x
Breaking News
More () »

Betty Maxwell talks about changes in life, personally and professionally

Former Miss America Betty Cantrell, now Maxwell, speaks about the announced changes to the Miss America pageant

Betty Cantrell has a new moniker these days.

"Our wedding was one for the books," she said.

The biggest change for the former Miss America lately is her name.

Betty married Spencer Maxwell in April, dropping the name Cantrell and settling into domestic life.

"Married life is the best. I didn't think it could get any better than just being with the person you love, but being married to the person you love, it just changes everything and we're loving it," she said with a grin.

One thing she isn't loving, though, are the new changes coming to the Miss America Pageant.

Miss America plans to scrap the swimsuit competition, something Maxwell doesn't agree with.

"And I feel it brings so much more to the table than looking sexy in a bikini -- that's not what it's about," she said. "It's about promoting a healthy lifestyle and showing off our hard work for our bodies, and my platform as Miss America was "healthy children, strong America," and coming from Georgia, the second most obese state, I think it's important to instill in our young people, especially our young women looking up to Miss America that's it's OK to show off your body and be proud of your hard work. It doesn't have to be about objectifying women."

Maxwell isn't shy about her opinions, but yet, she still feels hesitant to be so bold about her statements.

"I think a lot of us are afraid to come out and say we don't agree with these changes because we're expected to because we're Miss Americas," she stated.

Maxwell is pursuing a career in Nashville. Her debut CD, Nicotine, is out on the market and she will open up for Hunter Hayes at this year's Independence Day concert.

"I got the call about this, I was just over the moon. I've been going to this concert -- Independence Day Concert -- since I was a little girl and always wanted to be up on that stage singing," she said.

She says she is touring the country with her music career and has an autobiography coming out next year.

Betty says the Miss America Organization did call the former queens a couple of days before the national announcement to give them a heads-up for the changes.

The Warner Robins Independence Day Concert is July 3, and as usual, it's free.

Before You Leave, Check This Out