Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus Names Their First Female Ringmaster

Not only did Kristen Wilson smash the glass ceiling, she did it with a human cannonball and 30 clowns.  According to the Tampa Bay Times, she beat out over 100 applicants, endured several call backs, and racked up a unanimous decision.  Kristen will now become the first female ringmaster in the 146-year history of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.  She reportedly clinched the deal when she sang Greatest Show on Earth by Christina Aguilera.

"We were slaves to tradition for so long, but we've always been open to the idea. Being able to break tradition is really freeing for Ringling Bros. It's important to evolve." circus director Rye Mullis said.

Kristen Wilson will be the 39th Ringmaster for the Greatest Show On Earth starting Jan. 12 at Orlando's Amway Center for the premiere of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's new season, Circus Xtreme.  She will sing the national anthem then introduce human cannonballs, tightrope walkers, BMX riders and trampoline artists and a brand new era of equality.