Miss America Says Bye-Bye to Bikinis
In a bold move that has pageant fans buzzing, the Miss America Organization announced on June 6 that it will ditch both the swimsuit and evening gown competitions for 2019.
“We’re changing out of our swimsuits and into a whole new era #byebyebikini,” the organization posted, complete with a bikini melting into a puff of smoke.
What’s the Big Picture?
Former Miss America 1989, Fox News anchor, and now board chair Gretchen Carlson tackled the transformation on Good Morning America. “We’re no longer a pageant,” she said. “We’re a competition.” The wording swap signals a shift from glitz to substance.
Shocking? Perhaps. Yet the decision is clear: we’ll no longer judge contestants by their looks. The swimsuit and gown rounds are officially scrapped.
It’s All About Impact, Not Fashion
- “What matters is what comes out of their mouths,” Carlson said. “We’re interested in their social impact initiatives, not their high‑heel or swimsuit choices.”
- She promised, “We’ll celebrate your achievements and talents, then hand out scholarships.”
- Surveys suggest many young women want to join the program but not “stand in high heels and a swimsuit.”
Gretchen Carlson – The #MeToo Champion
Her advocacy for the #MeToo movement and her legal battle against the former Fox News CEO set the stage for her leadership. She was the first former Miss America to chair the board, following the ousting of the organization’s executive for sexist remarks.
What’s Next?
The revamped 2019 Miss America competition will take place on September 9 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and air on ABC. Get ready for a new era of brains, passion, and scholarships—and ditch the beachwear!
