Areas of Competition
The five phases of competition and the scoring percentages are as follows:
Talent: 35%
The talent competition allows the contestant to showcase her performance skill. The time limit for the talent presentation is two minutes and must be performed live. Past talents have included singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, reciting a comedy or dramatic reading, displaying fashion design, or art, baton, gymnastics, etc. Judges will look for interpretive ability, technical skill, entertainment value, stage presence and the integration of elements (costume, choreography, music and/or props).
Pictured: Allyson Kearns, Miss Minnesota 2002, performing her talent at Miss America.
Private Interview: 25%
During the private interview competition, the panel of judges has the opportunity to learn about the contestant, her educational goals, and commitment to advance her platform. In this phase each contestant meets privately with the judges during a twelve minute interview. The criteria for scoring is overall "first impression," exceptional communication skills with a commanding presence, personality, personal appearance and beauty, validated opinions and responses, ability to fulfill the job responsibilities, sense of accomplishment, and knowledge and understanding of platform issue.
Pictured: Karyn Stordahl, Miss Minnesota 2005, in her interview suit for Miss America.
Evening Wear: 20%
The evening wear phase of competition is designed for the judge to assess the contestant's beauty, poise, grace, and commanding stage presence "across the footlights." Criteria for scoring are beauty, sense of confidence, personality and stage presence, walk, carriage and grace, sense of style and appropriateness of the evening wear. Does she take command of the stage by simply walking onto it? The evening wear (not the value of it) should complement the contestant's individuality.
Pictured: Nicole Swanson, Miss Minnesota 2006, in her evening wear at Miss America.
Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimsuit: 15%
The lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit competition is designed to see how well the contestant maintains a lifestyle of good physical health and fitness, physical beauty, sense of confidence and composure, and display of drive, energy, and charisma. A contestant may choose a one or two piece swimsuit with rules applying to coverage.
Pictured: Tiffany Ogle, Miss Minnesota 2004, in her swimsuit at Miss America.
On-Stage Questions: 5%
The on-stage interview phase of competition is designed for the contestant to make an on-stage statement of her interests, opinion, and aspirations. One or two questions may be asked and judges may only consider the answer(s) to the question(s). Contestants are judged on overall "first impression," charisma, and stage presence to be a spokesperson. Special attention is given to whether or not the question was answered in context and in the time allotted. Did the contestant answer the question, and did she have the commanding presence to make the audience want to listen to her?
To be eligible to compete in a Miss America local competition, you must:
*Be between the ages of 17 and 24 (17 on the day of the competition in the local pageant, and not older than 24 on December 31, 2008, to compete in Miss America 2009)
*Be at least a senior in high school and have graduated from high school to compete in the state competition
*Be a United States citizen
*Meet residency requirements for competing in a certain town & state
*Complete and sign the contract (available from Miss Midwest Director)
*Complete the Resume and Platform statement according to the instructions as set forth by the Miss America Organization
*Be in good health to meet the job requirements
*Be able to meet the time commitment & job responsibilities as set forth by the local program in which you compete.