Johnston, Rhode Island's Darling

RI pageant star talks Toddlers & Tiaras
Isabella Barrett of Johnston appears on 'Anderson'

Updated: Thursday, 20 Oct 2011, 12:02 PM EDT
Published: Thursday, 20 Oct 2011, 11:26 AM EDT
Courtney Caligiuri


NEW YORK (WPRI) - Child beauty pageants have been around for years. On Thursday, a little pageant star from Rhode Island got some big attention on national television.

Isabella Barrett from Johnston, Rhode Island is one of three "Toddlers & Tiaras" stars, who along with their moms, appeared on Anderson Cooper's show, "Anderson."

The episode takes a look at the real impact of pageants on the kids. Barrett said her favorite part about being in beauty pageants is "makeup." She also admitted to Anderson that she enjoys getting a spray tan too.

Some of the other girls say they have been participating in pageants since "they could walk."

Isabella's mom, Susanna Barrett, said her 5-year-old daughter got started in pageants because of her eldest daughter. According to Barrett, when Isabella saw the glitz and glamor, she couldn't resist joining.

On Thursday's show, "Toddlers and Tiaras" moms defended their daughters participating in pageants, but many critics believe it's abusive behavior and sexualizes children.

Child pageants is a growing industry. There are more than 5,000 child pageants held annually in the United States.