Miss America Pageant

When I heard the news today about the Miss America Pageant getting rid of both the swim suit AND evening gown competition, I was more than shocked. I always new with Gretchen Carlson stepping in and taking over, this would eventually get revamped. As it should, because there are many things viewers and contestants thought they should change, but I did not see this coming. There has been quite the debate the past few years about the swim suit competition, not only in the America system but other systems too. They didn’t want to objectify women in that way and wanted more of a fitness competition. The Miss Universe Organization changed the swimsuit competition to a fitness wear potion for the teens, which I do agree with. I totally support living a healthy life style.

When I competed in the Miss USA system I had something to motivate me, the swimsuit competition. It helped me eat less ice cream, and much more healthy because I knew I was going to be in front of many people. Some may think its intimidating but honestly, its the most empowering thing for me. Yes, coming from a girl that had zero self confidence before I started pageants which I will talk more about in this post.  Miss America has been the definition of beauty since I can remember: confident, poised, smart, well-spoken, and so much more. I think this change has good and bad things about it, but in reality was a shock to most.

I can see them doing away with the swim suit competition for this system because they have a talent portion. On the other hand, getting rid of evening gown blew me away. When you think of beauty queens you think of the diamond crown, sash, and stunning dresses. What I think is sad is when these girls actually design and make their gowns themselves. I know not everyone does but there are some girls I know that designed and made their own and they were so proud to show it off the night of.  This is another way for them to set themselves apart from their competitors and shows their sense of style.

Evening gown was absolutely my favorite part. Not because of the glittery gowns but seeing so many graceful and confident women in once place is very motivating and empowering; the dresses just added that extra wow factor. Gretchen mentioned along these lines to CNN today, that they are looking for well spoken articulate women and they are going to keep the scholarships. When the women are dressed up in gowns, this is what viewers want to see! They want to see the glitz and glam side of the pageants because this isn’t their everyday.

Miss America turned Talent Show. If you ask me, without the gowns, this is just a dressed up America’s Got Talent? There is still amazing scholarships the girls get and the prestigious name. For the average viewer they want to see that and thats why year after year they keep tuning in. Gretchen said the most watched part of the pageant was the talent competition. I could see that but the little girls like me that once watched in awe of these girls is going to get a completely different experience. Good or bad? I think both.

Why I started competing in pageants

Coming from a girl that had zero confidence before competing, I can tell you first hand how uplifting my experience was. From the interview prep and practice, to learning to confidently & gracefully walk, and so much more it prepared me for so much more than I could have imagined. It taught me to live a healthy lifestyle, and stand up for things you feel is right or believe in. Your voice matters and you can make a difference.

Some of my best friends have come from my competitors. No one is perfect but many are there for the same reason. I encourage you to give another outlook on women who compete because you never know their story. They could be like me looking for a confidence booster when they were down on themselves or not feeling worthy. Let me tell you it was the best decision I could’ve done. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my experiences, and a matter of fact this blog wouldn’t be out here either.