Miss America vs Miss USA: What is the difference between both pageants?

The Miss America and Miss USA pageants, iconic in the realm of beauty competitions, share historical roots but differ in significant ways.

Founded with a focus on investing in women's careers and lives, Miss America initially had strict criteria, allowing only white, unmarried women who had never had an abortion to compete.

Despite evolving guidelines, the organization maintains specific eligibility criteria. In a notable shift in 2018, Miss America eliminated the swimsuit competition, emphasizing a departure from judging contestants solely on outward physical appearance.

Miss America vs Miss USA

Miss USA, on the other hand, traces its roots to a former Miss America sponsor, Catalina Swimsuits, which founded both Miss USA and Miss Universe in 1952.

While women may compete in both Miss USA and Miss America, the two organizations remain separate entities. Miss USA retains a swimsuit portion, and its winner advances to the global stage at Miss Universe.

In terms of format, Miss Universe differs significantly from Miss America. Miss Universe lacks a talent competition, focusing instead on preliminary interviews, an evening-gown segment, a swimwear or athletic-wear presentation, and a final round that includes contestants answering questions on social, cultural, and political topics.

Both pageants share a common history, having been part of an organization once co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC Universal. However, Trump sold the Miss Universe organization to WME/IMG in 2015 after NBC Universal terminated its contract.

While Miss America emphasizes personal growth and scholarship opportunities, Miss USA and Miss Universe continue to captivate audiences with their global reach, diverse competitions, and the pursuit of crowning queens who represent beauty, intelligence, and poise on the international stage.