Service. Scholarship. Success. Style.

These are four attributes that all 51 contestants have, and they came from all over the United States to compete in Miss America 2.0 in Atlantic City this past Sunday. 

Formerly referred to as a pageant, it is now branded as a competition as the organization strives to focus more about the person and less on appearances. One notable difference with this show was the removal of the swimsuit competition. In its place, contestants asked each other questions that they wrote themselves. 

On Good Morning America,  Franklin said she was proud to be “a piece of history” when she was crowned in first swimsuit-less competition.

While the changes were well received by some, it was difficult for some fans and former contestants who have followed the pageant, I mean competition, to embrace all of them.

Former Miss Indiana Haley Begay had a mixed reaction to the new elements.

“I like how they focus on the intelligence more, but I dislike how they cut traditional competitions like swimsuit and gown.”

Admittedly, I, too, missed the traditions of past years. I have gone to Miss America for the past three years. One year, they were hosting the dinner at the Golden Nugget, and because my aunt works there, we were able to go.

I’ve always enjoyed watching the pageant/ contest because it’s interesting to see what each contestant decides to do for talent, what they wear for evening gown, and what they have to say. Two years ago I actually had the privilege of going to dinner with all 51 of the contestants and I actually got to sit down and talk with some of them and learn more about them.

Attending this past Sunday in Atlantic city was definitely different.

As soon as I walked in I noticed that the huge crown that hung above the stage for years was gone. There was no longer a runway for the outgoing Miss America to do her final walk, and for the newly crowned Miss America to take her first walk as Miss America. I did enjoy that they interviewed each other and that after they walked the red carpet, they were able to say something brief.  And it’s always fun to see the starts. I was excited that I was able to take pictures with the host Carrie Ann Inaba, Current Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Current Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen, and Former Miss America Savvy Shields.

Nielson reports indicated that this year’s ratings were even lower than last year. Time will tell if audiences will embrace Miss America 2.0, or if the pageant will continue with this trend.

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