January 28th, 2012 
Linwood, NJ (PRWEB) December 07, 2011
The 2012 Miss America Pageant promises to be a vibrant, colorful and exciting event, and the esteemed panel of national judges provides a diverse team from the worlds of entertainment, beauty, fitness and journalism. Lara Spencer, Lifestyle Anchor for Good Morning America revealed the panel of judges on this morning?s show. This year?s group of seven judges includes an accomplished dancer and musician, an international journalist, a talented reality TV producer, the matriarch of one of the most recognized families in Hollywood, a successful actress, a fitness pioneer, and a popular journalist. Each judge will evaluate the contestants from the preliminaries through the final night of competition, which will broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET/PT) on ABC.
The contestants vying for the title of Miss America exemplify all that is best in today?s modern woman. Miss America must be talented, intelligent and well-spoken, she is a leader with a strong commitment to her community, she understands the importance of health and fitness, and she is a role model for millions of women not only for her spot-on sense of style and fashion, but also because she has become a relatable ?it girl? who can connect with today?s contemporary woman. This year?s panel of judges is comprised of experts who focus on all of the categories in which each of the young women must excel to be named Miss America.
From the Field of Performing Arts- Mark Ballas ? A lifelong dancer and musician, Emmy nominated Mark has wowed viewers on ABC?s, Dancing with the Stars, for nine seasons, winning two mirror ball trophies (Season 6 with Kristi Yamaguchi and Season 8 with Shawn Johnson). Mark?s debut solo album HurtLoveBox was released by Hit Play Records ? Sony Red. His first single ?Hotwire? won Best Freshman Video on MTV and has been put in rotation on the network. Born in Houston to a family of international dance stars, Mark moved to London as a child; he attended the world-renowned Italia Conti Performing Arts School. Here, he not only danced, but also was required to sing, act and play an instrument. By age 12 he was writing and performing his own music, playing guitar, drums and bass. As an actor, Mark has played the lead in the musical Copacabana and took on roles in the UK tour of Maria de Buenos Aires, and The Buddy Holly Musical. In television, he has guest starred on Melissa and Joey and Samantha Who? When Mark isn?t performing, he is passionate about speaking to school-age kids about acceptance, sparked by his Uncle David?s suicide nine years ago. Through the grieving process, Mark and his mother Shirley began to align themselves with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They formed The Ballas Foundation and are committed to removing the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide.
From the Field of Communications ? Ra
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