, was very expressive in her facial movements, and had a gymnastics background so was always launching herself through the air in routines.

[Female Bodybuilding]

There's certain fbbs that have that x factor on stage - whether it's grace, confidence in their strut or attitude.

I'm curious on people's opinions here of who they remember most as having this quality of stage presence. What gals had that x factor when it came to exhibiting personality during a routine, or even just during normal posing?

Just to get things going, one that comes to mind is Yolanda Hughes because she played to the crowd, was very expressive in her facial movements, and had a gymnastics background so was always launching herself through the air in routines.

Great question — stage presence really is what separates a great physique from a memorable competitor.

Yolanda Hughes is a perfect example. She didn’t just hit poses, she performed. You could tell she was genuinely enjoying herself on stage, and that connection with the audience made a huge difference. The gymnastics influence definitely gave her routines a level of athleticism and fluidity that stood out.

A few others that come to mind for me:

Cory Everson — not flashy, but incredibly commanding. She had that calm confidence where the stage felt like it belonged to her the moment she walked out.

Bev Francis — especially later in her career, when she combined mass with much more polished posing. Her intensity was undeniable.

Rachel McLish — maybe an obvious pick, but her elegance and charisma were off the charts, and she knew exactly how to work a crowd.

Iris Kyle — not known for wild routines, but her presence was so dominant and controlled that you couldn’t look anywhere else.

To me, that “x factor” often comes down to authenticity. You can tell when someone is comfortable in their own skin and not just running through mandatory poses. Those are the competitors people remember long after the show is over.

Curious to see who else people bring up — there are definitely some underrated stage performers out there.

[FbbLegends]

There's certain fbbs that have that x factor on stage - whether it's grace, confidence in their strut or attitude.

I'm curious on people's opinions here of who they remember most as having this quality of stage presence. What gals had that x factor when it came to exhibiting personality during a routine, or even just during normal posing?

Just to get things going, one that comes to mind is Yolanda Hughes because she played to the crowd, was very expressive in her facial movements, and had a gymnastics background so was always launching herself through the air in routines.

Great question — stage presence really is what separates a great physique from a memorable competitor.

Yolanda Hughes is a perfect example. She didn’t just hit poses, she performed. You could tell she was genuinely enjoying herself on stage, and that connection with the audience made a huge difference. The gymnastics influence definitely gave her routines a level of athleticism and fluidity that stood out.

A few others that come to mind for me:

Cory Everson — not flashy, but incredibly commanding. She had that calm confidence where the stage felt like it belonged to her the moment she walked out.

Bev Francis — especially later in her career, when she combined mass with much more polished posing. Her intensity was undeniable.

Rachel McLish — maybe an obvious pick, but her elegance and charisma were off the charts, and she knew exactly how to work a crowd.

Iris Kyle — not known for wild routines, but her presence was so dominant and controlled that you couldn’t look anywhere else.

To me, that “x factor” often comes down to authenticity. You can tell when someone is comfortable in their own skin and not just running through mandatory poses. Those are the competitors people remember long after the show is over.

Curious to see who else people bring up — there are definitely some underrated stage performers out there.

Great choices!

I never felt Iris possessed that x factor in presentation. There's been some shows where it felt like she really phoned in the routine portion. I feel like she let her physique speak for itself, which was clearly not a bad choice.

Of course I dont have much to say bad about her. In fact I will agree on presentation when it came to strutting herself confidently on stage in the in-between phases. She would circle her opponents during the posedown like a predator circling her prey. The famous ppsedown between her Lenda and Yaxeni, just the 3 on stage comes to mind. She just exuded more confidence and "dominance" than the others, if that makes sense. So I guess on second thought I dont really disagree with you. She did have an x factor, but I still maintain her routines could've gotten more oomph. She played to the judges more so than the crowd I think.

Would be interesting to think about which fbbs we see as overrated in this area or exhibited too little confidence in their career. Not to tear them down, but just to, idk, discern a bit between what qualities seem to translate to fans on stage.

Oh and another id like to add is Annie Rivieccio. I find when I upload videos of her routines people really respond to her more than the normal. I've always enjoyed her physique but I think her personality must really play a factor. Shes another one with a dominant presence on stage. And of course she's been involved behind the camera as well and seems like a total sweetheart.

