In 1970, when the Miss America Pageant celebrated its 50th anniversary, officials ordered a specially-manufactured golden crown. During the telecast, Phyllis George, Miss Texas, was named that year's winner.

Unaware that the new winner was wearing a hairpiece, the retiring queen, Pamela Eldred, discovered that the crown's hairpins would not penetrate Phyllis' "hair." When producers urgently signaled her to rush the crowning, Pamela nudged Phyllis toward the runway for her victory walk.

Phyllis nodded toward the judges, sending the crown crashing to the floor, splattering rhinestones. Phyllis picked it up and carried it, making her the only winner to drop her crown on live television. "It would have to happen to me," she later exclaimed. "My big moment. I’ve won Miss America, and my crown is in my hand!"