The Miss America Organization, dick clark productions and ABC announced today that for the first time since she was crowned Miss America 1984, one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in entertainment today, Vanessa Williams will make history when she returns to the Miss America stage after 32 years.
“Vanessa Williams made history by becoming the first African American to win the competition when she was crowned Miss America 1984, and she went on to conquer the worlds of music, Broadway, television, and film,” said Sam Haskell, Executive Chairman & CEO of the Miss America Organization. “It is a great honor to welcome her back to the competition as our Head Judge.”
Williams will serve as Head Judge for the 2016 Miss America Competition. She joins host Chris Harrison, co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet, Music Curator Nick Jonas and celebrity judges Brett Eldredge, Taya Kyle, Danica McKellar, Kevin O’Leary, Amy Purdy and Zendaya.
The 2016 Miss America Competition airs live from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (9:00 – 11:00p.m./ET) on the ABC Television Network. The evening will be filled with glitz and glam as 52 women compete for the coveted crown and scholarship.
