Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund Crowned Miss America 2008 … From Anorexia to Miss America

19 year old Miss Michigan, Kirsten Haglund, was crowned the 2008 Miss America. Thankfully, she was not asked any questions on regarding geography or why Americans cannot find the US on a world map as last years contestant from South Carolina was. Just three years ago, Kirsten Haglund was was battling an eating disorder and today she finds herself Miss America 2008. 

LAS VEGAS —  Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund, a 19-year-old aspiring Broadway star, was crowned Miss America 2008 on Saturday in a live show billed as the unveiling of the 87-year-old pageant’s new, hipper look.

Haglund, of Farmington Hills, Mich., sang “Over the Rainbow” to clinch the title. She beat Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash, the first runner up, and Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto, the second runner up for the $50,000 scholarship and year of travel that comes with the crown.

Haglund, a cheery, classic blond, wore a revealing silver sequined dress and black bikini during the evening gown and swimsuit portions of the pageant. As her platform issue, she promised to advocate for awareness of eating disorders, an illness from which she has recovered.

Army Sergeant Competes for Miss America Title: Jill Stevens, A.K.A. ‘GI Jane,’ Can Shoot a Rifle and Model a Swimsuit 

Miss America’s image has taken a beating lately, but this year an unlikely hero may be coming to rescue of the beleaguered pageant: “GI Jill.”

Among the contestants who will parade their talents, poise and beauty before the judges tonight in Las Vegas is Miss Utah — Army Sgt. Jill Stevens, from Kaysville, Utah, who will trade in her cammies for haute couture.