The Biggest Myths About Pageants

1. I have to be a “Pageant Girl” or have competed in this pageant or preliminaries to win. On the contrary! Quite often our competitors are the “girls next door.” Often our winners are new to us, and may have never even competed before! Hilary Cruz, Miss Teen USA 2007 won her state title and the national title with NO prior pageant experience! Danielle Lacourse, Miss Rhode Island USA 2007, won her state title and went on to make Rhode Island history by becoming 1st runner-up in the national Miss USA pageant, and this was her first time!! Michelle Leonardo, Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2008, won her state title on her first try!

2. I must be “tall” to win a pageant. Many times state and national winners have been considered “petite.” Ruth Zacahrian became MISS TEEN USA ® at 4’11”, Kimberly Pressler & Tara Conner were crowned MISS USA ® at 5’5”, and several of our state titleholders have been barely 5’ tall. Tiffany Andrade, Miss New Jersey USA 2008, placed 2nd runner-up at the national 2008 Miss USA pageant standing 5’5”, and Leah Laviano, Miss Mississippi USA 2008, placed 1st runner-up standing 5’4”!

3. “I’m too young - I’m too old.” Shanon Lersch, Miss Illinois USA 2008, won her state title at 25. Jaime Kramer, Miss Maryland USA 2003, won her state title at 18. Jennifer Hawkins, MISS UNIVERSE 2004 was only 20. Several of our state titleholders won their state MISS TEEN USA® titles at the ages of 14 & 15 and their MISS USA® state titles at 18. The newly crowned 2008 Miss USA, Crystle Stewart is 26! Age has never been an issue!

4. I must patronize the pageant sponsors when preparing for competition . Resource information is given for the contestant’s benefit. Our sponsors do not discuss who their clients are; and it is certainly the contestants and her family’s choice with whom they work in preparation for the state pageant.

5. I have heard that the MISS USA pageant is a more sexy pageant than the others. The MISS USA® pageants are certainly considered more “glamorous” than other pageants’ but we advocate elegance, not sexiness.

 6. I simply cannot afford to compete. We explain how to obtain sponsorships to cover competition costs - including entry fee and wardrobe. Your family, friends, and local business leaders will be supportive when you share your goals with them.

7. I must be a perfect “10” in swimsuit. Physical fitness is important, but contestants are judged in three equal categories - evening gown, personal interview, and swimsuit. The swimsuit phase is based on overall physical fitness in a swimsuit. There is no perfect body type - our past winner’s have had very different body shapes.

8. I must wear the most beautiful, expensive gown in order to win. Our judges are instructed to score the contestant’s poise and sense of style, not the gown itself. Many titleholders have won wearing their prom gowns, including our own Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2006, Julianna White. Winners receive a new wardrobe for their national competition as part of the state prize package.

9. I need a “pageant coach” to help me prepare. Even though some contestants wish to seek expert advice, we do not see this reflected in the overall outcome of the pageant. Focus on being your “personal best.”

10. Only the winners are selected for various talent opportunities and career benefits. Not true! Several of our contestants have been chosen for interviews with various modeling agencies and talent scouts. You never know who will be in the audience looking for a fresh new face.

11. If I win, I must put my life on hold - including my career or school responsibilities. Our program is an excellent vehicle that encourages your success. We would never advocate quitting your job, or school, but using your year as our state titleholder to help obtain your personal goals! In addition, the commitment to compete in the MISS USA® or MISS TEEN USA® pageant is an incredibly rewarding experience. Your year will be full of exciting possibilities!