Miss America Ditches Swimsuit Competition: A New Era of Empowerment and Talent
For generations, the image of beauty pageants has been inextricably linked with the swimsuit competition. Contestants, adorned in bikinis, would grace the stage, their physical appearance a key component of their overall score as they vied for the coveted title of Miss America. However, a seismic shift has occurred within this iconic American institution. As of the Miss America 2019 pageant, this long-standing tradition was officially retired, marking a profound transformation in how the competition defines and celebrates female achievement.
The announcement sent ripples across the nation, signaling a bold new direction for an event that has often faced scrutiny for its emphasis on outward beauty. This significant policy change was confirmed by a powerful figure at the helm: Gretchen Carlson, the chairwoman of the Miss America Organization and herself a former Miss America winner from 1989. Her leadership has ushered in an era focused less on physical attributes and more on intelligence, talent, and leadership — traits that truly define a modern woman.
Gretchen Carlson: The Visionary Behind the Transformation
Gretchen Carlson, a name synonymous with advocacy and change, spearheaded this pivotal transformation. Her own journey, from Miss America crown holder to a prominent journalist and a courageous voice against workplace harassment, provided her with a unique perspective on the evolving role of women in society. It was Carlson who made the groundbreaking announcement on the June 5 episode of Good Morning America, declaring a new philosophy for the institution.
“We are no longer a pageant. We are a competition. We will no longer judge candidates on their outward physical appearance,” Carlson stated emphatically. This declaration was not merely a tweak to the rules; it was a complete overhaul of the organization’s core identity. The elimination of the swimsuit segment was the most visible manifestation of this philosophical shift, a move that quickly garnered both praise and widespread attention. Carlson underscored the magnitude of the decision, adding, “That’s huge. We will no longer have a swimsuit competition.”
Her vision aimed to redefine Miss America, moving it away from antiquated notions of beauty pageants and positioning it as a dynamic competition that genuinely empowers women through scholarships, personal growth, and public speaking platforms. Carlson understood that to remain relevant in the 21st century, Miss America needed to reflect contemporary values and offer a more substantive challenge to its participants, one that highlights their intellect and character above their physical form.
Redefining Beauty: Beyond Physical Appearance
The rule change officially came into effect on September 9, 2018, during the live broadcast of the Miss America 2019 pageant, which was held in Atlantic City. This evening marked a significant departure from decades of tradition, with millions of viewers witnessing a competition fundamentally different from its predecessors. Beyond the swimsuit segment, Carlson also revealed that the evening gown portion, another staple of beauty pageants, would also undergo substantial updates to align with the new ethos.
“We’re no longer judging women when they come out in their chosen attire. It’s going to be what comes out of their mouth that we’re interested in,” she explained. This shift is profound. Historically, the evening gown segment has often been perceived as another opportunity to evaluate a contestant’s poise, grace, and physical presentation. Now, the focus dramatically pivoted to her communication skills, her ability to articulate her thoughts, vision, and personal platform. This emphasizes the substance over the spectacle, reinforcing the idea that a woman’s voice and intellect are her most powerful assets.
This redefinition of “beauty” transcends superficial standards. It acknowledges that true beauty emanates from within – from a woman’s character, her intellect, her leadership potential, and her capacity to inspire. By removing the emphasis on physical appearance, Miss America positioned itself as a progressive institution, aligning with broader societal conversations about body positivity, gender equality, and the multifaceted nature of female achievement. It sends a clear message that women should be celebrated for their minds and contributions, not just their figures.
Empowering Women: Expanding Accessibility and Diversity
A crucial motivation behind these transformative changes was the desire to make the Miss America competition more accessible and appealing to a wider, more diverse range of women. Carlson candidly addressed a common sentiment that had previously deterred potential contestants: “We hear a lot of people say … we’d love to be part of your program, but we don’t want to be out there with high heels and a swimsuit.” This feedback highlighted a significant barrier for many talented and ambitious young women who felt uncomfortable with or opposed to the traditional pageant format.
By eliminating these requirements, the organization aimed to open its doors to an influx of new talent. Carlson expressed optimism about the anticipated increase in participation and support: “We think we’re going to have a huge influx, not only in sponsors, but in young women. Who doesn’t want to be empowered, learn leadership skills and pay for college? And be able to show the world who you are as a person from the inside of your soul. That’s what we’re judging you on.” This statement beautifully encapsulates the new mission of Miss America: to provide a platform for personal development, educational advancement, and the celebration of inner strength.
The focus on empowering women, fostering leadership skills, and offering scholarship opportunities firmly places Miss America in a new light. It becomes less about a superficial contest and more about a robust program designed to equip young women with the tools they need to succeed in their careers, communities, and personal lives. This inclusive approach reflects a modern understanding of female empowerment, ensuring that the competition serves as a springboard for genuine achievement rather than simply a stage for physical display. The organization recognized that by removing arbitrary physical criteria, they could attract a pool of candidates whose true strengths lay in their intellect, advocacy, and ambition, thereby enriching the competition itself.
