The Miss America pageant has long been a cultural touchstone, showcasing the poise and intelligence of young women from across the nation. Yet, like many institutions, it faced challenges and criticisms over the years. In 2018, the pageant made headlines when it announced a major overhaul, eliminating the swimsuit competition and emphasizing talent and advocacy. This bold move was met with both praise and skepticism, but it signaled a commitment to modernizing the competition and aligning it with contemporary values. Seemingly a good idea at the time, the Miss America Organization began to experience a disconnect from the pageant industry, which caused many lifelong followers to question the competition’s identity.
Under the stewardship of new CEO Robin Fleming in 2023, significant changes were introduced to the Miss America Scholarship Program. All state competitions and the Miss America Competition incorporated a fitness segment, aligning with contemporary standards of wellness and athleticism. Additionally, contestants were granted the option to compete either in the traditional talent showcase or in a speech competition named "HER Story," offering a platform for diverse forms of expression. Notably, the talent competition, a fixture since 1921, was no longer mandatory, reflecting the evolving priorities of the pageant. Last but certainly not least, the contestant pool expanded, as the administration chose to extend eligibility to contestants ages 18 and 28.
The new Miss America leadership also has embraced technology to engage with audiences in new ways. The recent launch of the Miss America app has allowed fans to follow the competition closely, vote for their favorite contestants, and access exclusive content. This digital presence has expanded the reach of Miss America, attracting a new generation of supporters and ensuring its relevance in an ever-changing media landscape.
Miss America 2024 and Miss America's Teen 2024 (formerly known as Miss America’s Outstanding Teen) took place from January 6th to January 14th at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida. These events mark the 96th installment of the historical pageant, coinciding with the 102nd anniversary of the Miss America tradition. 22 year old Madison Marsh of Colorado was crowned Miss America 2024, immediately attracting praise around the globe as the first member of the United States Armed Forces to win Miss America.
Since the most recent Miss America coronation, Madison Marsh has been a shining ambassador for the pageant and its values. Her appearances have captivated audiences, whether she's having High Tea at the International Headquarters of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, advocating for the USO on Capital Hill, or recapturing the hearts of pageant fans and enthusiast at The American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” Dress Collection® Concert. Through her grace and eloquence, she is reinvigorating the title of Miss America in American Culture.
At Super Bowl LVIII, Madison made a remarkable impact as she made her presence known at the most popular sporting event in the country. Alongside her fellow active-duty colleagues, Madison visited the "Super Bowl Experience," where she engaged with fans to discuss service both in uniform and in her role as Miss America. Amidst the excitement of the event, Madison graciously signed autographs, fielded questions from enthusiastic fans, and even took part in a thrilling virtual reality experience, racing through the virtual skies of Las Vegas, Nevada.
But Madison's contributions didn't end there. She also joined forces with over 20 top chefs and 30 NFL legends to address a pressing issue: student hunger. Through GENYOUth's End Student Hunger Fund, Madison participated in Taste of the NFL, a charity event aimed at tackling student hunger and empowering at-risk communities. By leveraging the platform of the Super Bowl, Madison and her fellow participants demonstrated their commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Again making headlines, the Miss America crown will capture fan attention during another popular sporting event. Madison will showcase her versatility and leadership by assuming the role of Honorary Pace Car Driver at the prestigious Daytona 500 on February 18th alongside honorary starter DJ Khaled and grand marshal Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Leading the field for The Great American Race, Madison will bring her trademark poise and charisma to the track, earning the admiration of racing enthusiasts and pageant fans alike.
As we reflect on the success of the new Miss America team, and the recent achievements of Miss America 2024, it's clear that the pageant is entering a new golden age. With its commitment to empowerment, diversity, and social impact, Miss America continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world. As we eagerly anticipate the future of this iconic institution, one thing is certain: the reign of Miss America is stronger and more radiant than ever before.
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