Miss America

MISS AMERICA

About the Show

Hosted by Tyler Harcott, the series will follow the 52 state title holders as they live together on the Queen Mary luxury ocean liner and face a series of team and individual competitions to help them prepare for the pageant -- and prove they have what it takes to be the next Miss America.

Two consultants -- Kym Douglas and Antthony Mark Hankins -- will guide the 52 women through their experience and decide which contestant is best prepared for the 2009 title and tiara.

The contestants are expected to push their personal limits to win a gold sash and advance into the "top 15" at the Miss America pageant, which airs live on TLC from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on Jan. 24.

Voting begins after the 15 gold-sash finalists are selected and will be conducted via text messaging and on TLC.com/MissAmerica.

"For the first time ever, America has the chance to be a judge and select four of the contestants they think deserves to make it into the pageant," said Brent Zacky, vice president of development at TLC. "By giving viewers the chance to get to know the girls during Countdown to the Crown, we are confident four great contestants will take the stage in January to compete for the Miss America title."

About the Pageant

The Miss America Pageant has entertained millions since its humble beginnings as a "bathing beauty" contest in Atlantic City in the 1920s. The Miss America Organization is the largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, it gave more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance.

What to Expect in the Online Countdown

OK, so it's December and we "pageant people" are just starting to get really itchy, aren't we? Where are the contestant photos? Bios? When are we going to meet these girls, anyway?? Well, get ready pageant people, 'cause it's coming.

So much is coming, actually -- and it's really exciting! Along with all the contestant photos and bios, there will be quizzes about pageant history, as well as fun interactives that will let you live vicariously through the contestants -- 'nuff said on that for now. Plus I'll be here along the way, chiming in as much as you all can stand. I know, I can't think of anything better, either. So December should get your blood pumping, and will get everyone ready for the real fun -- the reality series, Countdown to the Crown, beginning Jan. 2!

I'm sure you've all read about the show by now -- the Queen Mary, the "golden sashes" ... THINK of the power you all will have when it comes time to judge (mwah hah hah)! We're really going to get to know these girls, and we will be able to help four of them into the top 15! There are no "power states" -- everyone is on equal footing. Put yourself in the contestants' shoes for a minute, however high heeled they might be. It doesn't matter what the state is on your sash -- you can impress the general public with your personality, beauty, wit, intelligence and charm... and it could score you a ticket to the top 15!

So, after the first show airs on Jan. 2, the first poll will appear on the Web site. You will then start your "judging": In week one you'll judge your first impression of the contestants based on their official photos. In week two, you'll judge their swimsuit photos, and in week three you'll judge their YouTube videos. And after the final episode, you'll help those four girls make it to the semifinals to compete on live TV from Las Vegas.

Phew - I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted already. That's a lot of stuff, and a lot of "face time" for the contestants. It's all starting -- pageant season is upon us!! It's like Christmas, only better. C'mon, you know you agree with me, my fellow pageant peeps!