The Miss America pageant Tuesday announced it is dropping the swimsuit portion of its competition. 

The group says it is eliminating the swimsuit competition and making changes to its evening wear section, no longer requiring contestants to wear gowns.

Gretchen Carlson, a former Miss America who leads the group's board of trustees, says it will no longer judge women on their appearance.

Rather, she says, it's what comes out of their mouths that counts.

The organization says the contestants will highlight their achievements and goals in life and how they'll use their talents, passion and ambition to perform the job of Miss America.

The changes will take effect with this year's broadcast on Sept. 9 from Atlantic City, New Jersey.