The 96th edition of the Miss America pageant, titled Miss America 2024, unfolded at the illustrious Walt Disney Theatre within the esteemed Dr. Phillips Centre in Orlando, Florida. The live finals commenced precisely at 7:00 p.m. ET, showcasing a dazzling spectacle of talent and beauty. On Sunday, January 14, a total of 51 formidable contenders hailing from each of the 51 states of the United States and the District of Columbia fervently vied for the prestigious title.
Miss America 2024 Winner
In a momentous triumph on Sunday night in Orlando, Florida, 22-year-old Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh, concurrently pursuing her master's degree in the public policy programme at the Harvard Kennedy School, clinched victory at the 2024 Miss America pageant.
Madison Marsh
A remarkable achievement, Marsh not only secured the coveted national title but also etched her name in history as the fourth woman hailing from Colorado to do so. Notably, she stands as the inaugural active-duty Air Force officer to attain this prestigious honour.
Miss America 2024: Top 5 Contestants
The top 5 finalists for the Miss America 2024 competition are:
- Miss Rhode Island – Caroline Parente
- Miss Indiana – Cydney Bridges
- Miss Kentucky – Mallory Hudson
- Miss Colorado – Madison Marsh
- Miss Texas – Ellie Breaux
Miss America 2024 Host
Taking the stage as this year's hosts are the dynamic duo of television correspondent and film critic Nikki Novak and the multifaceted entertainment reporter and producer Terrance J. Steering the proceedings with finesse, they promise an evening filled with glamour and excitement.
The distinguished panel for the event comprises a constellation of luminaries, including the esteemed model and actress Cynthia Bailey, entrepreneur and author Elena Cardone, breast cancer advocate Ambassador Nancy Brinker—founder of Susan G. Komen—CEO and wellness advocate Susan Malzoni, former model and entrepreneur Shelley Goodstein, and the seasoned wedding and entertaining expert David Tutera. This assemblage of accomplished individuals brings a wealth of expertise and insight to the Miss America stage, ensuring a captivating and memorable experience for all.
Miss America 2024 Prize Money
Diverging from the conventional model of pageants, Miss America distinguishes itself by eschewing cash prizes, TV contracts, or modelling deals. Instead, it adopts a unique approach, focusing exclusively on empowering women through scholarships, and nurturing their academic and professional pursuits.
The titleholder is awarded an impressive $50,000 scholarship, and this commitment to education extends further. The top 15 finalists, along with winners in various categories such as talent and interview, receive educational grants. This dedication to acknowledging diverse accomplishments is a constant across all levels, spanning from local and state competitions to the grand national stage.
A pivotal moment in the pageant's evolution occurred in 2018 with the elimination of the swimsuit competition. This marked a significant paradigm shift, aligning Miss America more closely with its core values of service and scholarship. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Gretchen Carlson, it was recognised that women need not showcase swimsuits to merit scholarships, emphasising a progressive and inclusive approach to the pageant's mission.
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