By Sara Israelsen
The crowd, the lights, the crown. Miss America will celebrate its 50th year on television this September, but with a twist in the talent portion.
This fall, viewers will notice that the traditional talent portion has been replaced by a video montage and a talent showdown between the final two contestants.
The contestant with the highest score after the talent portion will be crowned Miss America 2005.
In the past, with so many talents to be performed, the show lasted for hours. But with the change, the two live performances and video will create a more viewer-friendly, two-hour broadcast.
But not everyone is happy about the change. Brittany Wiscombe, current Miss Deseret and first runner up in June”s Miss Utah competition, said she is sad to hear about the change.
“Everyone that I”ve spoken with, who has competed before, is extremely disappointed,” she said. “For a girl to actually express herself through talent, [that”s the] essence of life, that and the ability to speak and do service.”
Wiscombe got involved with the pageant because of the opportunity it gave her to speak about raising awareness for children with special needs.
But instead of focusing on what the format change will take away from the program, Abbie Scott, executive director of Miss Utah USA and Miss Utah Teen USA programs, said she is looking at the benefits.
“I think it will be a very good change for them,” Scott said. “It will help ratings, which is wonderful.”
The Miss USA pageant is another scholarship opportunity for young women, with winners traveling to compete in the Miss Universe competition. Scott said this organization provides girls with scholarship, career and learning opportunities.
“We do this to empower women,” Scott said. “Our program is a vehicle to take them where they want to go.”
This pageant also showcases contestants, but through a different format.
Scott said the Miss USA pageant requires that all contestants be physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually well rounded. Those talents are measured through three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview – all of which are weighed equally.
“Miss Universe opts not to do the talent, because not every talent can be presented on stage,” Scott said. She cited girls who play sports, ice skate, excel in photography, etc., talents that are difficult to display on stage. “By not having a talent portion we allow more girls to have the opportunity to compete in and benefit from pageants.”
Yet despite the differences between the two pageants, Scott said the feeling in Utah is one of partnership.
“We”re really trying to help each other grow,” Scott said, referring to the Miss Utah America pageant. “We want a national winner. We”re trying to combine forces and help each other out. It”s only going to make our programs and winners stronger.”
