A Sneak Peak

How it all began

Miss America 1981, Susan Powell and Vernon Desear, a 50 year Volunteer for the Miss America Pageant, provide an informed account of how it all began in Atlantic City, New Jersey, 1921.

Bert Parks

Bert Parks has become synonymous with the Miss America Pageant over the decades. His contribution to the Miss America Pageant extended far beyond his hosting duties, as he brought a sense of grandeur and professionalism to the stage, captivating audiences year after year. This section of the American Royalty Docuseries shines a light on his immense significance to the iconic event. This sections features interviews from 50 year volunteer Jay Pitts, former CEO Leonard Horn and former Miss America 1965 Vonda Kay Van Dyke.

Sharlene Wells on American Royalty

Former Miss America 1985 Sharlene Wells delves into the significance of being considered “American royalty” as a Miss America titleholder. This section of the American Royalty documentary explores the cultural impact and influence of the Miss America Pageant, both historically and in contemporary society. she sheds light on the evolving role of Miss America and how Americans are interested in “all things royal.”

Heather Whitestone Talent Performance

Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995, recounts her historic talent performance on the Miss America stage in Atlantic City. Another scene from the series American Royalty: The Miss America Pageant Its Legacy and Its Future, which covers 100 years of the Miss America Pageants history. To watch the feature version click on the links below.

Quarter Turn Controversy

The American Royalty series and Feature dive into the long forgotten and discontinued Quarter turns in the Miss America Pageant. Quarter Turns were a specific segment of the competition where contestants showcase their physical appearance and poise on stage. The purpose of the quarter turns is to allow the judges and audience to view each contestant from different angles and perspectives, evaluating their overall physical presence, posture, and grace. It provided an opportunity for the contestants to showcase their confidence, stage presence, and their ability to carry themselves elegantly. The concept of quarter turns in the Miss America Pageant, has been a subject of controversy and criticism over the years. Former Miss America 1974, Rebecca King, Miss America 1974, Dorothy Benham, and Miss America 1969, Judith Ford explain how a Quarter Turn is completed and the controversy behind them.

Dorothy Benham’s Convention Hall Story

In this clip from the series American Royalty, Miss America 1977 Dorothy Benham walks back into historic convention hall in Atlantic City. It is the same place she was crowned 44 years earlier.

Longstanding, meaningful Relationships

Miss America has had a longstanding and meaningful relationship with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), which has led to the creation of many powerful stories. The powerful stories that arise from the Miss America-CMN partnership serve to inspire others and highlight the strength and resilience of children facing health challenges. Miss America 2009 Katie Stam shares a life changing encounter from being in Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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