A new Miss USA and Miss Teen USA will finally be crowned this week.
There’s a brand-new CEO — the third in just as many years — and they’re hoping to usher in a new (and scandal-free) era for the 74-year-old pageant.
Helping to mark the next chapter is Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, who relinquished her title under the leadership of then-CEO Laylah Rose.
Voigt is just one of the many former Miss USA winners who will be onstage to help crown the new queens. Here’s everything to know about this week’s pageants.
When are the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants?
Both pageants are being held at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada.
The Miss Teen USA final is on October 23, and the Miss USA final is on October 24.
What are the new rules?
Thom Brodeur, who was announced as the new CEO and president of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in September, told Business Insider there will be a few big changes at this year’s pageants.
Brodeur is eliminating selection committees — which typically picked the top 15 contestants — from the judging process.
“For many, many years, young women have come into this organization competing with a rule — it’s very clearly stated, you know what you’re signing up for in your contestant contract — that the leadership team, management, and others can be part of the selection process,” Brodeur said. “So the process for selecting a new Miss USA and Miss Teen USA isn’t just left up to the judges. That’s how it has historically been.”
“Part of what my team and I intend to do is to remove that selection committee rule out of contestant contracts,” he added. “What that means, very simply, is who the judges pick is the winner of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. And what that means to the competitors — the young women who compete in this sport — is that they are going to have a 100% fair shot where nobody else’s voice or influence affects their ability to place in the competition.”
Brodeur will also allow questions concerning current events or political topics, which were off-limits during Rose’s tenure as CEO.
“It’s entirely possible there will be questions about sensitive topics that matter to the constituents and the communities these young women represent,” Brodeur said. “There is nothing that is being restricted or limited in that way.”
“We’re not just all talking about our favorite colors, movies, or songs,” he added. “So I think it’s important that we allow the intelligence of the women in the Miss USA and Teen USA communities to shine.”
Why is this Miss USA and Miss Teen USA class historic?
Amid leadership turmoil within the Miss USA organization, multiple state directors who had resigned or left the organization were never replaced, which meant that eight state pageants for Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 2025 were never held, and 16 titleholders still needed to be crowned (a Miss USA and a Miss Teen USA contestant from each state).
On September 17, Brodeur announced that the organization was holding an open casting call to find the 16 titleholders. In an Instagram post, he said over 250 women applied. The group was judged by five “virtual judges” — including Miss Teen USA 2022 Faron Medhi and Broadway actor Salisha Thomas — and the winners were announced on September 29.
Brodeur also announced on Instagram that he would be honoring the current reigning titleholders who never got to have their official final walk at their state pageants. He said the 16 women would be flown out to Reno — with flights, accommodation, and meals covered — so they could crown their successors.
Who is hosting the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants?
Taylor Hale, a former Miss Michigan who won the 24th season of “Big Brother,” will host the Miss Teen USA pageant.
The Miss USA pageant will be co-hosted by Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho.
Voigt will serve as a correspondent for both pageants, as will former Miss Montana Dani Walker. Current Miss Teen USA Addie Carver will be a backstage correspondent at the Miss Teen USA finals.
Who is judging the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA finals?
The Miss Teen USA pageant will be judged by Miss Teen USA 2013 Cassidy Wolf, model Jena Swims, producer and casting director Josh Randall, “The Real Housewives of Potomac” star Candiace Dillard Bassett, and actor Madisyn Shipman.
The Miss USA pageant will be judged by Miss USA 2014 and current “The Valley” star Nia Sanchez, “Dancing With the Stars” pro Sasha Farber, former “Bachelor in Paradise” star Jade Roper Tolbert, model scout Hannah Edwards, and fashion designer Kenneth Barlis.
How can I watch the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants?
This year, the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants will be streamed exclusively on the Queen Beauty Network.
All five events — including the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA finals, the state costume contest, and the preliminary competitions — can be purchased as a package for $70 and streamed via a smart TV, phone, or tablet.
The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA finals can also be purchased separately for $70 each.
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