Miss Michigan named Miss America 2008

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund has been named Miss America 2008 in a lavish ceremony at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood Resort.

The 19-year-old Broadway hopeful topped all other contestants during the annual event, which embraced the concept of "the 'It' Girl" this year, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Sunday

"The 'It' Girl" concept was Miss America organizers' attempt to reinvent the 87-year-old pageant by casting the winner as a role model to today's younger generation.

"This is what this program needs, someone young, someone relevant," Haglund said. "I was in high school two years ago... I feel in touch with what young girls are feeling."

For her win at Saturday's gala event, Haglund not only received a $50,000 scholarship but will now represent the U.S. organization for the next year.

First runner-up for the Miss America crown was Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash, the Review-Journal said.