The pageant was broadcast live on ABC from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

At the conclusion of the final night of competition, Ericka Dunlap crowned Deidre Downs of Alabama as her successor.

Prior to competing in state pageants, the majority of delegates first were required to win a local title.

All contestants were required to be between the ages of 17-24, unmarried and a citizen of the United States.

Prior to the nationally televised competition, the delegates participate in three nights of preliminary competition (accounting for 30% of final night's score), where preliminary award winners are chosen in each category.