Pretty groundbreaking. It will be interesting to see how the ratings are. I personally liked all of us sitting around thecTV giving our opinions.
I always thought this was totally awkward for the women. Are they putting something else in it’s place?
Remember when the ditched high heel shoes and they all walked barefoot in their swimsuits?
Honestly…I don’t think this will affect the ratings one bit. The part I liked best was the talent anyway.
And they are saying “they will no longer judge the contestants on their appearance.” Wasn’t that the whole point? I realize they have a talent section and that cringe-inducing question-and-answer thing, but they seemed to have almost no effect on the outcome.
I think there will be more one on one discussions with judges as a replacement. My favorite has always been Miss Universe anyway with their costumes representing their countries. Those girls are gorgeous.
Magnetron, I agree it was a beauty pageant…not a scholarship contest or a America’s got talent. I always thought it was anachronistic and never watched it even when I was a teenager, and I predict its well on its way to being DOA in terms of a national viewing audience.
They are also doing away with the evening gown portion. In its place, they will have each contestant wear what makes them feel comfortable. I would be wearing old pajamas and my hair on top of my head. Sexy. Also, it is no longer a pageant, it is the Miss America Competition. Whatever.
“I predict its well on its way to being DOA in terms of a national viewing audience.”
Agreed, as evidenced by year after year of declining viewership. These changes seem like a last ditch effort to try to shake things up in an attempt to reverse the trend.
Is there an age limit? Is it too late for me? I can do comfortable…never could find a dress…my talent is wobbly…or wobbling rather. 
Will the change be made at the state level also? It would logically have to be, as these are the women who go on to compete at national level.
Gretchen Carlson is the new head of the pageant…competition and has been instrumental in these changes.
So everyone still needs to be blonde?
If it becomes more of a “smart and talented young women to watch for”, I might actually watch.
I do believe they are trying to take emphasis off the physical attributes to some degree. I think I read it should now feel,more open to women of varying shapes and sizes without the swimsuit section.
Is this still on?
I’m amazed that it still exists at all. It is long overdue for cancellation.
I vote to include an athletic portion. It could be as simple as doing pushups or running a 5k!
How about some math equations while we’re at it?
I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched one of these silly shows.
They will not judge physical appearance at all? So the age-challenged (old), weight-challenged (fat), and gender-challenged (men) should have equal chances?