THE COMPETITION EXPERIENCE!
What do the judges look for
The categories and percentage below are used at the local level (ie. Miss Winona) and the state level (Miss Minnesota) for both the Miss and Teen age divisions. The phases and percentages are subject to change at the National level. Importantly, the value of a contestants wardrobe and her physical shape and size are not considered at any time during the competition – This competition is designed to find the most qualified representative for her community based on community service initiative, dedication to her craft and skills, intelligence, and ability to relate to members of the public from any walk of life.
PRIVATE INTERVIEW: Contestants begin with a 30 second opening statement, introducing their Community Service Initiative to the judges. This is followed by a 9 minute Q&A and an optional 30 second closing statement. The discussion with the judges ranges in topic from the Community Service Initiative, to education goals, to current events.
What is judged:
What is judged:
- Ability to fulfill the qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and term of the titleholder
- Commitment to her community service initiative
- Ability to express beliefs in an authentic and relatable manner
- Sense of accomplishments and goals
- Spontaneity, intelligence, sense of humor, charm and charisma.
- Authenticity and ability to answer questions in a conversational and unrehearsed manner
- Ability to serve as a representative of her generation
ON STAGE CONVERSATION: This is a single question asked to each contestant pertaining to the Community Service Initiative. It is an opportunity to underscore the importance of, and passion for, their chosen community service initiative.
What is judged:
What is judged:
- Commitment to the ‘Service’ point of the crown
- Unique perspective on community service and it’s local impact
- Desire to create interest in your community service initiative
- Intelligence, personality, charisma, and aptitude for the titleholder’s opportunity
- Sense of composure in presenting ideas on stage
- Interactivity with the panelists and the audience.
HEALTH & FITNESS*: Contestants showcase their commitment to health and fitness initiatives. A contestant's discipline and commitment to being physically healthy is a key to success in all areas of life. The routines are of equal length and choreographed to highlight their personal fitness.
What is judged:
What is judged:
- Comfort and confidence level on stage
- Overall impression of health and fitness commitment
- Spontaneity and flow of presentation
- Preparedness to serve as a health and fitness ambassador
TALENT*: Contestants’ presentations may include singing, dancing, baton twirling, acting, instrumental performance and more. Additionally, contestants who may not have a traditional stage talent are encouraged to present a “HERstory” piece – a personal story which can move, inspire, or entertain.
What is judged:
What is judged:
- Performance or storytelling skills
- Ability to capture the attention of an audience while performing on stage.
- Interpretive ability and entertainment value
- Stage presence, on-stage personality and personal connection to her story.
EVENING GOWN: This is an opportunity for the contestant to showcase the sense of style they would bring to the role while attending galas, fundraisers, award shows, and other formal events. Scoring is not based on the actual or perceived cost of the delegates’ wardrobe.
What is judged:
What is judged:
- Ability to capture attention on stage
- Comfort, confidence, and composure
Rebel Athletics is the official Health & Fitness Sponsor. All local contestants must wear the Miss America Rebel line, can be used in as many locals as you wish. State will require a new Rebel outfit. The Miss America Style Guide are suggestions on what to wear during Health & Fitness.
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Miss America APPROVED TALENT LIST
(click on link to right) New approved talents Ballroom Dancing* Stunt Cheer* *Partner Approval by Request |

FROM THE MISS AMERICA WEBSITE!
Miss America and Miss America’s Teen officially welcome ballroom dancing and cheerleading as NEW talents for on stage competitions. These additions open up fantastic opportunities for participants to showcase their skills with a human prop!
Please note the following guidelines for these talents:
Performance Time: Each talent performance, whether ballroom dancing or cheerleading, will remain 90 seconds long.
Partner Requirements: If your performance involves a ballroom or cheerleading partner prop, they must be dressed in all black. Solo performances by partner props are not permitted.
We are excited to see the incredible talent and creativity that will come from these new additions. Learn more about the Miss America Opportunity by finding your state at MissAmerica.org.
Miss America and Miss America’s Teen officially welcome ballroom dancing and cheerleading as NEW talents for on stage competitions. These additions open up fantastic opportunities for participants to showcase their skills with a human prop!
Please note the following guidelines for these talents:
Performance Time: Each talent performance, whether ballroom dancing or cheerleading, will remain 90 seconds long.
Partner Requirements: If your performance involves a ballroom or cheerleading partner prop, they must be dressed in all black. Solo performances by partner props are not permitted.
We are excited to see the incredible talent and creativity that will come from these new additions. Learn more about the Miss America Opportunity by finding your state at MissAmerica.org.