Under the lights of a flashy new set design, Chinah Helmandollar and Elizabeth Carson Crot won preliminary competitions at the Miss Virginia Pageant on Thursday evening.

Crot, Miss Hampton Roads, will receive a $1,000 scholarship for winning the talent portion for Group A with her operatic vocal performance of "Sempre Libera" by Giuseppe Verdi. Crot is from Chesapeake.

Halmandollar, Miss Greater Franklin County, won a $500 scholarship for taking home the Group B swimsuit competition. Halmandollar is from Hardy.

Throughout the night, reigning Miss Virginia Hannah Kiefer entertained the audience with multiple dance performances.

Group B contestants strutted their stuff in swimsuits and evening wear, and answered onstage questions. The questions were composed of two parts, a personal question followed by a question about each contestant's platform.

Group A contestants conducted their talent performances, and will show their swimsuits and gowns tonight, and members of Group B participate in the talent contest.

Three former Miss Virginia titleholders, as well as the emcee, Miss America 1987 Kellye Cash, performed.

Preliminary competition will continue this evening at the Roanoke Civic Center. Curtain time is 8:20 p.m. Tonight is also the final night to vote online for your favorite contestant. Voting will end at 10 p.m.