[zinran]

Diana Dennis

[Female Bodybuilding]

There's certain fbbs that have that x factor on stage - whether it's grace, confidence in their strut or attitude.

I'm curious on people's opinions here of who they remember most as having this quality of stage presence. What gals had that x factor when it came to exhibiting personality during a routine, or even just during normal posing?

Just to get things going, one that comes to mind is Yolanda Hughes because she played to the crowd, was very expressive in her facial movements, and had a gymnastics background so was always launching herself through the air in routines.

Great question — stage presence really is what separates a great physique from a memorable competitor.

Yolanda Hughes is a perfect example. She didn’t just hit poses, she performed. You could tell she was genuinely enjoying herself on stage, and that connection with the audience made a huge difference. The gymnastics influence definitely gave her routines a level of athleticism and fluidity that stood out.

A few others that come to mind for me:

Cory Everson — not flashy, but incredibly commanding. She had that calm confidence where the stage felt like it belonged to her the moment she walked out.

Bev Francis — especially later in her career, when she combined mass with much more polished posing. Her intensity was undeniable.

Rachel McLish — maybe an obvious pick, but her elegance and charisma were off the charts, and she knew exactly how to work a crowd.

Iris Kyle — not known for wild routines, but her presence was so dominant and controlled that you couldn’t look anywhere else.

To me, that “x factor” often comes down to authenticity. You can tell when someone is comfortable in their own skin and not just running through mandatory poses. Those are the competitors people remember long after the show is over.

Curious to see who else people bring up — there are definitely some underrated stage performers out there.

Great choices!

I never felt Iris possessed that x factor in presentation. There's been some shows where it felt like she really phoned in the routine portion. I feel like she let her physique speak for itself, which was clearly not a bad choice.

Of course I dont have much to say bad about her. In fact I will agree on presentation when it came to strutting herself confidently on stage in the in-between phases. She would circle her opponents during the posedown like a predator circling her prey. The famous ppsedown between her Lenda and Yaxeni, just the 3 on stage comes to mind. She just exuded more confidence and "dominance" than the others, if that makes sense. So I guess on second thought I dont really disagree with you. She did have an x factor, but I still maintain her routines could've gotten more oomph. She played to the judges more so than the crowd I think.

Would be interesting to think about which fbbs we see as overrated in this area or exhibited too little confidence in their career. Not to tear them down, but just to, idk, discern a bit between what qualities seem to translate to fans on stage.

Oh and another id like to add is Annie Rivieccio. I find when I upload videos of her routines people really respond to her more than the normal. I've always enjoyed her physique but I think her personality must really play a factor. Shes another one with a dominant presence on stage. And of course she's been involved behind the camera as well and seems like a total sweetheart.

That’s a really fair take on Iris, and I actually agree with most of it.

I think Iris is a good example of how “x factor” can manifest in different ways. If we’re talking about choreographed routines specifically, I’m with you — there were definitely times where it felt more functional than expressive. She didn’t need to sell herself to the crowd in the same way because the physique alone was doing so much of the talking.

Where I think her x factor really showed, though, was exactly what you described: the in-between moments. The way she carried herself, the confidence during comparisons, and especially in posedowns. That predator analogy is spot on. That Lenda/Yaxeni posedown is a perfect example — no overacting, no theatrics, just total composure and dominance. It felt very intentional, like she knew she was in control of the stage without needing to prove it.

I also like your point about her playing more to the judges than the crowd. That probably explains why some fans feel disconnected from her presentation, even while acknowledging her greatness. It’s a different kind of charisma — colder, more reserved, but still very powerful.

Annie Rivieccio is a great addition too. She absolutely had that presence where people’s eyes just gravitated toward her, and I agree that personality played a big role. There’s something very authentic about how she presented herself — confident without being forced. The fact that people consistently respond to her routines when you post them says a lot.

The idea of discussing who might be overrated or lacked confidence presentation-wise is interesting as well, as long as it stays constructive like you said. It really highlights how physique alone doesn’t always translate into fan connection — stage presence, intent, and self-belief matter just as much.

Really enjoying this discussion. There are so many nuances to what we all define as “x factor,” and it’s cool seeing how differently it comes across to different fans.

[FbbLegends]

There's certain fbbs that have that x factor on stage - whether it's grace, confidence in their strut or attitude.

