© 2026 ABC News

For the first time, the revamped Miss America pageant took place sans its iconic swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

Instead, the emphasis was on the contestants' ability to answer questions and they were judged based on their passion, intelligence and overall understanding of the role of Miss America.

RIGHT NOW: @MissAmerica is in Times Square! pic.twitter.com/Ya3utk70lN

— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 11, 2018
\"PHOTO:
Carlo Allegri/Reuters
PHOTO: Miss New York Nia Franklin waves to the audience after winning the Miss America 2019 pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., Sept. 9, 2018.
>

Franklin said she had a lot of fun being in the competition since there was less pressure put on the candidates' physical appearance.

\"It was about what you have in your mind and in your heart,\" she noted.

ABC News' Catherine Thorbecke contributed to this report.

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