Neil Mitchell debates pageant changes with Miss America

The Miss America pageant has announced it is going to scrap the swimsuit section of the show, and start calling it a competition, not a pageant.

Gretchen Carlson, chairwoman of the Miss America board of directors, said contestants would no longer be judged on their outward physical appearance.

“I must admit I am a bit conflicted,” Neil said.

“I’m not the greatest fan of skimpily dressed part of those competitions, but on the other hand nobody is being harmed or coerced.

“You also wonder how exactly the new judging criteria will work, ‘talent’, ‘goals’ and ‘achievements’.”

Former Miss America Mallory Hagan (above) joined Neil from Alabama.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said.

“When you talk about the job of Miss America, everyday for an entire year, none of that requires a swimsuit.

“In fact contractually we are not allowed to appear in a swimsuit for that year.”

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Photo: AAP