How the return of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA to Los Angeles will shape the pageant world

The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants are making their much-anticipated return to Los Angeles this week, marking a significant moment after a year filled with unprecedented resignations and controversies. The events will see 51 contestants competing for the coveted titles through various rounds, including swimsuit (for Miss USA) or athletic wear (for Miss Teen USA), evening gown, onstage interviews, and preliminary interviews with judges.

Resignations and Controversies

The reigning Miss USA, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, who stepped into the role two weeks after Noelia Voigt resigned in May, will crown her successor. This year, she may also crown the new Miss Teen USA, as the role has been vacant—a first in the pageant’s history. Former Miss Teen USA 2023, UmaSofia Srivastava, resigned just days after Voigt, and the competition’s first runner-up, Stephanie Skinner, declined to take the title, marking an astonishing week in the pageant world.

The reasons behind the 2023 titleholders’ resignations have been a topic of much speculation. In early May, Voigt and Srivastava announced they were relinquishing their crowns. Voigt cited mental health reasons, while Srivastava mentioned a clash in personal values with the Miss USA organization. Voigt’s resignation letter, obtained by CNN, highlighted her experiences, ranging from frustrating administrative issues and delays in receiving prizes to serious allegations of a “toxic work environment” and sexual harassment during a parade appearance. She also claimed that the pageant’s president, Laylah Rose, slandered her character by calling her “mentally ill.”

Laylah Rose, an entrepreneur and CEO of VIP Pageantry Network, took over Miss USA in 2023. Despite the allegations, Rose refuted these claims in a statement released to the Los Angeles Times.

Impact on the Pageant Community

Following the double resignations, insiders described the pageant organization as being in disarray. The mothers of the pageant queens, Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava, appeared on Good Morning America, calling the experience a “nightmare” and asking for an apology from the parent organization, Miss Universe. They sent a warning to state titleholders competing in 2024, emphasizing that they did not want other families to endure the same hardships.

Savannah Gankiewicz was crowned on May 15 amid criticism during a ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her reign has been notably short, lasting less than three months. This year’s prize package details remain absent from the Miss USA website, although an Instagram post revealed that Garcelle Beauvais of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” will handle hosting duties. For Miss Teen USA, Rachel Lindsay of “The Bachelorette” and Justin Sylvester of E! News have promoted themselves as hosts.

In the past, the winner of Miss USA received a six-figure salary, a Los Angeles apartment, and a luxury car for one year. They also supported various causes and enjoyed perks like designer clothes, five-star resort stays, and guest spots on television shows.

Eligibility and Inclusivity

To participate in Miss USA, an eligible contestant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a full-time student, or an employee of the state for a set period. They must also affirm that they are “recognized medically and legally” as female, according to the pageant’s website. The pageant saw its first openly trans woman competitor three years ago when Miss Nevada USA, Kataluna Enriquez, competed in 2021.

In 2022, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced that married, divorced, and pregnant women could compete for the first time at Miss Universe and Miss USA. Previously, only legally single women without children were eligible. Miss Maine USA 2023, Juliana Morehouse, became the first married woman to compete in Miss USA. Last year, the MUO eliminated age restrictions, allowing contestants 28 and older to compete in Miss USA and Miss Universe. This change opened the competition to women like Marissa Teijo, a 71-year-old grandmother from Texas, and several women in their late 20s and early 30s.

Miss America vs. Miss USA

Miss America and Miss USA are both major national beauty pageants but represent two different brands with a shared history. Miss America began in 1921 as a small boardwalk beauty contest in Atlantic City and grew to national prominence. In 1952, the sponsor of Miss America, Catalina swimwear, founded Miss USA in response to the defiance of the 1950 Miss America titleholder, Yolande Betbeze, who refused to appear in bathing suits during her reigning year.

Today, Miss America is a non-profit scholarship program, while Miss USA is part of the MUO. Winners of Miss USA represent the United States at the international Miss Universe pageant. In 2022, the Thai conglomerate JKN Global Group bought the MUO for $20 million but filed for bankruptcy before the 2023 Miss Universe pageant. Miss Universe has had multiple owners and has been no stranger to controversies. It was owned by former President Donald Trump for 20 years before being sold in 2015 after his inflammatory comments about Mexican immigrants led NBC to refuse to air the Miss USA pageant.

Currently, Miss USA is managed by Laylah Rose. Before her, the organization was led by Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart, who left after allegations of favoritism toward the 2022 winner, R’Bonney Gabriel. Stewart denied the allegations, and an investigation found no evidence of rigging.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that never ceases to amaze, and attending the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants can be a unique experience. For occasional travelers, we recommend exploring the vibrant arts scene in downtown LA, including the Broad Museum and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, a hike up to the Griffith Observatory offers breathtaking views of the city and the Hollywood sign.

For expert travelers, consider delving deeper into LA’s diverse neighborhoods. Visit the historic Olvera Street for a taste of LA’s Mexican heritage or explore the trendy boutiques and eateries in Silver Lake. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Watts Towers offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s artistic history.

In conclusion, the return of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants to Los Angeles marks a significant moment in the pageant world. Despite the controversies and challenges of the past year, the resilience and dedication of the contestants and organizers continue to shine through. Whether you’re a pageant enthusiast or simply curious about this glamorous event, Los Angeles offers a wealth of experiences to make your visit unforgettable.