Nia Franklin Crowned Miss America 2019 in the First Ever ‘No Swimsuit’ Glamor Contest

Miss New York Nia Imani Franklin has been crowned the Miss America 2019! The glamorous talent contest that took place in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, on Sunday, witnessed the participation of 51 contestants from all across the state. But Franklin won the topmost title, leaving behind Miss Connecticut, Bridget Oei, who was honored as first runner-up.

 

Nia Franklin is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, holds master's degree in music composition from UNC School of the Arts and also, an Opera singer. After joining the Kenan Fellow program at Lincoln Center Education in Manhattan, Franklin moved to New York.

 

But the reason why Nia Franklin’s victory as 92nd Miss America will be recorded in history, because this is the first time ever, this globally known competition eliminated the swimsuit round.

 

Renamed as ‘Miss America 2.0’ the contest declared that the participants will no longer be judged on their outward appearance, “Starting this year, 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,”.

 

Amongst other changes, this revolutionary decision made the headlines in June when Gretchen Carlson, Miss America 1989 and chair of the Board of Trustees of the Miss America Organization announced it. Young women walking in bathing suits and heels had been like a tradition, a mandatory segment for years. However, on making the alterations Gretchen Carlson said, “I’ve talked to tons of young people who’ve said to me, ‘I’d love to be a part of that program, but I don’t want to parade around in a swimsuit”.

 

Carlson even stressed on calling the talent show a ‘competition’, rather than a ‘pageant’.

 

The evening gown section, one of the most gorgeous rounds of the Miss America show, has also been revamped. Now no hard and fast rule exists in terms of flaunting a gown, in fact, contestants can sport their personal style.

 

 

Former Miss America, Cara Mund crowned Nia Imani Franklin with the bejewelled tiara, and in her winning speech Franklin exclaimed, “It took a lot of perseverance to get here and I just want to thank my beautiful family,”.

 

Miss Franklin on her official Instagram account revealed that she wants to continue her passion for the arts and would try to give every child of her country a well-rounded education, “Me walking down the red carpet when I get my first Grammy nomination... DREAM BIG... Tonight, one of my dreams came true. Walking in a gown on the Miss America stage was the most amazing feeling. I shared my passion for the arts and how I will continue my work of advocating for the arts, so that every child in our country can have access to a well-rounded education.”