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Savvy Shields

NEW YORK. — Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields danced into the hearts of the judges to take the Miss America crown in Atlantic City last Sunday night.The 21-year-old, an early front-runner this week after winning a preliminary talent competition, topped a field of 52 contestants to nab the title.Shields, who succeeds outgoing Miss America Betty Cantrell, won a $50 000 scholarship along with the sparkling crown.

Miss South Carolina Rachel Wyatt was named the first runner-up and won a $25 00 scholarship. The second-runner up was Miss New York Camille Sims.

A senior at the University of Arkansas, Shields grabbed attention earlier this week with her jazz dance to “They Just Keep Moving The Line” from the series Smash.

Shields performed the dance once again on Sunday night after making the semifinals.

Miss Missouri Erin O’Flaherty, the first openly lesbian contestant in the pageant’s history, did not crack the top 15.

Neither did Miss Michigan Arianna Quan, who made headlines earlier this week when she spoke out against critics who said she was too “ugly” to be in the competition.

Along with Shields, Wyatt and Sims, the top 15 was rounded out by Miss Washington, Miss Massachusetts, Miss Idaho, Miss Iowa, Miss Texas, Miss California, Miss Oklahoma, Miss Maryland, Miss Tennessee, Miss Louisiana and Miss Mississippi.

The competition kicked off with the swimsuit round before the women strutted their stuff in evening gowns.

Then came the talent competition, which also featured a contemporary dance to a Carrie Underwood song by Miss South Carolina and baton twirling by Miss Texas.

The contestants were then asked about their thoughts on Donald Trump, Colin Kaepernick and Gretchen Carlson during the interview round.

Shields was asked what she thought of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

“Both of the contestants have done a good job, but they also need to watch what they’re doing,” she said, before correcting herself to say “candidates”.

Shields sported a black gown for her first walk as Miss America in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.

After taking part in a ceremonial toe-dip in the Atlantic Ocean yesterday morning, Shields’ year-long duties as the titleholder will begin. Shields will embark on a national speaking tour to serve her platform, Eat Better, Live Better, and will act as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Miss America was broadcast live on ABC and hosted by Chris Harrison, of The Bachelor, and ESPN personality Sage Steele.

Olympian Gabby Douglas, singer Ciara, and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban were the celebrity judges.

The pageant began in Atlantic City in 1921 as a way to extend the summer tourist season beyond Labour Day weekend.

It returned to New Jersey after being held in Las Vegas for 10 years in 2013, receiving $12,5 million in subsidies from the state. – dailymailuk.