Why 53 contestants in miss america

We're supposed to rage against the sight of all those young women being "exploited. I don't ride that bus. Too much negativity. Over the years, I've covered a few pageants - even judged the Miss Philadelphia pageant once. And I always walk away feeling inspired by the contestants. I remember once being brought to tears by a contestant's vocal performance. I know I'm in the minority. Seeing someone being beautiful and talented makes people feel inferior to other people. I can understand that there is a little bit of jealousy there.

One reason the pageant lacks support is because people don't understand why all those women - this year, 53 will compete in Sunday's night final in Atlantic City - would bother with a tradition that arguably has outlived its sell-by date. In conjunction with CMT and, ultimately, TLC, the Organization was fortunate to align itself with new network partners who understood the intrinsic value of this institution while making it more relatable to young women across America.

She was the first Asian-American and the first teacher to win the title. A decision had to be made on whether or not the pageant should be postponed. National scholarship awards increase to over 40 million dollars. She dedicated her year to Empowering Youth Against Violence. George F. Casual Wear Competition was added to the judging criteria and lasted two years. Chris Harrison served as Host.

Kinila Callendar became the first Miss U. Virgin Islands to compete for the national crown. It made an official partnership with the U. In a return to tradition, Malika Dudley, Miss Hawaii, became the first young woman to be awarded the Miss Congeniality title in over 30 years.

She dedicated her year to Protecting Children on the Internet. Popular television star Mario Lopez served as Host. Representing Michigan, Kirsten Haglund became the first teenager to wear the Miss America crown in fourteen years and dedicated her year to raising awareness of eating disorders. Event name. Event date. Location city, state. Event description and Miss America's role. Of course, Miss America wears a crown—she rules. It was a modest success. Decisions were made to increase the number of scheduled public attractions and make it a two-day event the following year.

Subsequent city finalists would be judged on personality and social graces during citywide summer events. They would become known as the Inter-City Beauties. She would also win a trophy for her appearance in the Boardwalk Parade noting her popularity with the crowds of parade-goers. Ruth Malcomson. Norma Smallwood is crowned in Despite being in the throes of the Great Depression, he convinced the city it was losing out on valuable revenues for having abandoned it.

But, Atlantic City Hotelmen refused to endorse its return. Nichols tried to redevelop contacts from the s. But Atlantic City businessmen remained adamant in their decision not to stage the pageant. Although not nearly the scope of the s events in Atlantic City, it is considered a success. Atlantic City gave Armand T. Thirty representatives took part, most wearing state titles.

But gone were the outdoor parades and other attractions deemed too expensive to stage for Depression-era businesses. Prizes to the eventual winner fifteen year old Miss Connecticut, Marian Bergeron were also hard to come by. Miss America Marion Bergeron. During World War II, the pageant once again faced discontinuation, this time because of war. In a close vote which took several hours to decide, Miss Philadelphia Frances Marie Burke took home honors in being named Miss America The judging system used at the National finals was hereafter required at all local and state pageants as well.

Although not the only returning titleholder to come back to the competition, the First Runner Up Rosemary La Planche Miss California , successfully took the national crown as an overwhelming favorite. The rules were amended so that no woman could compete for the title of Miss America more than once.

Slaughter was named Executive Director. Jo-Carroll Dennison became the first Texan to take the title. She and her twenty-nine fellow titleholders carried hope across the nation as they served in camps, hospitals, defense factories, U. Clubs, and Red Cross Canteens. Some even donned the uniforms of women in the armed forces. This planted a seed within the mind of Lenora S. Slaughter that took Miss America in a new direction within two years. It promoted her marketability for her entire year of service.

After winning the title, Miss Betbeze refused to pose in a swimsuit, which infuriated Catalina Swimwear, a major sponsor. Scholarships were still awarded to contestants placing eleven to fifteen. Organizers decided to take those funds in later years to give more women educational rewards through the Miss America competition. Future film star Anita Ekberg, as Miss Sweden, was invited as a special guest and received Hollywood offers galore.

Neva Jane Langley became the first Georgia representative to win the title. Bob Russell was the emcee. Long-time musical director Glenn Osser also made his debut. Representing Colorado, Miss America Sharon Kay Ritchie became the first Miss America to be crowned with the style of crown we are familiar with today.

On its tenth anniversary, The Miss America Scholarship Foundation reached the one million dollars mark in scholarships awarded to young American women. A beautiful program of Pageant entertainment was presented to the wives of the visiting politicians.

This provided a splendid opportunity to enlighten our state-governing officials about the real purpose and vast educational program of the pageant. A more comprehensive as well as appreciative attitude resulted toward all State Pageant Committees.

She imitated Marilyn Monroe in the talent competition. Upon her victory, her town of 2, people went into action. All entrances and exits to the town were blocked by the Fire Department. All travelers were stopped, served refreshments and invited to join in the celebration. First, the Parade was televised live in its entirety.

And second, every state in the Union was represented at the National Finals. A quarter of a million dollars in scholarships were awarded on the local and state levels alone. Talent scoring in the local, state, and national pageants doubled the amounts accorded for the evening wear and swimsuit competitions.

Absecon Island residents for the first time were eligible to compete in a local preliminary, which led to The Miss America Pageant finals. State winners no longer met with judges at breakfast conferences. Instead, one-third of the contestants met with them in groups of three in the afternoon prior to their appearance in the evening wear competition each night. The 50th Anniversary in saw a rise in television ratings, but people were still questioning the relevance of Miss America.

The Allman Medical Scholarship Foundation was initiated. Rebecca received nationwide publicity during her tenure for her pro-choice stance while a country was torn over the Roe vs.

Rigual hasn't confirmed whether or not that was her intention and Bustle's request for comment from the Miss America Organization on the monologue has not yet been answered. Regardless of what she may or may not have been trying to say, Miss Puerto Rico put on quite the show. There may be 52 contestants competing in the Miss America pageant on Sunday, but clearly, some have already started to stand out. By Rosie Narasaki. See All Health Relationships Self.