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The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants are returning to Los Angeles this week after a tumultuous year that saw both 2023 titleholders resign for the first time in history. Both events will crown new winners, marking a fresh start for the beleaguered competitions.
The 51 contestants from each pageant will compete in various rounds, including swimsuit (Miss USA) or athletic wear (Miss Teen USA), evening gown, and onstage interviews. Additionally, there will be preliminary interviews with the judges.
Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, who stepped into the Miss USA role two weeks after Noelia Voigt resigned in May, will crown her successor. Uniquely, she may also crown the new Miss Teen USA, as that title remains vacant. The first runner-up of the Miss Teen USA 2023 competition, Stephanie Skinner, declined to assume the title following the resignation of UmaSofia Srivastava, who stepped down days after Voigt.
In early May, both Voigt and Srivastava announced their resignations on social media. 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 several concerns, including administrative delays in receiving prizes and serious allegations of a toxic work environment and sexual harassment. She also claimed that Miss USA President Laylah Rose had slandered her character.
Rose, an entrepreneur and CEO of the VIP Pageantry Network, took over Miss USA in 2023. She released a statement at the end of May refuting Voigt's allegations. Neither the Miss Universe Organization nor Rose responded to CNN's requests for comment at the time.
This year, the Miss USA website lacks detailed information about the prize package, hosts, and judges. However, it has been announced on Instagram that Garcelle Beauvais from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" will host Miss USA. For Miss Teen USA, Rachel Lindsay from "The Bachelorette" and Justin Sylvester from E! News will be the hosts.
Previously, the Miss USA winner received a six-figure salary, a Los Angeles apartment, a luxury car for one year, and other perks. Contestants must be U.S. citizens and meet specific residency requirements. In recent years, the pageant has expanded eligibility to married, divorced, and pregnant women, and eliminated age restrictions.
The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA finals will take place on August 1 and August 4, respectively, at the Peacock Theater. Both events will be broadcast on The CW at 8 p.m. ET.
