Miss America Fun Facts, Quotes and Tweets

12^th September 2016

Fact: Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields was crowned Miss America at the final of the competition on Sunday night (11Sep16). The 21-year-old, who studies fine arts at the University of Arkansas, will earn a six-figure salary and paid expenses during her 12-month reign, as well as an appearance agreement with DICk Clark Productions and a $50,000 (£37,667) scholarship. Shields was handed her crown by former Miss America Betty Cantrell in the ceremonial transfer of the title.

22^nd August 2016

Fact: U.S. Olympic gold medallist Gabby Douglas is set to be a judge at the Miss America 2017 pageant, heading to Atlantic City, New Jersey for the final round of the competition on 11 September (16). "Miss America has been such an amazing event for so many years and I am excited to have the opportunity to judge the competition this year," the gymnast tells USA Today. "The contestants are a great example of strong women across the USA and I especially look forward to hearing the platforms that each of them will represent!"

8^th December 2005

Quote: <p>"I'm a Southern redneck. I want to do red, white and blue Middle America shows with outdoor themes." Desperate Housewives hunk James Denton explains why he signed up to host the 2006 Miss America beauty pageant. </p>