First Look At Miss America Bikini Competition

INSIDE EDITION got a behind-the-scenes look at the 88th Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City as it hopes to revive the crumbling gambling Mecca.

INSIDE EDITION was there as the ladies hit the stage to practice for the all-important bikini competition.  

The 88th Miss America Pageant is taking place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which has taken huge financial hits in past months.  With four of its 12 casinos shutting down, many are hoping the nearly century old pageant will bring a little Lady Luck.

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Jasmine Murray, Miss Mississippi, said, “This is the home of Miss America and I think this is exactly where it should be.”

Miss New Jersey, Cierra Kaler-Jones is the hometown favorite. For her, it’s personal, saying, “I grew up right around the Miss America Pageant. I live only about 15 minutes away and my parents work at the casinos. My whole life I only wanted to stand on the Miss America stage.”  

Twenty-year-old Miss Idaho, Sierra Sandison, who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, will grace the stage with an unusual accessory—an insulin pump.  

She said, “I'll just hook it right here on my bikini and everyone can see it.”  

INSIDE EDITION was also behind-the-scenes as the contestants practiced for the evening gown competition. 

Miss America and Atlantic City, who could ask for anything more?