Miss America 2017: Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields Crowned The Winner

Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields was named the winner of the 2017 Miss America pageant that was held in Atlantic City Sunday night.

Savvy Shields Is Miss America

Shields beat out 52 other women to be crowned the new Miss America, taking over for Miss America Betty Cantrell. The first runner up was Miss South Carolina Rachel Wyatt, while the second runner up was Miss New York Camille Sims. Miss Washington Alice Cooper and Miss Mississippi Laura Lee Lewis were the third and fourth runner-ups, respectively.

An art major at the University of Arkansas, Shields wowed during the talent portion of the Miss America pageant, performing a jazz dance to a song from the erstwhile TV show Smash. Shields was also lauded for her diplomatic response to a question about Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

“If you’re trying to be leader of the free world, everything you say and do matters and all of your actions are held to a higher standard,” Shields said. “Both of the contestants have done a good job, but they also need to watch what they’re doing.”

As Miss America, Shields wants to help people make better food choices in their daily lives.

The Miss America Pageant was held at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. It has been held at the New Jersey beach town since 1921.