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Before Addie Carver of Mississippi was crowned Miss Teen USA 2024, Laylah Rose, the President and CEO of Miss USA, offered heartfelt words to the runner-ups.
Addressing the contestants at the Miss Teen USA pageant on August 1 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Rose, 45, reassured them that they would remain queens in her eyes. "When they wake up tomorrow, they're still going to be queens," Rose told PEOPLE. "They came here as queens and will leave here as queens."
Rose emphasized that even those who did not win the crown had achieved a significant milestone and would continue to have the support of their home states. She highlighted the importance of their role in supporting future contestants and fostering a strong sense of sisterhood. "It's such a great sisterhood," Rose continued. "I've been a part of it, and it's just going to get stronger."
The pageant, hosted by E! News' Justin Sylvester and The Bachelorette's Rachel Lindsay, featured a distinguished judging panel. Among the judges were actress Francia Raisa, Dancing with the Stars' Rylee Arnold, influencer Alyssa Carson, Miss Teen USA 2019 Kaliegh Garris, and model Shree Saini.
The event followed the resignation of former Miss Teen USA 2023, Umasofia Srivastava, who stepped down due to a misalignment with the organization's direction. Srivastava expressed her gratitude for the support she received but chose to leave the title. First runner-up Stephanie Skinner, offered the crown, declined, emphasizing her commitment to personal values.
Savannah Gankiewicz, who succeeded Noelia Voigt as Miss USA 2023, also attended the pageant and encouraged contestants to enjoy every moment. "Crown or no crown, being a state delegate is a huge accomplishment," Gankiewicz said.
The Miss USA 2024 pageant is scheduled for August 4