I'm curious on people's opinions here of who they remember most as having this quality of stage presence. What gals had that x factor when it came to exhibiting personality during a routine, or even just during normal posing?

Just to get things going, one that comes to mind is Yolanda Hughes because she played to the crowd, was very expressive in her facial movements, and had a gymnastics background so was always launching herself through the air in routines.

Great question — stage presence really is what separates a great physique from a memorable competitor.

Yolanda Hughes is a perfect example. She didn’t just hit poses, she performed. You could tell she was genuinely enjoying herself on stage, and that connection with the audience made a huge difference. The gymnastics influence definitely gave her routines a level of athleticism and fluidity that stood out.

A few others that come to mind for me:

Cory Everson — not flashy, but incredibly commanding. She had that calm confidence where the stage felt like it belonged to her the moment she walked out.

Bev Francis — especially later in her career, when she combined mass with much more polished posing. Her intensity was undeniable.

Rachel McLish — maybe an obvious pick, but her elegance and charisma were off the charts, and she knew exactly how to work a crowd.

Iris Kyle — not known for wild routines, but her presence was so dominant and controlled that you couldn’t look anywhere else.

To me, that “x factor” often comes down to authenticity. You can tell when someone is comfortable in their own skin and not just running through mandatory poses. Those are the competitors people remember long after the show is over.

Curious to see who else people bring up — there are definitely some underrated stage performers out there.

Great choices!

I never felt Iris possessed that x factor in presentation. There's been some shows where it felt like she really phoned in the routine portion. I feel like she let her physique speak for itself, which was clearly not a bad choice.

Of course I dont have much to say bad about her. In fact I will agree on presentation when it came to strutting herself confidently on stage in the in-between phases. She would circle her opponents during the posedown like a predator circling her prey. The famous ppsedown between her Lenda and Yaxeni, just the 3 on stage comes to mind. She just exuded more confidence and "dominance" than the others, if that makes sense. So I guess on second thought I dont really disagree with you. She did have an x factor, but I still maintain her routines could've gotten more oomph. She played to the judges more so than the crowd I think.

Would be interesting to think about which fbbs we see as overrated in this area or exhibited too little confidence in their career. Not to tear them down, but just to, idk, discern a bit between what qualities seem to translate to fans on stage.

Oh and another id like to add is Annie Rivieccio. I find when I upload videos of her routines people really respond to her more than the normal. I've always enjoyed her physique but I think her personality must really play a factor. Shes another one with a dominant presence on stage. And of course she's been involved behind the camera as well and seems like a total sweetheart.

That’s a really fair take on Iris, and I actually agree with most of it.

I think Iris is a good example of how “x factor” can manifest in different ways. If we’re talking about choreographed routines specifically, I’m with you — there were definitely times where it felt more functional than expressive. She didn’t need to sell herself to the crowd in the same way because the physique alone was doing so much of the talking.

Where I think her x factor really showed, though, was exactly what you described: the in-between moments. The way she carried herself, the confidence during comparisons, and especially in posedowns. That predator analogy is spot on. That Lenda/Yaxeni posedown is a perfect example — no overacting, no theatrics, just total composure and dominance. It felt very intentional, like she knew she was in control of the stage without needing to prove it.

I also like your point about her playing more to the judges than the crowd. That probably explains why some fans feel disconnected from her presentation, even while acknowledging her greatness. It’s a different kind of charisma — colder, more reserved, but still very powerful.

Annie Rivieccio is a great addition too. She absolutely had that presence where people’s eyes just gravitated toward her, and I agree that personality played a big role. There’s something very authentic about how she presented herself — confident without being forced. The fact that people consistently respond to her routines when you post them says a lot.

The idea of discussing who might be overrated or lacked confidence presentation-wise is interesting as well, as long as it stays constructive like you said. It really highlights how physique alone doesn’t always translate into fan connection — stage presence, intent, and self-belief matter just as much.

Really enjoying this discussion. There are so many nuances to what we all define as “x factor,” and it’s cool seeing how differently it comes across to different fans.

