Areas of Competition
The five phases of competition and the scoring percentages are as follows:
Talent: 35%
The
talent competition allows the contestant to showcase her performance
skill. The time limit for the talent presentation is two minutes and
must be performed live. Past talents have included singing, dancing,
playing a musical instrument, reciting a comedy or dramatic reading,
displaying fashion design, or art, baton, gymnastics, etc. Judges will
look for interpretive ability, technical skill, entertainment value,
stage presence and the integration of elements (costume, choreography,
music and/or props).
Pictured: Allyson Kearns, Miss Minnesota 2002, performing her talent at Miss America.
Private Interview: 25%
During
the private interview competition, the panel of judges has the
opportunity to learn about the contestant, her educational goals, and
commitment to advance her platform. In this phase each contestant meets
privately with the judges during a twelve minute interview. The
criteria for scoring is overall "first impression," exceptional
communication skills with a commanding presence, personality, personal
appearance and beauty, validated opinions and responses, ability to
fulfill the job responsibilities, sense of accomplishment, and
knowledge and understanding of platform issue.
Pictured: Karyn Stordahl, Miss Minnesota 2005, in her interview suit for Miss America.
Evening Wear: 20%
The
evening wear phase of competition is designed for the judge to assess
the contestant's beauty, poise, grace, and commanding stage presence
"across the footlights." Criteria for scoring are beauty, sense of
confidence, personality and stage presence, walk, carriage and grace,
sense of style and appropriateness of the evening wear. Does she take
command of the stage by simply walking onto it? The evening wear (not
the value of it) should complement the contestant's individuality.
Pictured: Nicole Swanson, Miss Minnesota 2006, in her evening wear at Miss America.
Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimsuit: 15%
The
lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit competition is designed to see how
well the contestant maintains a lifestyle of good physical health and
fitness, physical beauty, sense of confidence and composure, and
display of drive, energy, and charisma. A contestant may choose a one
or two piece swimsuit with rules applying to coverage.
Pictured: Tiffany Ogle, Miss Minnesota 2004, in her swimsuit at Miss America.
On-Stage Questions: 5%
The
on-stage interview phase of competition is designed for the contestant
to make an on-stage statement of her interests, opinion, and
aspirations. One or two questions may be asked and judges may only
consider the answer(s) to the question(s). Contestants are judged on
overall "first impression," charisma, and stage presence to be a
spokesperson. Special attention is given to whether or not the question
was answered in context and in the time allotted. Did the contestant
answer the question, and did she have the commanding presence to make
the audience want to listen to her?