ZENDAYA JOINS CELEBRITY JUDGING PANEL FOR THE 95th ANNIVERSARY BROADCAST OF MISS AMERICA

The "2016 Miss America Competition" to Broadcast Live on Sunday, September 13th from Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall on the ABC Television Network

Television and recording star Zendaya will be a judge on the "2016 Miss America Competition." She joins previously announced celebrity judges, including country star Brett Eldredge; author and wife of the late U.S. Navy SEAL "American Sniper" Chris Kyle, Taya Kyle; entrepreneur and businessman of ABC's "Shark Tank," Kevin O'Leary; and 2014 Paralympic snowboarding bronze medalist, Amy Purdy.

The "2016 Miss America Competition" returns to 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.

"It's great to be part of a show that celebrates women who are in college or graduated, and striving to make the world a better place through their chosen platform, ranging from domestic violence and bullying to cancer research and female empowerment, while also embracing beauty and fashion," said Zendaya. "I remember watching Miss America as a kid, so it's an honor to help celebrate the 95th anniversary of the competition and to help select the next Miss America."

Additional hosts and judges for the "2016 Miss America Competition" will be announced in the coming weeks.

For the first time in Miss America history, fans have the opportunity to cast their vote entirely on social media for America's Choice. The winner of America's Choice will move forward to the Top 15 in the competition. Fans can vote on both Facebook and Twitter by posting a status and/or tweet with the name of the state/territory they are voting for and the hashtag #MissAmericaVote. Voting is now underway and closes on Thursday, September 10 at 11:59PM ET.

Tickets for "The 2016 Miss America Competition" are now on sale and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. For more information on "The 2016 Miss America Competition," please visit Miss America Organization's website at www.missamerica.org.

For the latest news, be sure to follow Miss America on social and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #MissAmerica.

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About Zendaya

Multi-talented actress and platinum-selling recording artist, Zendaya (Zen-DAY-ah), is quickly becoming one of this generation's most influential rising stars. Zendaya currently stars and co-produces the Disney Channel's hit spy comedy "K.C. Undercover," and is working on the follow-up to her self-titled debut album - which yielded the platinum-certified single "Replay." An NAACP, BMI and Teen Choice Award nominated entertainer, Zendaya has performed around the world, including at the White House. What's more, the multi-faceted artist continues to grow as a prominent figure in the fashion world. Zendaya's ability to command a red carpet has earned her a reputation among fashion elite, garnering praise from the likes of InStyle, Elle, Glamour, W Magazine, and more. In 2015, Zendaya was named one of "This year's emerging style icons" by Harper's Bazaar and invited to attend Vogue's prestigious Met Gala. Outside of entertainment, Zendaya is committed to a bevy of philanthropic work. She is an ambassador for Convoy of Hope, a U.N. Aids ambassador, has served as the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson last fall, and worked with Make-a-Wish Foundation and Keep A Child Alive. For more information on Zendaya, visit www.zendaya.com.

About The Miss America Organization

The Miss America Organization, a 501(c) 4 non-profit corporation, provides millions of dollars in annual college scholarship assistance making it the largest scholarship program for women in the United States. MAO is comprised of 52 licensed organizations, which includes all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. MAO contestants contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised over $10 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships since 2007.