Miss America Goes Reality

In 2004, the Miss America Pageant drew its most dismal ratings performance ever, with about 9.8 million viewers tuning in. In comparison to other talent shows such as America's Next Top Model or American Idol, who regularly draw viewing audiences of over $20 million, it seemed that maybe the pageant had seen its day in terms of national popularity.

However, due to a recent retooling Miss America may be making a comeback by modeling itself after the very shows that sunk its popularity to begin with.

The 2007 Miss America Pageant will be a talent search akin to American Idol and will air on the Country Music Network in a seven episode series titled "Finding Miss America." And its producers are not hiding their desire to emulate the new wave of reality TV.

"We consider ourselves the first reality TV," said Art McMaster, president of the organization. "Last year we realized our once-a-year show wasn't cutting the cake. We saw reality shows like American Idol passing us by. We feel America has got to get to know our contestants."