The 2013 Miss America pageant begins tonight at 9 p.m. E.T. with a live broadcast from the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Some of the most beautiful women from the 50 states in the union as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico will gather for annual competition to vie for the title of Miss America.

The 53 contestants participated in the first phase of the competition which began on Tuesday with three nights of preliminary events.

The preliminary competition winners include: Miss Oklahoma Alicia Clifton, Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers, Miss Maryland Joanna Guy Miss Illinois Megan Ervin, Miss North Dakota Rosie Sauvageau, and Miss Washington Mandy Schendel.

Tonight's show will begin with the first 16 finalists announced followed by a series of rounds that include competitions in swimsuits and evening gowns. The woman will also display their unique talent and have to answer a question during the interview phase.

This year's hosts include "Dancing with the Stars" personality Brooke Burke-Chavet and Chris Harrison of "The Bachelor."

The woman that wins the crown will also receive a $50,000 scholarship and a yearlong run as an advocate and role model supporting the organization. Part of her new job will be to travel on a tour across the country speaking to groups and raising money for the organization's official charity, Children's Miracle Network.

The Miss America organization seeks to provide a way for young women to reach their goals as well as uniting to a common cause of service to the community. The annual pageant began in 1921 and has become one of the largest providers of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year the organization provided around $45 million in tuition assistance to women across the country, according to the Miss America website.

Click here for the live blog of the 2013 Miss America pageant tonight at 9 p.m. E.T. or tune into ABC.