The Miss America Organization, dick clark productions and ABC announced today that wife of the late U.S. Navy SEAL “American Sniper” Chris Kyle and author, Taya Kyle, entrepreneur and businessman of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Kevin O’Leary and 2014 Paralympic snowboarding bronze medalist and motivational speaker, Amy Purdy will be judges on the “2016 Miss America Competition.” They join previously announced judge and country star Brett Eldredge. The “2016 Miss America Competition” returns to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (9:00 – 11:00p.m./ET) on the ABC Television Network. The evening will be filled with glitz and glam as 52 women compete for the coveted crown and scholarship.
For the first time in Miss America history, fans have the opportunity to cast their vote entirely on social media for America’s Choice. The winner of America’s Choice will move forward to the Top 15 in the competition. Fans can vote on both Facebook and Twitter by posting a status and/or tweet with the name of the state they are voting for and the hashtag #MissAmericaVote. Voting is now open and closes on Thursday, September 10 at 11:59PM ET.
“The Miss America Organization provides millions of dollars in annual college scholarship assistance making it the largest scholarship program for women in the United States,” said Kyle. “I am honored to be a part of an organization that not only helps the contestants but their communities and children as well. The women who compete in this program contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised over $10 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships.”
“The Miss America Title is a remarkable platform and an extraordinary opportunity for any woman that is awarded it,” said O’Leary. “As a judge, I’ll be looking for the woman that can best articulate how she will use this opportunity to advance a charity that will help others and/or build a business that will employ Americans, and above all use the title to encourage other young women to do the same. There is a reason that The Miss America Organization has been around since 1921 – it has helped young women make a difference for multiple generations. I’m very proud to be involved.”
“Miss America celebrates strong women who are passionate about serving as an advocate for their communities and strive to make a positive impact,” said Purdy. “I’m honored to be part of an organization with such a long and dedicated history of giving back.”
Additional hosts and judges for the “2016 Miss America Competition” will be announced in the coming weeks.