Miss America’s Got Talent: Spotlight on the Preliminary Talent Competition

The stage is set, the spotlights are bright, and the most anticipated evening of the Miss America competition is here: the Preliminary Talent Competition! With an incredible lineup of performers showcasing their skills, this event promises to be a true celebration of artistry and dedication.

Tonight’s talent show begins at 7:30 PM ET, while the Miss America’s Teen delegates wowed the judges earlier at 4:30 PM ET. You can catch all the action by streaming it live at Pageant Vision.

Meet the Judges

A competition of this caliber calls for an esteemed panel of judges with unparalleled expertise in music, theater, dance, and literature. Let’s meet the minds behind the scores:

Andrew Lippa A Tony, Grammy, and Emmy-nominated composer, Lippa is the creative genius behind the scores for The Addams Family, Big Fish, and I Am Harvey Milk. He also penned the hit song "Evil Like Me" from Descendants.
Renée Lawless Known for her role as Katheryn Cryer on The Haves and the Have Nots, Lawless brings her experience as a Broadway actress, gospel singer, public speaker, and philanthropist to the judging table.
Rashaan James II A performer and choreographer with credits in Crazy for You, Dirty Dancing, and West Side Story, James is also a faculty member at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and Broadway Dance Center. He serves on the Board of Directors for Actors' Equity Association, the nation’s largest actors’ union.
Billy Gilman A three-time Grammy-nominated country artist and The Voice runner-up, Gilman’s latest Bluegrass single, "Roller Coaster," showcases his passion for storytelling through music.
Janet Dacal Known for her roles in Broadway hits like In The Heights and The Band’s Visit, Dacal has also toured with Ricky Martin and Shakira. Her Cuban-American-inspired solo album, MY STANDARDS, highlights her unique artistic voice.
Morgan Parker An award-winning poet and author, Parker’s works like Magical Negro have appeared in prestigious publications such as The Paris Review and The New York Review of Books. Her perspective adds a literary dimension to the panel.
Curtis Moore A three-time Emmy nominee for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Moore has composed for Broadway (Lucky Guy) and TV (HouseBroken). His expertise spans musical scoring and conducting for productions around the globe.

What to Expect

Each contestant will bring their unique talents to the stage, from soaring vocal performances to intricate dance routines and everything in between. These moments are a chance for the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen delegates to shine, showcasing not only their abilities but also their dedication and poise under pressure.