2019 Miss America | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

The 2019 Miss America pageant took place on Sunday (September 9) and a new woman was given the crown!

Miss New York Nia Imani Franklin received the crown as North Dakota’s Cara Mund ended her run as Miss America.

“It took a lot of perseverance to get here and I just want to thank my beautiful family,” Nia said.

This year’s pageant was historic as the swimsuit portion was eliminated and the Miss America Organization announced that “candidates will no longer be judged on outward appearance. The choice of wardrobe is now open so everyone can express their own very individual style.”

Congrats to Nia on the big accomplishment!

Miss Michigan Emily Sioma is using her platform to raise awareness for an important issue.

While introducing herself in the beginning of the 2019 Miss America competition hosted at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Sunday (September 9), the Michigan resident spoke out about the ongoing crisis.

“From the state with 84 percent of the U.S. fresh water, but none for its residents to drink, I am Miss Michigan Emily Sioma,” she declared, causing an instant shock across social media.

Emily did not advance to the Top 15 despite her opening remark.

The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when drinking sources were changed in Flint, Michigan. Lead from the lead pipes was exposed to over 100,000 residents, and a federal state of emergency was declared in 2016. To date, while testing has shown water levels to be safe, residents are still instructed to use bottled or filtered water until all of the lead pipes are replaced in 2020.

Watch the moment here.

The 2019 Miss America competition is set to air tonight (September 9) and we have the scoop on the judges and hosts that will be involved in the annual event.

The competition has contestants coming together from each state to be named the winner of the annual contest. This year, the contestants range in ages from 18-24.

Be sure to tune into ABC at 9pm ET to catch all the action. Just Jared will also announce the winner right here when she’s unveiled!

Click inside to see who is judging and hosting the 2019 Miss America competition…More Here! »