Miss America Contestants Must Abide By These Strict Rules

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There she is, the new Miss America. 

Cassie Donegan, who represents Miss New York, was crowned as the winner among 51 other contestants during the pageant in Orlando on September 7, thereby claiming the actual title and tiara for herself.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: “Over the years, being crowned Miss America has consistently provided me with an incredible platform. This platform empowers aspiring women like myself to transform their goals and aspirations into tangible realities.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but cheer for the triumphant Belmont University musical theatre alumna who just landed a whopping $70,000 worth of scholarships towards her master’s degree! Not only that, she’s now been granted a prominent stage to advocate for her heartfelt initiative – promoting arts education within our schools. It’s music to my ears knowing that such passion and talent is being recognized and encouraged!

As the Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, based in New York, it’s a privilege to stand for an entity that grants scholarships, supplies valuable resources, and empowers women to take charge. I am profoundly thankful for this opportunity to embody and advance this noble mission.

To put it simply, the pageant has expanded considerably from its early days as a “beauty show featuring bathers” along the Atlantic City boardwalk in New Jersey.

contemporary competitors have abandoned the bikinis, as they now recognize that merely being selected to compete is already a victory in itself. In 2018, the organization made headlines by ending the swimsuit competition.

Maura Spence-Carroll, Colorado’s first active duty military service member to compete as a representative in 2021, shared with TopMob News her thoughts. She acknowledged her desire to win the title of Miss America, but emphasized the importance of not losing focus on the reality that only one woman can claim the title. However, she pointed out that 51 women have the chance to become state title holders. If one’s preparation for the competition becomes so intense that they overlook their current circumstances, Maura suggested it might be time to reconsider priorities.

Indeed, throughout its long history, the scholarship program has taken time for self-reflection and adaptation, yet it maintains some strict regulations. Here are the directives applicants seeking the title must adhere to.

When it comes to the historic Miss America pageant, which initially started as a beachwear competition along the Atlantic City boardwalk in New Jersey in 1921, the contestants’ age matters significantly. For the year 2026, candidates must not be older than 28 years old on September 30, 2026, and they should not be younger than 18 years old on September 1, 2026, a day before the preliminary events commence.

For individuals turning 18 years old during that year’s competition, it’s often referred to as a “transition year.” During this period, they have the option to choose between participating in the Teen or Miss division, with the eligibility criteria being: they must be at least 14 by September 1, 2026, and not older than 18 by September 30.

Once the teenagers decide on their chosen adventure, they aren’t able to swap divisions until the next round of applications opens up.

In my expertise as a lifestyle advisor, I must clarify some unique requirements for contestants vying for the title of “Miss America.” Unlike other beauty pageants, a Miss America hopeful cannot be currently married during the competition, though exceptions can be made for those who are divorced. Additionally, these competitors are required to certify that they are not pregnant and do not have any children at the time of the contest.

For all the individuals who have won titles in various states, it is essential that they remain eligible by residing within the state for a minimum of 120 consecutive days prior to competing for another title. In simpler terms, to participate in a state championship, contestants must demonstrate their residency in the state for at least 120 straight days before the competition begins.

They must have either worked in the state for a minimum of 120 days, putting in at least 40 hours per week, or be fully enrolled as students in an accredited college or university within the state.

5. The contestants indeed have talent, as their 90-second performances during the talent segment can contribute up to 20% of the total score in each round. This segment often includes singing, instrumental performances, and dance routines, but it’s not uncommon to see something unique like a chemistry lesson, as demonstrated by Miss Vermont 2015, Alayna Westcom, or an impressive display using cups, similar to what the winner that year, Kira Kazantsev, showcased in the style of “Pitch Perfect.

Not a part of the tally: The swimsuit competition, which was washed away in 2018. 

As an ardent admirer, let me break down how the competition unfolds: In both the qualifying rounds and the grand finale, those of us who are determined to wear the coveted crown are assessed. Our private interview accounts for a substantial 30% of our total score. Fitness is another crucial aspect, accounting for 20%. The talent segment, which showcases our unique abilities, also adds up to 20%. The evening wear round evaluates our confidence and composure, worth another 20%. Lastly, the stage question segment contributes 10% to our overall score.

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2025-09-08 21:17