The Talent Portion: A Spotlight on Skills and Passion
With the diminished emphasis on physical appearance, the talent portion of the competition naturally gained even greater prominence. Gretchen Carlson wisely noted that the talent segment had always been a fan favorite, stating, “People actually like the talent part of the competition.” This insight provided a clear path forward: lean into what audiences genuinely appreciate and what truly showcases the diverse abilities of the contestants.
The talent segment offers contestants a unique opportunity to demonstrate their unique skills, whether through singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, delivering monologues, or showcasing other artistic and creative abilities. This portion of the competition is where a contestant’s passion, dedication, and years of practice truly shine. By elevating its importance, Miss America reinforces its commitment to celebrating the multifaceted talents that women possess, moving beyond one-dimensional evaluations.
This shift allows contestants to connect with judges and the audience on a deeper level, revealing their personalities and the culmination of their dedication to a particular craft. It transforms the competition into a more engaging and inspiring event, where young women are celebrated for their accomplishments and their ability to entertain and move others. This focus on individual skill and creative expression is a cornerstone of the new Miss America, aligning perfectly with its goal of empowering women to be their authentic selves and to showcase their unique contributions to the world.
The Business of Change: Ratings, Sponsors, and the Future
Implementing such a monumental change often raises concerns about its impact on viewership and financial backing. However, the Miss America board of trustees expressed confidence that these changes would ultimately benefit the organization. They were not swayed by potential short-term dips in ratings, prioritizing the long-term vision of relevance and positive impact. Their belief stemmed from the understanding that a more authentic and empowering competition would resonate more deeply with contemporary audiences and socially conscious sponsors.
Carlson articulated this optimism, predicting a “huge influx, not only in sponsors, but in young women.” This foresight speaks to the evolving landscape of corporate sponsorship, where brands increasingly seek to align with organizations that champion positive social values and empowerment. Sponsors are more likely to support a platform that genuinely invests in women’s education and leadership development, rather than one perceived as objectifying them.
The strategic move to pivot away from traditional pageant elements is a bet on the future. It demonstrates a commitment to remaining relevant in a world where perceptions of beauty and female achievement are constantly evolving. By modernizing its approach, Miss America aims to secure its legacy as a venerable institution that champions women’s potential, ensuring its longevity and continued ability to provide valuable opportunities for countless young women across America. This bold reinvention is designed to cultivate a new generation of supporters and participants, solidifying Miss America’s place as a forward-thinking competition for decades to come.
The Historic Evening: Miss America 2019
The Miss America 2019 pageant, held on Sunday, September 9, 2018, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, was not just another annual event; it was a watershed moment in the organization’s nearly century-long history. This live broadcast on ABC at 9 p.m. ET offered millions of viewers an unprecedented look at a reimagined competition. The absence of the swimsuit segment was immediately noticeable, signaling to both contestants and audiences alike that a new chapter had indeed begun.
The evening instead placed a pronounced emphasis on the interview segments, the talent showcase, and the updated evening gown portion where contestants’ verbal responses took precedence. The focus was firmly on the intellectual capabilities, communication skills, and personal platforms of the women competing. This historic night served as a powerful testament to Gretchen Carlson’s vision and the board’s commitment to transforming Miss America into a competition that truly mirrors the aspirations and achievements of modern American women.
The event itself became a powerful symbol of change, celebrating women not for their physical form, but for their voices, their intellect, their talents, and their potential to lead and inspire. It was a tangible demonstration of Miss America’s pledge to evolve with the times, proving that tradition can be honored while simultaneously embracing progress and fostering a more meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward for Miss America
The decision to eliminate the swimsuit competition from the Miss America pageant marks more than just a procedural change; it represents a profound philosophical reorientation. Under the dynamic leadership of Gretchen Carlson, Miss America has bravely shed an outdated tradition to embrace a more progressive and empowering mission. This transformation underscores a commitment to celebrating women for their intellect, their talents, their leadership potential, and their ability to effect positive change in the world, rather than their physical appearance.
By shifting its focus from “pageant” to “competition,” and prioritizing attributes that genuinely contribute to a woman’s success and societal impact, Miss America has taken a bold step forward. It has opened its doors to a more diverse cohort of young women, promising to equip them with invaluable skills, educational opportunities, and a platform to amplify their voices. This new era for Miss America is not just about adapting to changing times; it’s about actively shaping a future where women are recognized and celebrated for the full spectrum of their capabilities, from the inside out. The organization’s journey continues, now more relevant and inspiring than ever before.