Miss America: Countdown To The Crown

Hosted by Tyler Harcott, the series will follow the 52 state title holders as they live together on the Queen Mary luxury ocean liner and face a series of team and individual competitions to help them prepare for the pageant -- and prove they have what it takes to be the next Miss America.

Two consultants -- Kym Douglas and Antthony Mark Hankins -- will guide the 52 women through their experience and decide which contestant is best prepared for the 2009 title and tiara.

The contestants are expected to push their personal limits to win a gold sash and advance into the "top 15" at the Miss America pageant, which airs live on TLC from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on Jan. 24.

Voting begins after the 15 gold-sash finalists are selected and will be conducted via text messaging and on TLC.com/MissAmerica.

"For the first time ever, America has the chance to be a judge and select four of the contestants they think deserves to make it into the pageant," said Brent Zacky, vice president of development at TLC. "By giving viewers the chance to get to know the girls during "Countdown to the Crown", we are confident four great contestants will take the stage in January to compete for the Miss America title." (Source: http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/miss-america/about-miss-america.)