Miss America will no longer have its contestants compete in swimsuits and will stop referring to itself as a pageant. This is an effort to move the 97-year-old event forward in the #MeToo era.
According to reports, Gretchen Carlson, the new chairperson of the board of trustees for the Miss American Organisation, announced the changes on a show on Tuesday as part of the competition's attempt to shift its emphasis away from comparing women's looks and bodies.
"We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance," said Carlson, who was crowned Miss America in 1989.
The re-imagined event will feature a live interactive session with the judges in place of a swimsuit competition and contestants can opt to wear any attire that makes them feel comfortable and confident during what typically is the evening gown portion.
The changes will be in place for the next Miss America competition, set for September 9 in Atlantic City.