When the lights go up on the stage of the Miss Mississippi Pageant tonight, the number of contestants will be down by two.

Pageant officials announced that Miss Coastal Waters Caitlyn Smith and Miss Southwest Community College Shelby Smith will not compete.

Caitlin Smith, who is from Columbus, was last year’s third runner-up. She withdrew from the pageant Monday “for personal reasons,” said David Blackledge, executive director.

Shelby Smith has been ill and was not able to come to Vicksburg Sunday for registration, Blackledge said. She also formally withdrew Monday.