FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[WEST PALM BEACH, FL] September 5, 2026 — The Miss America Organization is thrilled to announce the exceptional Celebrity Judging Panels for the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen Finals. Bringing together accomplished leaders, industry professionals, entertainers, and influential voices from across the country, these esteemed judges will play a critical role in evaluating this year’s delegates as they compete for the opportunity to serve as the 99th Miss America and the 21st Miss America’s Teen.
The Celebrity Panel Includes Miss America 1998 and Former Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle, Former United States Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Portia & Scarlett Founder Vicki Vlahos, Founditing Editor of InStyle Magazine Hal Rubenstein, International Supermodel and RHONYC Ubah Hassan, and Orangetheory Fitness Founder Ellen Latham.
The Miss America’s Teen Final Competition will take place Saturday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, followed by the Miss America Final Competition on Sunday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
This distinguished panel brings an extraordinary depth of perspective to the Finals. Entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the women who will carry two of America’s most iconic titles into the next chapter of their legacies, these esteemed judges will evaluate 104 exceptional delegates not only on their performances throughout the competition, but on the leadership, purpose, and potential they bring to the role. As the final moments unfold, their collective expertise will help determine the 21st Miss America’s Teen and the 99th Miss America.
This year’s Preliminary Panel of Judges includes: Alida Michal, Brooklyn Mack, Jill Twiss, J. Harrison Ghee, Lora Drasner, Shelly Bramhall, and Marisha Wallace. Each judge offers a unique professional background and a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
Charged with evaluating both Miss America’s Teen and Miss America delegates, the judges will ensure that every delegate is recognized for her individuality, artistry, and potential. Their insights will be instrumental in identifying the women who will carry forward the legacies of Miss America and Miss America’s Teen as role models and representatives of the organization’s mission: Empowering Women to Lead with Purpose.
Tune in live tonight, September 3, at 5:00 PM for the Teen Competition, followed immediately by the Miss Competition — streaming exclusively on PageantVision.com.
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About Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. (MASF):
Miss America is the nation’s leading empowerment and service platform for young women, supporting their personal and professional growth while inspiring them to serve as positive role models in their communities. Since 1921, Miss America has been dedicated to its mission of
“Empowering Women to Lead,” engaging thousands of young women nationwide, ages 14-28, as local and state brand ambassadors committed to community service.
Through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3), the program awards the largest amount of scholarships to women in America.