Miss America Sets a New Standard for New Generation of Beauty Queens

Miss America Organization executives announced that effective this year, the Swimsuit Competition will be removed from the pageant. The organization aims to promote a new generation of female leaders focused on scholarship, social impact, talent, and empowerment.

In a report by The Washington Post, the changes came up when former Fox anchor and Miss America 1989 winner Gretchen Carlson stepped in as the new Chairman of the board. Carlson advocates for women to find the courage to stand up and have their voices heard with regards to specific social issues.

With the decreasing number of Pageant enrollees and various women who cited that they are hesitant about wearing a swimsuit on stage, the organizers made a move to put a stop to this brand of “body shaming.” Instead of wearing bathing suits and heels onstage, the candidates will now undergo a live interactive session with the judges. According to a statement from the Miss America Organization, this new portion of the pageant “will highlight [the contestant’s] achievements and goals in life, and how she will use her talents, passion, and ambition to perform the job of Miss America.”

Aside from the elimination of swimsuit competition, Miss America will change the evening gown competition criteria. According to Carlson, “we’re not judging women when they come out in their chosen attire, their evening wear, whatever they choose to do. It’s going to be what comes out of their mouth that we’re interested in when they talk about their social impact initiatives.”