Miss America Pageant Eliminates Swimsuit Portion The Miss America pageant will be more inclusive to women of all sizes. Gretchen Carlson, chairwoman of the Miss America board of directors, announced the event will no longer feature the swimsuit segment. We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance. That's huge. Gretchen Carlson, on ‘Good Morning America’ It’s not the only change to the 97-year-old event. Contestants can wear “whatever they choose” for the evening gown competition. Carlson said the #MeToo movement is behind these huge changes. We're experiencing a cultural revolution in our country with women finding the courage to stand up and have their voices heard on many issues. Gretchen Carlson, via CNN Miss America is proud to evolve as an organization and join this empowerment movement. Gretchen Carlson, via CNN