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AMY ROBACH, GRETCHEN CARLSON

Source: Paula Lobo / Getty

Miss America is eliminating its swimsuit competition and will no longer judge contestants based on physical appearance, the organization announced Tuesday.

“We are no longer a pageant,we are a competition,” says Gretchen Carlson, the first former Miss America to be named chair of the Board of Trustees of the Miss America Organization.

In place of the swimsuit portion of the competition, Miss America contestants will now take part in a live interactive session with the judges.

The organization is also getting rid of the evening gown portion of the competition and instead asking contestants to wear attire that makes them feel confident, expresses their personal style and shows how they hope to advance the role of Miss America.

These changes to Miss America aim to help the organization be more inclusive and empowering for all women. Carlson also said that she hopes the revamped competition will resonate more with young people.

Wow…big changes!

The 2019 Miss America Competition airs live on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 9 p.m. EST.

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