A former Fresnan won the preliminary talent competition Thursday night at the Miss California Pageant at Saroyan Theatre.

Jillian Stout, who's pictured here, is Miss Northern California Regional in this year's pageant. Three years ago, she competed as Miss Fresno County.

Stout graduated from Clovis West and now lives in Malibu. Thursday, she sang an operatic number and beat out some tough competition. Miss Tustin Catherine Watters put on a crowd-pleasing exhibition of baton twirling and Miss City of Orange Emily Brandenburg captured the audience with a rousing violin performance.

Miss Ventura County Jennifer Kohlenberger won the night's preliminary evening wear competition.

Competition continues Friday night.