Emma Broyles, the contestant from Alaska, was crowned Miss America at an event Thursday marking the competition’s 100th anniversary.
What began as a 1921 Atlantic City beauty pageant has evolved away from the emphasis on looks alone – contestants are no longer judged on physical appearance – with a new focus on leadership, talent and communication skills. In 2018, the event dropped the swimsuit competition.
Broyles claimed the centennial crown and a $100,000 college scholarship. She emerged as the winner out of 51 contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia at the competition at a Connecticut casino.
The finale that historically has been featured in a primetime television broadcast was available only to stream this year via NBC’s Peacock service.
Miss Alabama, Laura Bradford, was crowned as the first runner-up in the competition. It was the highest finish for a Miss Alabama contestant in the national pageant since Diedre Downs won in 2005. Bradford is the seventh Miss Alabama to finish in the top two.
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