All articles tagged with #pageants
Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria, has died at age 22. She held the title since 2024 and was known for publicly sharing her journey with a congenital heart valve defect that required seven surgeries.
Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria, has died at age 22. The organization behind the pageant confirmed her passing on September 7, 2026, but has not disclosed the cause of death. Sisic, who won the title in 2024, was known for publicly sharing her lifelong battle with a congenital heart valve defect that required seven surgeries. Her death has left the Austrian pageant without a representative for Miss Universe 2026, as no new competition has been held since her victory.
Regan Hutsell, a Houston native and former professional dancer, has been crowned the 99th Miss America. The competition, held in West Palm Beach, Florida, concluded on September 6, 2026. Hutsell, who previously won Miss Texas in June, received the crown from outgoing titleholder Cassie Donegan. This victory marks the fourth time a Texas delegate has won the national title in the pageant's history. Hutsell distinguished herself during the week-long competition by winning the fitness category and performing a notable jazz routine. Her platform focuses on mental health and self-relationship tools, inspired by her personal struggles while dancing.
Justus Kelley, a 31-year-old foster mother and philanthropic adviser, was crowned Miss USA 2026, becoming the first married woman and mother to hold the title in the pageant's 75-year history. She will represent the United States at the Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November.
The CW has canceled live broadcasts of the 2026 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, scheduled for August 26 and 27. The decision, announced on August 21, stems from an unresolved contractual dispute between the network and the Miss USA Organization. Both events will now stream on the Queen Beauty Network, mirroring the 2025 arrangement. This marks the second consecutive year the pageants have not aired on broadcast television, following a failed three-year deal in 2024.
Producers of Miss North Carolina USA say Brittany Boltinhouse’s claim that she was dethroned for Conservative Christian views is false, noting the crown was revoked after reviewing information and conduct spanning years that violated pageant standards. Boltinhouse maintains the move was due to her faith and political stance, while Miss USA leadership emphasizes dignity and inclusivity. The title has passed to first runner-up Myla Hadley ahead of the Miss USA pageant, with organizers signaling a firm stance against racism and language that degrades others.
Brittany Boltinhouse, Miss North Carolina USA 2026, has been stripped of her title for allegedly failing to uphold the pageant’s “standards and values.” First runner-up Myla Hadley will represent North Carolina at Miss USA 2026 in Miami on Aug. 27. Blaize Productions said the decision followed conversations with the Miss USA Organization, but did not specify the missteps. Miss USA’s president emphasized that the organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, or language that strips anyone of dignity. Boltinhouse posted a cryptic warning to her followers before the decision, urging people to be selective about whose advice they take.
Brittany Boltinhouse was stripped of the Miss North Carolina USA title less than two months after being crowned; first runner-up Myla Hadley will take over the title and compete at Miss USA. The organizers did not disclose the specific reasons for the removal, but Miss USA CEO Thom Brodeur condemned hate speech and reaffirmed the brand’s standards, noting Boltinhouse may issue a personal statement.
Eve Gilles made history as the first woman with a pixie haircut to win Miss France, sparking controversy and accusations of being "woke." French politicians and pageant fans defended Gilles, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity. The Miss Universe organization also supported Gilles, stating that there is no one way to be a beauty queen. Gilles, who sees her haircut as a symbol of strength and individuality, aims to challenge societal beauty standards and prove that a woman's beauty is not limited to her hair or body shape. Short hair has been rare at Miss Universe, but the pageant is becoming more diverse, with recent winners like Zozibini Tunzi embracing their natural hair and promoting inclusivity.
Former Miss USA contestants reveal allegations of sexual harassment by a former Miss USA vice president and rigging claims against the Miss USA president in the FX documentary "How to Fix a Pageant." The documentary features testimonies from contestants, including Taylor Hale, who recounts an incident where the vice president kissed her and sent sexually explicit messages. The Miss USA organization has made structural changes following the allegations, and the documentary sheds light on the internalized misogyny and lack of proper management within the pageant industry.
Miss Venezuela Ariana Viera, who was set to represent her country at the Miss Latin America and Miss World pageants, has died at the age of 26 due to injuries sustained in a car crash in Florida last month.
Former "Toddlers & Tiaras" star Eden Wood, who was named class valedictorian, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. She hopes to represent Arkansas in the Miss America Pageant one day and use her platform to stop bullying. Despite criticism of child beauty pageants, Wood says they were positive for her and gave her confidence.
Former "Toddlers & Tiaras" star Eden Wood, who began competing in pageants at 14 months old, has been named class valedictorian and plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. Wood hopes to represent Arkansas in the Miss America Pageant and use her platform to stop bullying. Despite criticism of child beauty pageants, Wood says they were positive for her and gave her confidence.