'Shark Tank' judge Kevin O'Leary ready for Miss America pageant

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Tuesday, September 8, 2015
VIDEO: Kevin O'Leary ready to judge Miss America pageant
"Shark Tank" judge Kevin O'Leary says he's ready for the challenge and he's looking for the Miss America contestants to sell him on the crown.

The new Miss America will be crowned in Atlantic City in just a matter of days.

There is a star studded cast of celebrities sitting on this year's judges' panel.

And while some may think Miss America is won on the stage at the Boardwalk Hall, one judge says he's already watching.

Kevin O'Leary is known as one of the fiercest judges on the hit ABC show "Shark Tank."

But he's also got the reputation for making dreams come true.

And this weekend, that's exactly what he'll do for one lucky lady when he helps crown the newest Miss American in Atlantic City Sunday night.

O'Leary says he's ready for the challenge and he's looking for the contestants to sell him on the crown.

"Tell me you're going to use the platform and the branding to start a business and I will make you Miss America because that's an amazing outcome for somebody. It's not just about putting a crown on a beautiful woman, it's about what she's going to do with it from that second forward," he said.

And O'Leary has done his homework - he's already following all 52 contestants on social media.

He said he wants to find someone who can represent that iconic crown around the world.

"This is a global brand. You stop 10 people on the streets on Cambodia, half of them are going to know what Miss America is," said O'Leary.

Another familiar face will head up the judges panel, actress Vanessa Williams.

Williams was the first black woman to win the crown back in 1984. It will be her first appearance on the show in 32 years.

Also among the judges are country music star Brett Eldredge, singer and actress Zendaya and others.

You can watch the 89th Miss America Pageant live from Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall on Sunday night at 9 p.m. on 6abc.