An Austin resident will be in the national spotlight tonight for the first of four episodes following Miss America contestants on a cruise ship.

Angela McDermott, the reigning Miss Minnesota, participated in filming earlier in 2008 of “Countdown to the Crown,” to debut at 7 p.m. on TLC.

The show, which is in its first season, follows the 52 contestants as they compete in team and individual challenges on the Queen Mary luxury ocean liner for a gold sash — the chance to advance to the top 15.

“Each challenge is in itself related to the process we go through,” McDermott explained.

The show will be interactive — viewers will be able to vote via text messaging on four contestants they would like to advance to the top 15 at the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas on Jan. 24.

McDermott, who is a former Miss Twin Cities, said any nervousness about the upcoming Miss America competition has eased.

“It’s a big moment. All 52 of us are at a pretty big crossroads,” she said.

Contrary to widespread belief, Miss America is a scholarship program — not just a swimsuit pageant — that awarded more than $45 million last year in scholarship assistance.

“For me, the obvious reason is scholarships,” McDermott said of her participation in pageants. “I think it is a lot of fun and a challenge.”

Miss America, she said, is just “the icing on the cake.”

Although the crowned contestant will receive about $50,000 in scholarships after her tenure, other participants receive scholarships and perks as well.

An Austin High School and University of Minnesota Duluth graduate, McDermott plans to pursue a public relations or other related career following her reign as Miss Minnesota — that is, if she isn’t crowned Miss America.

McDermott will appear in Austin at the Ruby Rupner Auditorium at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center at 2 p.m. Sunday for a gown showing.

“Countdown to the Crown” will air at 7 beginning tonight and for three consecutive Fridays leading up to the live airing of Miss America on Jan. 24. According to www.missminnesota.org, past Miss Minnesota winners from Austin include Elizabeth Hunter (1985), Debra Goodwin (1980) and Kim Fossey (1977); none claimed the Miss America title. For more about McDermott or the Miss America Organization, visit www.missamerica.org.