About 1,100 people packed the Phillips Center on Sunday evening to see 50 women and 15 men compete for six places on UF's homecoming court.
Judges chose Vanessa Douyon, Megan Duda and Jillian Peters as finalists for homecoming queen and Max Weiss, Eric Boulware and Frank Kraemer as finalists for homecoming king.
Six judges selected the female finalists based on casual- and formal-wear competitions, along with an interview before the event.
"This is not a beauty pageant. This is for the most involved people on campus to shine through," said Stefanie Brown, homecoming general chairman.
The curtain rose to reveal 50 female contestants with their backs toward the crowd.
Music boomed as they turned to face the audience and dance to songs such as "She's a Lady" and "American Woman."
The 15 male contestants, dressed in tuxedos, joined them on stage.
Each female contestant sashayed across the stage during the casual- and formal-wear competitions as the masters of ceremonies read aloud their involvement and accomplishments.
During a brief intermission, the judges chose the final six contestants as Irish step dancers performed.
To narrow their picks, judges asked each finalist what legacy they hoped to leave behind at UF.
Afterward, the six contestants were awarded their sashes while the homecoming queen finalists were crowned with sparkling tiaras.
UF public relations major JoAnna Duncan attended the event to support her sorority sister, Vanessa Douyon, one of the finalists.
"I think it's really great that they do the interview and that they place a lot of emphasis on the total package, not just looks," Duncan said.
