Miss America postpones competitions due to coronavirus concerns

NEW YORK (WISH) — The 2021 Miss America competition will be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organization announced Friday in an Instagram post.

The board of directors voted unanimously in favor of postponing the competition and said the other 51 qualifying competitions will also be put on hold.

“As we all know, this moment in our history is one that will change the course of many programs, businesses, and institutions, and the Miss America Organization is not alone in navigating these challenges,” said Shantel Krebs, Miss America Board Chair. ”At this time, as an organization, our greatest concern is to make sure the thousands of people who are involved in or volunteer for our program are safe.”

The organization says it’s working with the state qualifying organizations to amend rules and eligibility for the 2020 and 2021 competition years.

Miss America 2020, Camille Schrier, will continue to serve until her successor is crowned.

The winner was originally supposed to be decided in December, but it’s unknown when that’ll happen.