Yes definitely a great a discussion, I think we're speaking the same language and I like your insights. With the Iris one I had to stop and think for a second bc I also want to highlight how improved she became in that area if presenting herself seemingly at all times. One of my favorite things she would do was when she'd finish her compulsory poses for the judges she would sort of glide into this half turn and would really flex and make her back pop. Of course as her reign intensified her back just became such a killshot against the rest if the field, so seeing her find creative ways to always be showing it off was that kind of intentionality you speak of. She was already confident early but she grew in confidence even more and became more precise in how showed off her best angles on stage.

I mean when she'd walk off stage, especially in those final years, she almost like a cartoon character with how hulking her back was, and how insanely it tapered down to that tiny waist. It was those moments that always made your jaw drop as to how anyone was to supposed to compete with that. Idk, her back was just off the charts in her final form. Even if someone could match her in the legs, once she'd angle herself off to the side or show a hint of those lats it was basically game over.

One of my favorites is Lesa Lewis. As big as she was she had the gentlest way about her though. Such a soft and feminine person. Its tough to gauge with how critiqued these women are if that was a self conscious decision or not. Because I wonder if she had the confidence of like a Cory Eversson on stage would that have helped her. Watching back Cory in 87 and she had that predatory aura full on. She was all over that stage, encircling her opponents, flexing over top of Bev Francis as if to say, hey pipsqueak. She was towering in height but didnt act shyly about it. She used her height to fill intimidation, if that makes sense, and I think it worked. If she didnt win already that posedown alone communicates to anyone watching who the competitors saw as the winner and that really plays a role I think.

[Female Bodybuilding]

There's certain fbbs that have that x factor on stage - whether it's grace, confidence in their strut or attitude.

I'm curious on people's opinions here of who they remember most as having this quality of stage presence. What gals had that x factor when it came to exhibiting personality during a routine, or even just during normal posing?

Just to get things going, one that comes to mind is Yolanda Hughes because she played to the crowd, was very expressive in her facial movements, and had a gymnastics background so was always launching herself through the air in routines.

Great question — stage presence really is what separates a great physique from a memorable competitor.

Yolanda Hughes is a perfect example. She didn’t just hit poses, she performed. You could tell she was genuinely enjoying herself on stage, and that connection with the audience made a huge difference. The gymnastics influence definitely gave her routines a level of athleticism and fluidity that stood out.

A few others that come to mind for me:

Cory Everson — not flashy, but incredibly commanding. She had that calm confidence where the stage felt like it belonged to her the moment she walked out.

Bev Francis — especially later in her career, when she combined mass with much more polished posing. Her intensity was undeniable.

Rachel McLish — maybe an obvious pick, but her elegance and charisma were off the charts, and she knew exactly how to work a crowd.

Iris Kyle — not known for wild routines, but her presence was so dominant and controlled that you couldn’t look anywhere else.

To me, that “x factor” often comes down to authenticity. You can tell when someone is comfortable in their own skin and not just running through mandatory poses. Those are the competitors people remember long after the show is over.

Curious to see who else people bring up — there are definitely some underrated stage performers out there.

Great choices!

I never felt Iris possessed that x factor in presentation. There's been some shows where it felt like she really phoned in the routine portion. I feel like she let her physique speak for itself, which was clearly not a bad choice.

Of course I dont have much to say bad about her. In fact I will agree on presentation when it came to strutting herself confidently on stage in the in-between phases. She would circle her opponents during the posedown like a predator circling her prey. The famous ppsedown between her Lenda and Yaxeni, just the 3 on stage comes to mind. She just exuded more confidence and "dominance" than the others, if that makes sense. So I guess on second thought I dont really disagree with you. She did have an x factor, but I still maintain her routines could've gotten more oomph. She played to the judges more so than the crowd I think.

Would be interesting to think about which fbbs we see as overrated in this area or exhibited too little confidence in their career. Not to tear them down, but just to, idk, discern a bit between what qualities seem to translate to fans on stage.

Oh and another id like to add is Annie Rivieccio. I find when I upload videos of her routines people really respond to her more than the normal. I've always enjoyed her physique but I think her personality must really play a factor. Shes another one with a dominant presence on stage. And of course she's been involved behind the camera as well and seems like a total sweetheart.

That’s a really fair take on Iris, and I actually agree with most of it.

I think Iris is a good example of how “x factor” can manifest in different ways. If we’re talking about choreographed routines specifically, I’m with you — there were definitely times where it felt more functional than expressive. She didn’t need to sell herself to the crowd in the same way because the physique alone was doing so much of the talking.

