Everything you need to know about the Miss USA pageant
This article provides an overview of the Miss USA pageant, detailing its history, competition structure, and recent efforts to rebrand under new leadership. It also addresses the pageant's past controversies and its relationship with the Miss Universe organization.
Why it matters
As a long-standing cultural institution, the pageant's evolution reflects broader shifts in entertainment and corporate management of legacy brands.
A new Miss USA will be crowned soon. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Miss USA is a beauty pageant that started in 1952. The current titleholder is Audrey Eckert. The pageant features a swimsuit, an evening gown, and an interview round. All women 18 and up can compete. The 2026 Miss USA pageant is taking place on August 27 in Miami. It's almost time to crown the next Miss USA . The famous pageant has had a tumultuous few years, including rigging accusations and two queens giving up their crowns . Thom Brodeur, who was named the new CEO and president of Miss USA in September 2025, has been working to usher in a new era. But what's the story behind the pageant that introduced the world to the likes of Halle Berry and Olivia Culpo , and who is allowed to compete?
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