LAS VEGAS — Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers nearly won it all Saturday night, finishing as first runner-up to Miss America, Miss New York Mallory Hagan.

Beauty contest winners from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands took the stage to vie for the title Saturday night at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

The competition is the culmination of a week of preliminary competitions and months of preparations.

The competition winner receives a $50,000 scholarship and is expected to embark on a yearlong speaking tour to advocate for her chosen cause and raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Among the preliminary winners were Miss Maryland and Miss Oklahoma. Miss Alabama won the $6,000 Quality of Life Scholarship for community service.

The women faced off in swimsuit, evening gown, talent and interview competitions.