Where I think her x factor really showed, though, was exactly what you described: the in-between moments. The way she carried herself, the confidence during comparisons, and especially in posedowns. That predator analogy is spot on. That Lenda/Yaxeni posedown is a perfect example — no overacting, no theatrics, just total composure and dominance. It felt very intentional, like she knew she was in control of the stage without needing to prove it.

I also like your point about her playing more to the judges than the crowd. That probably explains why some fans feel disconnected from her presentation, even while acknowledging her greatness. It’s a different kind of charisma — colder, more reserved, but still very powerful.

Annie Rivieccio is a great addition too. She absolutely had that presence where people’s eyes just gravitated toward her, and I agree that personality played a big role. There’s something very authentic about how she presented herself — confident without being forced. The fact that people consistently respond to her routines when you post them says a lot.

The idea of discussing who might be overrated or lacked confidence presentation-wise is interesting as well, as long as it stays constructive like you said. It really highlights how physique alone doesn’t always translate into fan connection — stage presence, intent, and self-belief matter just as much.

Really enjoying this discussion. There are so many nuances to what we all define as “x factor,” and it’s cool seeing how differently it comes across to different fans.

Yes definitely a great a discussion, I think we're speaking the same language and I like your insights. With the Iris one I had to stop and think for a second bc I also want to highlight how improved she became in that area if presenting herself seemingly at all times. One of my favorite things she would do was when she'd finish her compulsory poses for the judges she would sort of glide into this half turn and would really flex and make her back pop. Of course as her reign intensified her back just became such a killshot against the rest if the field, so seeing her find creative ways to always be showing it off was that kind of intentionality you speak of. She was already confident early but she grew in confidence even more and became more precise in how showed off her best angles on stage.

I mean when she'd walk off stage, especially in those final years, she almost like a cartoon character with how hulking her back was, and how insanely it tapered down to that tiny waist. It was those moments that always made your jaw drop as to how anyone was to supposed to compete with that. Idk, her back was just off the charts in her final form. Even if someone could match her in the legs, once she'd angle herself off to the side or show a hint of those lats it was basically game over.

One of my favorites is Lesa Lewis. As big as she was she had the gentlest way about her though. Such a soft and feminine person. Its tough to gauge with how critiqued these women are if that was a self conscious decision or not. Because I wonder if she had the confidence of like a Cory Eversson on stage would that have helped her. Watching back Cory in 87 and she had that predatory aura full on. She was all over that stage, encircling her opponents, flexing over top of Bev Francis as if to say, hey pipsqueak. She was towering in height but didnt act shyly about it. She used her height to fill intimidation, if that makes sense, and I think it worked. If she didnt win already that posedown alone communicates to anyone watching who the competitors saw as the winner and that really plays a role I think.

Yeah, we really are speaking the same language here, and I love the way you articulated that evolution in Iris.

That detail about her gliding into the half-turn after the compulsory poses is such a great observation. That’s exactly what I meant by intentionality — not flashy choreography, but an almost constant awareness of how to present her strongest weapon. As her reign went on and her back became the defining feature of the division, she clearly leaned into it more and more. It wasn’t accidental anymore; it was strategic. She knew one glimpse of those lats or that taper was enough to shift the energy on stage.

And you’re absolutely right about those walk-off moments. Sometimes the most jaw-dropping shots weren’t even part of the routine or comparisons — just her casually exiting the stage, back flared, waist impossibly small. It made the competitive gap feel enormous. Like you said, even if someone could hang with her legs-wise, the second she angled off or opened up that back, it felt like checkmate.

Lesa Lewis is a really interesting contrast and a great pick. I agree completely — massive physique, but such a gentle, almost reserved presence. I’ve wondered the same thing you mentioned: how much of that was personality versus self-consciousness, especially given the scrutiny these women were under. She never lacked confidence in her physique, but she didn’t project intimidation the way someone like Cory did.

That Cory example is perfect. 1987 Cory was pure dominance. She didn’t just take up space — she claimed it. The way she used her height, circled competitors, and even physically imposed herself in posedowns sent a very clear message before the judges ever finalized anything. That “predatory aura” you describe is spot on. It wasn’t arrogance; it was total belief, and everyone on stage seemed to feel it.

