Pageant parameters: Miss America's little-known rules
Behind-the-scenes regulations reveal an old-fashioned pageant with some surprisingly liberal policies.
MISS AMERICA is 93 years old. In some ways, she's the same girl she's always been. In others, not so much.
Here's a behind-the-scenes peek at the contest's current rules, regulations and requirements.
Age limit: 17-24. (After 24, there's always Miss USA, which allows contenders a couple more years.)
Gender: Competitors must be legally (but not necessarily born) female.
Citizenship: Must be U.S. citizen.
Residency: You must live in the state you rep, but it's not unusual for a would-be Miss to change addresses to improve her chances.
Registered voter: Not required.
Single: No wives, widows or divorcees allowed. (The winner can't get hitched during her reign, either.)
Motherhood: No moms allowed.
Measurements: Remember when you knew each state's height, weight and bust? Then you remember back to 1985, the last year those figures figured in.
Character: To make it this far, said Miss America CEO Sam Haskell, each "girl" must have "morality and integrity," which he defined as, "who you are in the dark." Also: No criminal record.
Sexuality: LGBT is OK. This year, one Miss South Carolina hopeful was a lesbian. She didn't make it to the national stage. (So far, the only openly gay participants nationally have been judges. This year, it's Lance Bass and Mario Cantone.)
Grade Point Average: Not a requirement for this scholarship competition.
Body decoration: Piercings and tats, permitted. (Get a load of the ink on Miss Kansas' abs.)
Body augmentation: Teeth whitening, spray tanning, plastic surgery, Botox, butt and bra padding, and other enhancements? Permitted!
Evening wear: A dozen "wardrobe mistresses" ensure gowns' slits don't reach Angelina Jolie-esque heights. Most dresses cost $1,000-$5,000. Many are donated by designers and sponsors.
Swimsuits: For the most-watched portion of the competition, officially "Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit," contestants can choose a one- or two-piece. Last year, all 53 donned bikinis.
Footwear: Not pageant-provided. Heels as high as they want.
The prep: From their last rehearsal to the big show, contestants have 4-4.5 hours to get camera-ready.
The makeup: By Rain Cosmetics, whose pros will be on hand Sunday to help apply.
The hair: It's DIY only.
Chaperones: One "hostess" per every six "girls," according to Haskell.
The crown: Made since 1996 by K.A. Concepts (thebestcrowns.com), the custom brass and Swarovski crystal headpiece weighs 6 ounces.
The pin: Miss America must wear her crown to most major appearances. When the crown's off, she must wear her crown lapel pin. And clothing, of course.