Miss America judges' panel to include Taya Kyle, Amy Purdy

Taya Kyle, Kevin O'Leary and Amy Purdy have joined Brett Eldredge as judges for the 2016 Miss America competition.

The announcement was made Wednesday by the Miss America Organization, dick clark productions and ABC. The pageant is to air live Sept. 13 from Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall.

"The Miss America Organization provides millions of dollars in annual college-scholarship assistance, making it the largest scholarship program for women in the United States," said Kyle in a statement. "I am honored to be a part of an organization that not only helps the contestants but their communities and children, as well. The women who compete in this program contribute tens of thousands of community-service hours annually and have raised over $10 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships."

"The Miss America title is a remarkable platform and an extraordinary opportunity for any woman that is awarded it," added O'Leary. "As a judge, I'll be looking for the woman that can best articulate how she will use this opportunity to advance a charity that will help others and/or build a business that will employ Americans, and above all use the title to encourage other young women to do the same. There is a reason that The Miss America Organization has been around since 1921 -- it has helped young women make a difference for multiple generations. I'm very proud to be involved."

"Miss America celebrates strong women who are passionate about serving as an advocate for their communities and strive to make a positive impact," remarked Purdy. "I'm honored to be part of an organization with such a long and dedicated history of giving back."

Additional hosts and judges for the 2016 Miss America competition will be announced in the coming weeks, the organizers said.