Miss SC, Oklahoma top at 1st night of Miss America

[January 10, 2013]  LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Miss Oklahoma and Miss South Carolina have racked up prizes in the first day of preliminary Miss America competition in Las Vegas.

Miss Oklahoma Alicia Clifton's tap dance performance to "Money Can't Buy Me Love" earned her top honors Tuesday night at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The 21-year-old from Oklahoma City will take home a $2,000 Amway scholarship.

Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers took the trophy for the first round of the Lifestyle and Fitness category after modeling a white Catalina swimsuit. The 20-year-old from Laurens, S.C., will take home a $1,000 Amway scholarship.

Contestants are divided into three groups and compete in different categories during three nights of preliminaries. Their scores will factor in the finals, which will be broadcast live on Saturday.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.