Miss America 2009

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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.

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

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