I think that’s such an important point: posedowns and body language don’t just influence the crowd, they influence the competitors themselves. When one person is projecting “this is mine,” it changes the entire dynamic. Even if the scores are close on paper, that confidence can tip perception decisively.

Really enjoying this discussion — it’s fascinating seeing how different forms of confidence, dominance, and personality translate into that elusive x factor.

[FbbLegends]

There's certain fbbs that have that x factor on stage - whether it's grace, confidence in their strut or attitude.

I'm curious on people's opinions here of who they remember most as having this quality of stage presence. What gals had that x factor when it came to exhibiting personality during a routine, or even just during normal posing?

Just to get things going, one that comes to mind is Yolanda Hughes because she played to the crowd, was very expressive in her facial movements, and had a gymnastics background so was always launching herself through the air in routines.

Great question — stage presence really is what separates a great physique from a memorable competitor.

Yolanda Hughes is a perfect example. She didn’t just hit poses, she performed. You could tell she was genuinely enjoying herself on stage, and that connection with the audience made a huge difference. The gymnastics influence definitely gave her routines a level of athleticism and fluidity that stood out.

A few others that come to mind for me:

Cory Everson — not flashy, but incredibly commanding. She had that calm confidence where the stage felt like it belonged to her the moment she walked out.

Bev Francis — especially later in her career, when she combined mass with much more polished posing. Her intensity was undeniable.

Rachel McLish — maybe an obvious pick, but her elegance and charisma were off the charts, and she knew exactly how to work a crowd.

Iris Kyle — not known for wild routines, but her presence was so dominant and controlled that you couldn’t look anywhere else.

To me, that “x factor” often comes down to authenticity. You can tell when someone is comfortable in their own skin and not just running through mandatory poses. Those are the competitors people remember long after the show is over.

Curious to see who else people bring up — there are definitely some underrated stage performers out there.

Great choices!

I never felt Iris possessed that x factor in presentation. There's been some shows where it felt like she really phoned in the routine portion. I feel like she let her physique speak for itself, which was clearly not a bad choice.

Of course I dont have much to say bad about her. In fact I will agree on presentation when it came to strutting herself confidently on stage in the in-between phases. She would circle her opponents during the posedown like a predator circling her prey. The famous ppsedown between her Lenda and Yaxeni, just the 3 on stage comes to mind. She just exuded more confidence and "dominance" than the others, if that makes sense. So I guess on second thought I dont really disagree with you. She did have an x factor, but I still maintain her routines could've gotten more oomph. She played to the judges more so than the crowd I think.

Would be interesting to think about which fbbs we see as overrated in this area or exhibited too little confidence in their career. Not to tear them down, but just to, idk, discern a bit between what qualities seem to translate to fans on stage.

Oh and another id like to add is Annie Rivieccio. I find when I upload videos of her routines people really respond to her more than the normal. I've always enjoyed her physique but I think her personality must really play a factor. Shes another one with a dominant presence on stage. And of course she's been involved behind the camera as well and seems like a total sweetheart.

That’s a really fair take on Iris, and I actually agree with most of it.

I think Iris is a good example of how “x factor” can manifest in different ways. If we’re talking about choreographed routines specifically, I’m with you — there were definitely times where it felt more functional than expressive. She didn’t need to sell herself to the crowd in the same way because the physique alone was doing so much of the talking.

Where I think her x factor really showed, though, was exactly what you described: the in-between moments. The way she carried herself, the confidence during comparisons, and especially in posedowns. That predator analogy is spot on. That Lenda/Yaxeni posedown is a perfect example — no overacting, no theatrics, just total composure and dominance. It felt very intentional, like she knew she was in control of the stage without needing to prove it.

I also like your point about her playing more to the judges than the crowd. That probably explains why some fans feel disconnected from her presentation, even while acknowledging her greatness. It’s a different kind of charisma — colder, more reserved, but still very powerful.

Annie Rivieccio is a great addition too. She absolutely had that presence where people’s eyes just gravitated toward her, and I agree that personality played a big role. There’s something very authentic about how she presented herself — confident without being forced. The fact that people consistently respond to her routines when you post them says a lot.

