Miss Indiana Katie Stam crowned Miss America

by Amy Judd | January 24, 2009 at 06:11 pm

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Miss Indiana, Katie Stam, 22, has been crowned Miss America tonight.

The 22-year-old University of Indianapolis student battled a throat infection and laryngitis throughout the week but still drew loud applause for her rendition of "Via Dolorosa" during the talent competition.

She also strutted onstage in a black bikini and an off-the-shoulder, white lace gown.

The Miss America Pageant 2009 airs tonight and the judges have narrowed it down to 15 finalists already.

They have already had the opening dance number and the parade of states.

The pageant is 88 years old this year.

In a new twist this year, viewers of a lead-in reality show, "Miss America: Countdown to the Crown" voted in four of the finalists, while the judges announced the other 11 contestants moving on during a live TLC television broadcast from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The four finalists chosen by viewers are: Miss South Dakota Alexandra Hoffman, Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman, Miss Indiana Katie Stam and Miss Alabama Amanda Tapley.

The other 11 finalist picked by judges are: Miss Michigan Ashlee Baracy, Miss Delaware Galen Giaccone, Miss Arkansas Ashlen Batson, Miss Hawaii Nicole Fox, Miss District of Columbia Kate Marie Grinold, Miss Iowa Olivia Myers, Miss New York Leigh-Taylor Smith, Miss California Jackie Geist, Miss Florida Sierra Minott, Miss Kentucky Emily Cox and Miss Tennessee Ellen Carrington.