Miss America Rules: Competition format, age limits and other criteria contestants must meet

Today marks the first day of Miss America 2025, from Orlando, Florida, at the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The beauty pageant will run for six nights, from December 31 to January 5, 2025

The Miss America pageant is one of the most iconic and prestigious beauty pageants in the United States, with some rules and requirements that participants must meet in order to compete

Here are the most important points of the contest rules, according to the show's official website.

What is the purpose of participating?

• Applause: Recognition for your achievements and contributions to the community
• Personal development: Gain valuable experience and acquire life skills
• Prizes and crown: The winners will receive scholarships for university or postgraduate studies, as well as a crown
• Glamour: Experience red carpet moments and elegance
• Adventure: Discover new interests and open doors to new opportunities
• Friendships: Establish lasting new bonds with like-minded, motivated women
• Growth: Foster a positive mindset focused on achieving your goals

Admission

To participate in the next competition in 2026, which includes local competitions from March 2024 and the national championships in January 2026, participants must meet the age requirements. It is important to mention that these age criteria are different from previous editions, it is about making a change always

• Miss America 18 to 28 years old: Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the state competition and not older than 27 years of age.
• Miss America's Teen 14 to 18 years old: Must be at least 14 years old at the time of the state competition and not older than 18 years old.

More information on age criteria

Miss America has changed the options, so that 18-year-old contestants can choose between competing in the Teen or Miss categories for a transitional year

Contestants in the Teen category must be between 14 and 18 years old on the first day of the state competition. Once the decision has been made as to which category to compete in, they may not change it until the next edition. Registration must be done online through the process corresponding to the state where you are located.

What is the competition format?

State and local competition score

• 30% Personal interview
• 20% Physical condition
• 20% Talent
• 20% Gala outfit
• 10% Ask on stage

State multi-round night competition score

Preliminary night:

• 30% Personal interview
• 20% Physical condition
• 20% Talent
• 20% Gala outfit
• 10% Question on stage

The grand finale:

• 30% Personal interview
• 20% Physical condition
• 20% Talent
• 20% Gala outfit
• 10% Ask on stage

The contest promises to be an event full of excitement and entertainment, every year the rules change and continue to grow and adapt to remain relevant in the TV industry, this edition promises to steal the start of 2025.