The 73rd annual Miss USA pageant, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, culminated in a historic crowning. Alma Cooper, a 22-year-old US Army officer with a Master’s in data science from Stanford University, emerged as the new Miss USA. Her victory is not merely a personal triumph but a significant milestone in a year marked by unprecedented controversy and upheaval within the pageant’s hierarchy.
Cooper’s path to the crown was fraught with complications that began with the resignation of 2023’s titleholder, Noelia Voigt. Voigt’s departure, attributed to mental health reasons, sparked widespread speculation and controversy. Social media users dissected her resignation letter, which cryptically spelled out “I am silenced,” fueling rumors of a restrictive non-disclosure agreement and allegations of mismanagement and harassment within the Miss USA organization. The ensuing scandal was exacerbated by the simultaneous resignation of Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, leading to a tumultuous period for the pageant.
Amidst this turbulence, Cooper’s crowning represents a new chapter. Her background as a military intelligence officer and her academic achievements resonate with the pageant’s evolving focus on diversity and accomplishment. During her final Q&A session, Cooper eloquently addressed the judges, reflecting on her journey from being the daughter of a migrant worker to becoming Miss USA. “If there’s anything that my life and my mother have taught me, it’s that your circumstances never define your destiny,” she asserted, emphasizing the values of perseverance and excellence.
The Miss USA 2024 pageant, hosted by Garcelle Beauvais and Keltie Knight, also saw notable changes. For the first time in history, the pageant lifted its age restriction, allowing women over 28 to compete. This reform allowed for the participation of several older contestants, including 41-year-old Kristina Johnson of Arizona. Additionally, Maryland’s Bailey Anne Kennedy made history as the first transgender contestant from her state to appear in the finals, while Shavana Clarke of Connecticut represented as the first openly lesbian state titleholder.
The pageant’s finale was marked by a streamlined competition format, beginning with the reduction of contestants from 51 to a top 20, followed by swimwear and eveningwear segments. The final five contestants were challenged with the question of how to bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual respect—a testament to the pageant’s shift towards addressing contemporary social issues.
Coach and pageant veteran Laura Richards remarked on the significance of these changes: “The evolution of Miss USA reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and authenticity. It’s about more than just beauty; it’s about the ability to inspire and lead.” Her words underscore the pageant’s attempt to redefine itself in response to past criticisms and controversies.
As Alma Cooper prepares for the Miss Universe 2024 competition, which will be held in Mexico later this year, her reign symbolizes a potential turning point for the Miss USA pageant. Her victory not only closes a chapter of unrest but also sets the stage for a renewed focus on diversity and empowerment within the realm of beauty and pageantry.
