Miss America

Miss America (1954- )

RunningVariety show

Miss America (also known as the Miss America Pageant) is a beauty pageant that is held annually and is open to women from the United States between the ages of 17 and 24. Originating in 1921, the contest is now judged on competitors' talent performances and interviews in addition to their physical appearance. It is run by the Miss America Organization, a not-for-profit corporation based in Linwood, New Jersey, which has developed the "Miss America Scholarship Program", which awards educational scholarships to successful competitors. The stated purpose of the contest is that it "provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of unique nationwide community-based programs". Miss America travels about 20,000 miles a month, changing her location every 24 to 48 hours, touring the nation and promoting her particular platform of interest.

Networks
Scheduleevery Sunday

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2025-09-07The 2026 Miss America PageantSep 7, 2025
2021-12-16The 2022 Miss America PageantDec 16, 2021
2021-12-16The 2021 Miss America PageantDec 16, 2021
2019-12-19The 2020 Miss America CompetitionDec 19, 2019
2018-09-09The 2019 Miss America CompetitionSep 9, 2018
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Miss America premiere?

Miss America first aired on July 7, 1954.

What caused controversy for the 1954 pageant?

The crowning of Miss New Jersey, Borniece McKinney Burns, as the first African American Miss America, caused controversy.

Who hosted the 1954 Miss America Pageant?

Bert Parks hosted the 1954 Miss America Pageant.

Name one talent performed by a contestant that year?

One of the talents performed was opera singing.

Which contestant won?

Miss New Jersey, Berniece McKinney Burns, won the 1954 Miss America Pageant.

How many contestants competed?

There were 51 contestants who competed in the 1954 Miss America Pageant.

Cast

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Characters

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Also known as

  • Miss America Competition (United States)
  • Miss America Pageant (United States)

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