Miss America 2009

Things to Do

Miss America 2009

Miss America 2009 is Katie Stam of Indiana.

22-year-old University of Indianapolis student Katie Stam is crowned by Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund of Michigan.

Miss California Jackie Geist congratulates Stam, who fought off a throat infection, laryngitis and 51 other contestants to win the 88-year-old pageant.

Stam won a $50,000 scholarship and hopes to obtain a bachelor's degree in communications and become a television news anchor. She began competing in pageants at age 15.

Stam drew loud applause for her rendition of "Via Dolorosa" during the talent portion of the pageant.

While the pageant has tweaked its image to regain popularity, some aspects remain: the swimsuit competition ...

... the evening gown competition ...

... and a short "interview," in which contestants were asked their thoughts on a current event or hot topic. TLC has tried to dash the days of answers that declared that "children are the future." Stam decried the use of performance-enhancing drugs among professional athletes and discussed the definition of glamour.

Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman was the first runner-up.

Stam was one of four finalists voted in by viewers, along with Hardman, the first runner-up, as well as Miss South Dakota Alexandra Hoffman and Miss Alabama Amanda Tapley.

The viewer interaction to name four contestants as "America's choice" was Discovery-owned TLC's attempt to stoke interest in this year's contestants. Once an American icon, the shine on Miss America's crown has been dimmed by slipping ratings and the popularity of more salacious reality shows.

Stam reacts to her win with Geist (center) and Miss Tennessee Ellen Carrington. The pageant was held at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

In the pageant's second year on TLC, Mario Lopez (left), of "Extra," hosted with an assist from Clinton Kelly of TLC's "What Not to Wear." Judges include actress Laura Bell Bundy, Miss America 1999 Nicole Johnson, hairstylist Ken Paves and Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones.

1/12

22-year-old University of Indianapolis student Katie Stam is crowned by Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund of Michigan.

Today's Gallery Headlines

GHSA Championship, Dance, Akins Ford Arena, Athens

PHOTOS: Georgia teams dance way to state championships

2h ago

Spring Training Day 3 (Thursday)

PHOTOS: Day 3 of Spring Training for Braves

Her Story Art and Food

AJC photos of the month -- January 2026

Spring Training Day 2 (Wednesday)

PHOTOS: Braves settle into day 2 of spring training

More Galleries

the weeknd

PHOTOS: The Weeknd electrifies the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium

PHOTOS: Beyonce fans saddle up for 4-day Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

College Park Juneteenth Parade standalone photo

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Parade held in College Park

4th Annual Rick Ross Car Show

PHOTOS: Rapper Rick Ross holds 4th annual car show in Fayetteville