UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Miss Indiana, Elizabeth Hallal, won the preliminary talent award at Miss America on Monday night.

Hallal at the press conference following her win Aren Straiger

The 2023 Miss America competition is happening at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The first night of preliminary competition was Monday night. Hallal sang 'Defying Gravity.' This performance earned her the top honor of the night.

Miss Indiana performing Miss Indiana Organization

There is another night of preliminary competition Tuesday, December 13.

The finals night is Thursday, December 15. This is when the finalists will be announced, and the new Miss America will be crowned from a pool of 51 candidates (all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.).

Hallal with Aren Straiger, Executive Director of Miss Indiana Organization, and Steve Straiger, Treasurer of Miss Indiana Organization Aren Straiger

Hallal is a student at Ball State. She studies musical theater. She is originally from Georgetown, Indiana.

With her talent award, she also receives a $2,500 scholarship.

Miss Georgia, the preliminary winner for social impact pitch, and Miss Indiana, the preliminary talent winner Miss America Organization

Beyond the talent portion, other areas of competition include: private interview, evening gown, social impact initiative presentation.

If you'd like to watch the remaining competition, a livestream is available to purchase. You can find more information about the livestream here.