And finally, Sunday is the big night as the new Miss America will be crowned at Boardwalk Hall.
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Miss Michigan Arianna Quan and Miss Ohio Alice Magoto won preliminary contests on the third and final night of preliminary competition.
Hitchen said the social activism of many Miss America contestants resonates with the gay community; the Miss’d America drag queen parody pageant raises $300,000 a year for local and national charities and has become the top social event of the year in Atlantic City’s gay community.
The evening will be filled with glitz and glam as 52 women compete for the coveted crown and scholarships.
Even if you’re not planning on watching the pageant this weekend, you can put your Miss America knowledge to the test with our runway-tested quiz. “I can’t wait to host alongside Chris Harrison to see what this year brings”.
The list of beauty queens competing for the 2017 crown come from all 50 US states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
“From the state that gave you four USA presidents, from Lincoln to Obama, I’m running to be your first lady”, Miss Illinois Jaryn Franklin quipped. “Coming home to those messages reminds me I am here for a objective, and doing something bigger than myself”.
Miss Puerto Rico Carole Rigual performed a dramatic monologue titled “Crossroads”, and Miss Washington Alicia Cooper tap danced to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud”.
Another huge ovation greeted Miss Kentucky Laura Jones, who performed a violin solo to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”.
When it comes to saying their opinions loud and clear, several contestants opened up about appreciating the arts and supporting healthy living during the interviews.
Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields believes people should be aware of what they eat before buying and consuming food.
“It pays for those mortgages and vehicle payments so all their attention is on these children who have cancer”, she said.
Miss New Mexico Stephanie Chavez said parents should help children read as an enjoyable hobby.
“The greatest casualty is being forgotten”, she said.
O’Flaherty said she plans to run for Miss America on the platform of preventing suicide, which disproportionately affects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.
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On Tuesday night, Miss District of Columbia Cierra Jackson won the swimsuit competition, while Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess won the talent portion by singing The Eagles’ “Desperado”.
