News / Entertainment
Miss Indiana 22 year old crowned Miss America
Katie Stam of Indiana beat out 51 other contestants to be crowned Miss America on Saturday night. Stam former Miss Indiana who has laryngitis and a throat infection still came out the winner.
Katie Stam Miss Indiana is crowned Miss America 2009 in
Katie Stam of
The 88 year old pageant was held at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in
Stam flaunted herself onstage in a black bikini and an off-the-shoulder, white lace evening gown. Katie Stam impressed the audience with her performance during the talent portion of the show with her rendition of Via Dolorosa. She came across well during the interview section of the competition sharing her view on the use of performance-enhancing drugs by professional athletes and opined on the definition of glamour.
"That beauty that you feel on the inside, it's that confidence, that radiance inside of you, that's what glamour is," Stam said.
Stam won a $50,000 scholarship and [plans to receive a bachelor's degree in communications and aspirations to become a television news anchor. Stam started competing in pageants at age 15.
The women competed as usual in swimsuit competition along with, evening gown, talent competitions, as well as a short "interview." Contestants were asked their thoughts on a current event or hot topic.
Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman was the first runner-up. Her winnings were a $25,000 scholarship.