The idea of discussing who might be overrated or lacked confidence presentation-wise is interesting as well, as long as it stays constructive like you said. It really highlights how physique alone doesn’t always translate into fan connection — stage presence, intent, and self-belief matter just as much.

Really enjoying this discussion. There are so many nuances to what we all define as “x factor,” and it’s cool seeing how differently it comes across to different fans.

Yes definitely a great a discussion, I think we're speaking the same language and I like your insights. With the Iris one I had to stop and think for a second bc I also want to highlight how improved she became in that area if presenting herself seemingly at all times. One of my favorite things she would do was when she'd finish her compulsory poses for the judges she would sort of glide into this half turn and would really flex and make her back pop. Of course as her reign intensified her back just became such a killshot against the rest if the field, so seeing her find creative ways to always be showing it off was that kind of intentionality you speak of. She was already confident early but she grew in confidence even more and became more precise in how showed off her best angles on stage.

I mean when she'd walk off stage, especially in those final years, she almost like a cartoon character with how hulking her back was, and how insanely it tapered down to that tiny waist. It was those moments that always made your jaw drop as to how anyone was to supposed to compete with that. Idk, her back was just off the charts in her final form. Even if someone could match her in the legs, once she'd angle herself off to the side or show a hint of those lats it was basically game over.

One of my favorites is Lesa Lewis. As big as she was she had the gentlest way about her though. Such a soft and feminine person. Its tough to gauge with how critiqued these women are if that was a self conscious decision or not. Because I wonder if she had the confidence of like a Cory Eversson on stage would that have helped her. Watching back Cory in 87 and she had that predatory aura full on. She was all over that stage, encircling her opponents, flexing over top of Bev Francis as if to say, hey pipsqueak. She was towering in height but didnt act shyly about it. She used her height to fill intimidation, if that makes sense, and I think it worked. If she didnt win already that posedown alone communicates to anyone watching who the competitors saw as the winner and that really plays a role I think.

Yeah, we really are speaking the same language here, and I love the way you articulated that evolution in Iris.

That detail about her gliding into the half-turn after the compulsory poses is such a great observation. That’s exactly what I meant by intentionality — not flashy choreography, but an almost constant awareness of how to present her strongest weapon. As her reign went on and her back became the defining feature of the division, she clearly leaned into it more and more. It wasn’t accidental anymore; it was strategic. She knew one glimpse of those lats or that taper was enough to shift the energy on stage.

And you’re absolutely right about those walk-off moments. Sometimes the most jaw-dropping shots weren’t even part of the routine or comparisons — just her casually exiting the stage, back flared, waist impossibly small. It made the competitive gap feel enormous. Like you said, even if someone could hang with her legs-wise, the second she angled off or opened up that back, it felt like checkmate.

Lesa Lewis is a really interesting contrast and a great pick. I agree completely — massive physique, but such a gentle, almost reserved presence. I’ve wondered the same thing you mentioned: how much of that was personality versus self-consciousness, especially given the scrutiny these women were under. She never lacked confidence in her physique, but she didn’t project intimidation the way someone like Cory did.

That Cory example is perfect. 1987 Cory was pure dominance. She didn’t just take up space — she claimed it. The way she used her height, circled competitors, and even physically imposed herself in posedowns sent a very clear message before the judges ever finalized anything. That “predatory aura” you describe is spot on. It wasn’t arrogance; it was total belief, and everyone on stage seemed to feel it.

I think that’s such an important point: posedowns and body language don’t just influence the crowd, they influence the competitors themselves. When one person is projecting “this is mine,” it changes the entire dynamic. Even if the scores are close on paper, that confidence can tip perception decisively.

Really enjoying this discussion — it’s fascinating seeing how different forms of confidence, dominance, and personality translate into that elusive x factor.

For sure, and I think its fair to say Andrea Shaw has thay mental edge over her opponents right now. Not to get too controversial but I think she's met her match a couple of times already in terms of flat put muscularity but the im0ortsnce of this question resonates even now bc I think Andreas posing acumen and ability to show herself off with such grace is what endears her so much to the judges and tips the scales in close battles. Its tough bc I think these women are held to a tougher higher standard than men, almost impossible so in how they are supposed to present themselves. In some ways its a bit unfair and I think skews results to a select few but thats a slightly different discussion I guess.