Penthouse is not without its merits, but we may never be able to fully forgive the magazine for the pain it caused 24 years ago today. It was on that fateful day that Vanessa Williams, the reigning Miss America, was forced to relinquish her crown due to Penthouse's announcement that they would publish nude images of Williams in their September issue.

Surprisingly, posing in lesbian-themed photos didn't hamper the New York-raised pageant winner's career. Yet we can't help but think what could've been had she not been dethroned.

Would "Save the Best for Last" be a classic, rather than simply a staple of dentist waiting room mixtapes? Would Williams have allowed herself to play second fiddle to Arnold in "Eraser"? Is there a chance she might have taken more lesbian-themed photos? While we may never know the answers to these questions, we will always have a crush on Vanessa Williams.


Amanda Seyfried -- Todays Crush

    Attending the premiere of "Mamma Mia!" at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City.

    Jim Spellman, WireImage.com

    Shown on the cover of a poster for "Mamma Mia!" the movie.

    Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

    Plays Sophie in "Mamma Mia!"

    Universal

    As Sophie in "Mamma Mia!" alongside her character's mother played by Meryl Streep.

    Universal

    As Karen in "Mean Girls".

    Paramount

    At Kari Feinstein's Style Lounge.

    John Sciulli, WireImage.com

    As Samantha in "Nine Lives".

    Magnolia Pictures

    Attending the Los Angeles premiere of "Alpha Dog".

    L. Cohen, WireImage.com

    As Julie Beckley in "Alpha Dog".

    Universal

    Attending the Los Angeles Premiere of "Thief."

    Jesse Grant, WireImage.com