The first night of preliminaries kicked off the week-long competition and saw the contestants answer questions on-stage, perform their talent and show off their evening gowns and swimsuits.
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Brewer, of Manchester, Md., will receive a $1,000 scholarship for her preliminary win.
O’Flaherty is one of 52 contestants competing for the coveted Miss America crown this week.
It was the first of three nights of preliminary competition at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.
Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess took home the talent award with her rendition of “Desperado” by The Eagles while Miss District of Columbia Cierra Jackson won the lifestyle and fitness competition. The final night of the competition will be September 11 at 9 p.m. EST.
The 23-year old Miss Missouri spoke with Robin Roberts on “GMA” and spoke about her excitement to compete.
The remaining preliminary stages will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, with the victor crowned during a televised contest in the U.S. on Sunday.
“I know that he’s looking down and smiling and has a big grim on his face”, she said.
Miss Maryland Hannah Brewer won the swimsuit competition, while Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields won the talent portion by jazz dancing to “They Just Keep Moving the Line”, a song from the former TV show “Smash”.
“One of my favorite things about dance is connecting with the audience”, she said.
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“They literally missed Miss America”, Helfant said.
“From the state with the highest number of lightning strikes in the nation, I’m comin’ in hot!” said Miss Florida, Courtney Sexton.
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Bullying, suicide prevention, support for the military and helping both children and the elderly figured prominently in the contestants’ onstage interviews.
