Miss America Kirsten Haglund Isn't 'Crowning' Around

Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund stopped by our studio to talk about her contributions to our nation during her tenure, as well as Countdown to the Crownon TLC which, as you might have guessed, preps us for the crowning of this year's new Miss America. She also had some fun judging the beauty pageant potential of three of our anchors.

Countdown to the Crown follows 52 state title holders as they live together and face a series of competitions to help them prepare for the pageant -- and prove they have what it takes to be the next Miss America. The girls vie for a gold sash and and a spot in the "top 15" at the Miss America pageant, which airs live on TLC from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on Jan. 24. America has the chance to be a judge and select four of the contestants they think deserve to make it into the pageant.

For her part, Haglund has worked extensively with our troops this past year, along with the USO and Rock the Vote. She has also been a spokesperson of the Children's Miracle Network.

Jill, Sukanya and Emily showed off their respective talents for Haglund to judge and ultimately pick out the anchor who was most deserving of the title, "Miss PIX 2009." Jill put her tap dancing skills on display; Sukanya belted out Mariah Carey's "Hero," and Emily put her agile yoga abilities to good use.

Tune into Countdown to the Crown this Friday on TLC.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...