Oklahoma Winner In Miss America Preliminary

Friday, January 26th 2007, 8:45 am

By: News On 6

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- A 20-year-old student from the University of Oklahoma won the swimsuit contest in the first of three preliminary competitions for the 2007 Miss America pageant.

Miss Oklahoma Lauren Nelson of Lawton won one-thousand dollars for her turn on the stage in a yellow bikini.

The televised finals and crowning of Miss America 2007 will air Monday on Country Music Television. The cable network moved the show from it's traditional Saturday night slot in search of higher ratings.

In preliminary competitions, the 52 contestants are divided into three groups and take turns competing in evening wear, swimsuit and talent.