The 96th edition of Miss America pageant which is slated to take place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey is walking towards the finale with all the finalists. At the conclusion of the finale, Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell from Georgia will pass on her crown to her successor.

The Miss America Organisation thought of going game at the finals this year as the contest welcomes the gold medallist of USA at the Rio Olympics to grace the panel of jury - Gabby Douglas, along with musician and actress Laura Marano.

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On August 22’ 2016, the Miss America Organisation made the official announcement at the official Miss America Facebok page. “We're very excited to announce that Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas and musician and actress Laura Marano will join our panel of judges for the live broadcast of the 2017 Miss America Competition!”

The other judges who will be joining the two will be Sharlene Wells Hawkes, Cole Swindell, Sara Foster and Mark Cuban.

Chris Harrison will return as host of Miss America pageant for his eighth year, alongside Sage Steele, who would be taking the Miss America stage for the first time.

Miss America 2017 contestants will be judged on the basis of talent performances and interview. The finale of Miss America 20117 will be broadcast by ABC in the United States, with Dick Clark Productions producing the ceremony. A total of 52 candidates will be competing to clinch the coveted title.

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