contestant – n. one who participates in a competition

pageant – n. a beauty contest

coup – n. sudden attempt by a small group of people, often military members, to seize and take over the government of a country

overwhelm – v. give too much of a thing to someone

grief – n. a cause of deep sadness

faith – n. the belief that something is good, right and able to be trusted

have the upper hand – phr. to get into a stronger position than someone else so that you are controlling a situation