Audrey Eckert from Nebraska was crowned Miss USA in a pageant returning after 18 months of turmoil and controversy, including leadership changes and allegations of misconduct, marking a 'new era' for the competition.
Audrey Eckert from Nebraska was crowned Miss USA in a pageant marked by recent scandals and a change in ownership, signaling a 'new era' for the contest after nearly 18 months of turbulence and controversy.
Miss Nevada USA Mary Sickler, who has alopecia universalis, made a powerful statement during the Miss USA preliminaries by ditching her wig and wearing a bejeweled head covering, embracing her condition and promoting self-confidence and beauty beyond hair.
Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava, the first Miss USA and Miss Teen USA to resign, discuss their reasons for stepping down amid allegations of abuse and their efforts to reform the pageant industry, while also sharing their personal journeys and future plans during their first joint interview.
The revelation of NFL coach Bill Belichick's relationship with 24-year-old beauty queen Jordon Hudson has shocked the pageant community. Hudson, a former Miss USA contender and philosophy student, met the 72-year-old Belichick on a flight in 2021. The couple's significant age difference and Hudson's unconventional dating history have sparked widespread curiosity and speculation among her peers.
Savannah Gankiewicz, the current Miss USA, has reported receiving death threats and hateful messages following the resignation of her predecessor, Noelia Voigt. Voigt stepped down citing a toxic work environment and harassment within the Miss USA organization. Gankiewicz expressed her heartbreak over the bullying and emphasized her commitment to using her platform for positive causes.
Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz has received death threats and hateful messages since being crowned, following Noelia Voigt's resignation and allegations against the pageant's CEO. Gankiewicz expressed heartbreak over the bullying and harassment, emphasizing her commitment to her platform and supporting Maui residents. Voigt resigned citing a toxic work environment and mishandling of a sexual harassment incident, leading to further resignations within the organization. Gankiewicz will hold the title until a new Miss USA is crowned in August.
Actress and former Miss USA contestant Claudia Jordan supports the decision to allow women over 28 to compete in the Miss USA pageant, criticizing the outdated notion that women have an expiration date. She believes the initial age restriction was likely influenced by men and highlights the unfair double standards in beauty ideals between men and women. Jordan also appreciates the pageant's inclusive rules, which now allow transgender women to compete, and reflects on how her pageant experience has positively impacted her entertainment career.
Miss USA Noelia Voigt showcased various stylish looks at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, including a silver sequin bodysuit with fireworks design for the national costume portion, a purple sequin cocktail dress for the opening number, and a one-piece violet swimsuit for the swimwear segment. Despite not winning the crown, Voigt ranked among the top 20 delegates. The pageant also featured groundbreaking changes, including the elimination of the age limit and the inclusion of transgender women, plus-size models, and mothers.
Noelia Voigt of Utah has been crowned Miss USA 2023, beating out 50 other contestants in the pageant held in Reno, Nevada. The event aimed to modernize the tradition and featured the first married state titleholder. Voigt, a bilingual Venezuelan-American, promised to connect with diverse communities as a brand ambassador for the Miss Universe Organization. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was the first runner-up.
Noelia Voight from Utah has been crowned Miss USA 2023, beating out 50 other state titleholders in the beauty pageant held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Nevada. This year's pageant marked several firsts, including the first year under new President and CEO Laylah Rose and the first time a married titleholder competed.
Noelia Voigt from Utah has been crowned Miss USA 2023 at the pageant held in Reno, Nevada. She beat out 50 other contestants and promised to connect with diverse communities as a "bilingual Venezuelan American" brand ambassador. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was the first runner-up. The pageant aimed to modernize the 70-year-old tradition and featured the first married state titleholder. The previous year's winner, R'Bonney Gabriel, faced allegations of a rigged competition, leading to an investigation and the end of the organization's partnership with the national director. In a separate event, UmaSofia Srivastava of New Jersey was crowned Miss Teen USA.
Former Miss USA contestants reveal allegations of sexual harassment by a former Miss USA vice president and rigging claims against the Miss USA president in the FX documentary "How to Fix a Pageant." The documentary features testimonies from contestants, including Taylor Hale, who recounts an incident where the vice president kissed her and sent sexually explicit messages. The Miss USA organization has made structural changes following the allegations, and the documentary sheds light on the internalized misogyny and lack of proper management within the pageant industry.
Noelia Voigt from Utah has been crowned Miss USA 2023, beating out 50 other state titleholders in the pageant held in Reno, Nevada. The event aimed to modernize the tradition and featured the first married state titleholder. Voigt, a bilingual Venezuelan-American, promised to connect with diverse communities as a brand ambassador for the Miss Universe Organization. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was the first-runner-up.
The Miss USA organization faced controversy after contestants claimed the pageant was rigged in favor of R'Bonney Gabriel. The year was marked by a suspended president, a sexual harassment scandal, and leadership changes. Despite the drama, Miss USA will proceed with crowning its next winner on September 29.