Nicole Rash being crowned Miss Indiana 2007. Tune into TLC at 8 p.m. on Jan. 26 following the finale of ÒMiss America: Reality CheckÓ to see her on Miss America. (Tom Klubens for The Star)

Nicole Rash of Plymouth acknowledges the ovation after being crowned Miss Indiana 2007 last June in Zionsville. (Tom Klubens for The Star)

Nicole Rash, a 5-foot-9-inch former Miss Blueberry Festival Queen, is competing for the most coveted beauty pageant title and crown.

Rash, Miss Indiana 2007, will join 51 other women vying for the Miss America title at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas.

The live broadcast airs at 8.p.m. Jan. 26 on TLC. It will serve as the finale to "Miss America: Reality Check," a four-episode series that follows the contestants living under one roof. The show is hosted by Michael Urie (ABC's "Ugly Betty"), who takes the women through a series of challenges designed to prepare them for the Miss America Pageant.

Rash, a 23-year-old Ball State University student studying fashion merchandising and design apparel, recently talked to Indy.com about the TV series and the pageant:

What was it like to be on "Miss America: Reality Check"?

Well, we stayed in a nice house but it only had seven bathrooms and five showers for 52 girls. We slept in bunk beds, 14 girls per room. They took away our cell phones, Internet, and we just had each other. It was called "pageant camp," because that's how it felt.

Did you learn anything from the show?

When we first got there they told us we all looked like we had hair out of the '80s, and that we looked ridiculous. We all had makeovers and some girls made drastic changes, cutting their long hair into Victoria Beckham-like bobs. The promoters were trying to update the Miss America contest and revamp something that's been around for 87 years.

Were you ever worried that they were making fun of the contest?

There were a couple of times when we had to do some cheerleading-type stuff to show our spirit. I felt like I was back in high school. I know they were trying to bring out our personality, but I didn't want Miss America to lose its class or to take the luster away from the crown.

What are three products you can't live without as a contestant?

Age Intervention eyelash conditioner -- it makes your eyelashes fuller so you don't always have to wear fake lashes; sticky spray, which is also called "butt glue," because it keeps your bathing suits and formals in place; and a good hair spray.

What are three things that people might not know about you?

Before I started college I spent a year living in Bolivia with a host family. I have my motorcycle safety license and own a Red Honda Shadow. I'm a country girl and I love to fish, camp, shoot clay pigeons and get dirty.

How many clothing changes during the finale?

Six -- opening number, talent, evening gown, swimsuit, interview and onstage questions.

Two things to look for:

My talent -- I'll be singing "Bandido" in Spanish by Ana Barbara -- and my evening gown. It's an iridescent, purple chiffon halter dress with a torso beaded in crystals. I designed it myself.

Miss America

Who: Nicole Rash, a Ball State student, will represent Indiana.
Airs: 8 p.m. Jan. 26 on TLC, following the finale of "Miss America: Reality Check."

- By T.J. Banes / Indianapolis Star