Miss America
The Top 15 contestants were announced Sunday night during the Miss America competition. Pictured: Contestants from the 2016 Miss America Competition pose outside Junior's restaurant as Miss America takes over New York City on September 1, 2015. Getty

Fifty-two women compete for the Miss America crown, but only one can walk away the winner. The 2016 competition kicked off at 9 p.m. ET on ABC at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall with co-hosts Chris Harrison and Brooke Burke-Charvet. All 52 contestants and celebrity judges – Brett Eldredge, Taya Kyle, Danica McKeller, Kevin O’Leary, Amy Purdy, Zendaya and Vanessa Williams – were introduced on stage before Chris Harrison announced the Top 15.

One contestant was chosen by America, while the remaining 14 were chosen by the judges. These are the state contestants that made the cut:

1. Miss Tennessee -- Hanna Robison *America’s Choice*

2. Miss Iowa -- Taylor Wiebers

3. Miss West Virginia -- Chelsea Malone

4. Miss South Carolina -- Daja Dial

5. Miss Florida -- Mary Katherine Fechtel

6. Miss Oklahoma -- Georgia Frazier

7. Miss Virginia -- Savannah Lane

8. Miss Alabama -- Meg McGuffin

9. Miss Colorado -- Kelley Johnson

10. Miss Louisiana -- April Nelson

11. Miss Texas -- Shannon Sanderford

12. Miss Nebraska -- Alyssa Howell

13. Miss Georgia -- Betty Cantrell

14. Miss Mississippi -- Hannah Roberts

15. Miss Arkansas -- Loren McDaniel

UPDATE: Three contestants were eliminated after the swimsuit round -- Miss Arkansas, Miss West Virginia and Miss Virginia.

UPDATE: Two more contestants were eliminated after the evening gown round -- Miss Nebraska and Miss Iowa.

UPDATE: Three more contestants were eliminated after the talent portion -- Miss Oklahoma, Miss Tennessee and Miss Florida.

RELATED STORIES