Tuesday, Jul. 05, 2011
Miss America Pageant's Bikini Debut in 1997
In an instrumental decision for feminine autonomy — and ratings — Miss America allowed contestants to sport two-piece swimsuits in 1997. This was the first time in the pageant's 77-year history that participants were given the option of wearing either the traditional one-piece or showing their tummies in a more revealing two-piece suit. During the swimsuit portion of the contest, which accounts for 15% of the overall score, contestants walk the stage in swimsuits and high heels and demonstrate their overall physical fitness, poise and posture. In response to the 1997 decision, then CEO Leonard Horn explained, "It is a major change from our tradition, but one we think consistent with our stressing of individuality."