Phases of Competition

Miss America is both a business and a culturally specific brand that transcends being just a beauty pageant. Miss America herself is a critical member of the Miss America Organization marketing team and works to advance the business of scholarship and community service for women. The Miss America judging system distinguishes Miss America via a form of Olympic scoring where each contestant competes against ONLY herself.

Private Interview - 25%

Each contestant participates in a 10-minute personal interview with our panel of judges. Contestants are questioned on their background as presented on their resume, their education and career goals, their opinions on current events and social issues, their platform issue, and their interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities. Scoring is based on overall communication skills, including personality, intelligence, validated opinions, emotional control, overall first impression and personal appearance, and whether the contestant possesses the overall qualities and attributes of a Miss America. Each interview concludes with the opportunity to make a final statement to the judges.

On-Stage Interview - 15%

Each contestant will be asked one on-stage question that is written by the judges directly after her interview. This question is an extension of the contestants private interview and each contestant will have 20 seconds to answer it.

Talent - 40%

Contestants perform a 90-second routine of their own choosing. Some possible talents include all types of singing, dancing, gymnastics, instrumental music, dramatic or comedic monologues, baton twirling, and ventriloquism. Other talents that can be performed solo on a stage are also possible. Scoring is based on the contestant's skill and personality, interpretive ability, technical skill level, stage presence and the totality of all elements, including costume, props, voice, use of body and choreography.

Red Carpet and Social Impact Statement - 20%

Evening wear should express a sense of style and appropriateness for young women ages 17 to 25. The Evening Wear phase of competition is designed for the judge to assess the candidate’s beauty, poise, grace, and commanding stage presence. The candidate’s total look is considered. Her evening wear (not the value of the evening wear) should complement the candidate’s individuality. It is permissible to wear cocktail dresses, evening pant suits, or long gowns. Each contestant will have 8 seconds during her red carpet walk to make a statement about her chosen social impact initiative.

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