Live from Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, on TLC

04 Jan '08

5 min read

Since retiring from competition, Joyner-Kersee has devoted herself to giving back to her community. As Founder and Chairperson of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, she spearheaded fundraising efforts to collect more than $12 million to build a safe haven for young people.

From the Field of Talent - JASON LA PADURA - This native New Yorker is the casting genius behind the Disney Channel phenomenon "High School Musical" and will soon begin work on the feature film, "High School Musical 3." He is currently casting the NBC hit "Heroes" and CBS' "Cane."

From the Field of Fitness - KIM LYONS - As a star of NBC's hit show, "The Biggest Loser," Lyons exemplifies fitness. Lyon's first book will be published in January 2008. She is also featured in the bestselling "The Biggest Loser" Cookbook, and "The Biggest Loser" Workout DVDs.

From the Communications/Interview Field - ROBIN MEADE - As the lead news anchor for Headline News' morning show, "Morning Express with Robin Meade," she has anchored the network's coverage of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Before joining CNN, Meade worked at NBC Chicago where she covered the 1996 Olympics, which included reporting on the Centennial Olympic Park bombing. Meade is a former Miss Ohio who competed in the 1992 Miss America Pageant. She is the recipient of two Emmy Awards.

From the Field of Leadership Development - JAMES ARTHUR RAY - Ray is the President and CEO of James Ray International, a multi-million dollar corporation dedicated to teaching individuals to create wealth in all areas of their lives: financially, relationally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. He has been featured on Extra, The Today Show, Larry King Live, and the Oprah Winfrey Show for The Secret.

This year, America has the opportunity to select a surprise 16th pageant finalist with Miss America: America's Choice, an online competition that allows viewers to vote for their favorite Miss America contestant.

Fans can vote by visiting beginning on Friday, January 4, after the first episode of TLC's new reality special, MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK and through the final episode on Saturday, January 26 (3 AM EST).

The contestant with the most votes, who is not already included as a top 15 finalist, will be chosen as "America's Choice," and be revealed during the MISS AMERICA LIVE! finale.

MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK premieres January 4, at 10 PM (ET/PT) and airs consecutive Friday nights leading up to the MISS AMERICA LIVE! Finale on January 26.

Hosted by Michael Urie, the four-part series is designed to get these 52 state winners to forget everything they've learned in "pageant schools" over the years ... the walk ... the talk ... the hairspray ... and prepare them for the final competition to select Miss America 2008 ... the relatable "it girl" who can connect with modern woman.

Miss America Organization

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