Here's Who Really Won Miss America

To many, Miss America is an antiquated competition focusing on physical beauty -- even with the introduction of an out lesbian contestant, Miss Missouri Erin O'Flaherty. The 2017 pageant -- held Sunday night, September 11 -- attempted topicality, and the question-and-answer segment addressed subjects like terrorism, police brutality, and the grueling presidential election.

While most of the finalists answered competently, if not entirely clearly, during their 20 seconds of alotted time, Miss New York Camille Sims shone. The only woman of color to make it to the finals, Sims was asked to share her feelings on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

"I think he's a bright reminder of how our country needs to come together," Sims said. "If you don't agree with his message, it's time to decide where you stand in this debate. As Americans, we need to make sure we come together, represent what it means to be American, which is celebrating all people, from all backgrounds, whether you're an immigrant or a Native American or an African-American or an Asian-American." Watch below at the five-minute mark.

The night's eventual winner, Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields, was asked her thoughts on Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Shields gave a less specific answer than Sims, saying both "contestants," as in Trump and Clinton, are "doing a good job."