Changes Announced for the 2006 Miss America Pageant

"Miss Congeniality" Award Returns for the First Time Since 1974

Pageant to Air Live on CMT Saturday, January 21, 2006 From The Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- The Miss America Organization announced today a series of changes that will be made to the 2006 Pageant, including the return of the "Miss Congeniality" award, not seen in Miss America pageants since 1974.

Changes to the 2006 Pageant include:

- Expansion of Talent Competition - Five finalists, rather than two, will perform in the televised talent portion of the contest.

- Return of the Sashes - The contestants' sashes will be featured more prominently in this year's production making it easier to identify and support the contestants.

- Return of "Miss Congeniality" Award - Not seen in Miss America Pageants since 1974, "Miss Congeniality" makes its triumphant return. This award is an important tribute to one lucky contestant based on votes from her fellow contestants.

- Elimination of the "Quiz Show" and "Casual Wear" Categories - The 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT will instead devote time to core elements which emphasize the contestant's personality, talent, grace and beauty.

With the elimination of the "Quiz Show" and "Casual Wear" elements, the overall scoring process for the 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT has been adjusted accordingly. The new scoring system is as follows:

- Composite score = 30% (same as 2005)

- Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit = 20% (formerly 15%)

- Evening Wear = 20% (formerly 15%)

- Talent = 30% (formerly 20%)

Hosted by James Denton, the 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT premieres live on CMT on Saturday, January 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT (tape-delayed to the West Coast). CMT secured the rights to the MISS AMERICA PAGEANT through 2007, with options to renew through 2011.

CMT, America's No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches more than 78.7 million households in the United States. Go to country music's biggest web site at http://www.CMT.com.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. For more information, go to http://www.missamerica.org.

The Aladdin Resort & Casino, the future home of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, is a joint venture partnership involving Robert Earl, founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood International, Inc., Bay Harbour Management LC and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The property will continue to operate as the Aladdin Resort & Casino during the renovation process which is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2006. Upon completion of renovations the property will be re-branded and renamed the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, a Sheraton hotel. For more information, go to http://www.aladdincasino.com.

SOURCE CMT
Web Site: http://www.CMT.com http://www.missamerica.org http://www.aladdincasino.com