"COUNTDOWN TO MISS AMERICA" GIVES AN UNPRECEDENTED LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE 2015 MISS AMERICA COMPETITION

Chris Harrison and Lara Spencer Return to Atlantic City to Host The 2015 Miss America Competition - Live - Sunday, September 14 on ABC

For the first time in its 60 year television history, The Miss America Organization is allowing cameras to broadcast live in the hour leading to its famed competition. Hosted by "Good Morning America's" Amy Robach, "Countdown to Miss America" will cover every aspect of this year's pageant, including the exciting and nail-biting preliminary competitions as well as all of the evening's glitz, glam, ball gowns and bathing suits, as cameras go backstage where 53 young women will be preparing to represent their home states and territories, all hoping to bring home the crown. "Countdown to Miss America" will also take a historical look back at the Miss America Organization's nine decades of scholarships and service, and introduce viewers to more than 30 former Miss Americas, including actress Lee Meriwether who was the first Miss America crowned on national television 60 years ago in 1955.

Comedian and former Miss New Jersey, Dena Blizzard, will serve as special correspondent sharing live updates from inside the auditorium at Boardwalk Hall, where for the first time ever, the coveted Miss Congeniality Award will be announced live.

As previously announced, Chris Harrison ("The Bachelor") and Lara Spencer ("Good Morning America") return to co-host the 2015 Miss America Competition, live from Atlantic City's famed Boardwalk Hall. Featuring a judges panel that includes: television writer and executive producer Marc Cherry; former Green Bay Packer and Super Bowl Champion, Donald Driver; author and entrepreneur Kathy Ireland; U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson; General Anne Macdonald who served over 30 years in the Army; Actress and former Miss America, Lee Meriwether, and author, and CEO of VaynerMedia, Gary Vaynerchuk. The Countdown to the Crown together with the 2015 Miss America Competition will air on ABC, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET)

John R. Green is the executive producer of "Countdown to Miss America."