beauty pageant

Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, left, and Miss USA, Noelia Voigt pictured at a New York Fashion Week event in February. They both announced their resignations this week.

Miss USA and Miss Teen USA resign days apart, casting a spotlight on the organization

11:04am May 09, 2024

by Rachel Treisman

Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava stepped down, citing mental health and personal values. They are the latest to depart the organization, which is no stranger to controversy.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled Wednesday that the operator of the Miss United States of America pageant can't be forced to allow openly transgender women into its competitions.

National

U.S. court says a pageant can exclude transgender women in its competitions

6:17pm November 03, 2022

by Jaclyn Diaz

Anita Green sued Miss United States of America claiming the pageant's eligibility rules, which require contestants to be "natural born females," violate Oregon's anti-discrimination law.

Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa takes her first walk as Miss Universe after winning the 2019 Miss Universe pageant.

Miss Universe 2019 Is Young, Gifted And An Outspoken Believer In 'Black Girl Magic'

3:19pm December 09, 2019

by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa speaks out on "natural" beauty, gender equality and climate change.

The "Miss Albinism" pageant was rescheduled due to the political uncertainty in Zimbabwe. From left: contestant Cindy Zikwature, Brenda Mudzimu, the founder of the pageant, and contestant Monalisa Manyati.

Health & Safety

'Miss Albinism' Beauty Pageant Delayed Due To Tensions In Zimbabwe

3:33pm November 20, 2017

by Sasha Ingber

The pageant organizers are disappointed but plan to reschedule early next year. As for the criticisms that a pageant objectifies women, they have an answer.

Halima Aden wore a navy blue, embroidered burkini — a full-body bathing suit — during the swimsuit competition.

The Beauty Pageant Contestant Wore A Burkini

7:43pm November 29, 2016

by Riham Feshir

And a hijab, too. She wanted to be true to her Muslim values as she competed in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.

Demyte "Little Spot" was crowned the winner of Lithuania's goat beauty contest.

There She Is, Probably The Most Beautiful Goat In Lithuania

2:07pm July 01, 2016

by Marc Silver

A video of a Lithuanian goat beauty contest is going viral. But ... what makes a goat beautiful?

Modern Seminole patchwork makes use of glittery fabrics and sequins, especially for pageant nights.

A Princess In Patchwork: Sewing For The Miss Florida Seminole Princess Pageant

5:16pm December 26, 2015

by Jacki Lyden

The Miss Florida Seminole Princess Pageant features intricate outfits that combine traditional Seminole patchwork techniques with modern twists, like rayon and lace.

The 2011 Asparagus Queen, Megan Roskan, and runner-up Christine Merten wave to spectators during an Independence Day parade in Whitehall, Mich. With interests waning in agricultural pageants, organizers are relaxing the requirements to encourage more peop

National

All Hail The Asparagus Queen! How Ag Pageants Lure New Contestants

7:33pm February 03, 2014

by NPR Staff

Some farming communities are struggling to find enough contestants for the pageants that crown monarchs like the Asparagus Queen and Beef Queen. So they are relaxing the pageant rules to spice up the competition.

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