By Keenan Pasztor
In 2024, the pageant world was rocked when Miss USA 2024 and Miss Teen USA 2024 both stepped down from their titles citing mental health reasons and conflicts within the organization. This came just a few years after Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, tragically committed suicide in 2022.
Pageants which were once showcased nationally on major TV networks eventually lost their prime spots and moved to streaming services. The seeming loss of popularity, combined with reports of bullying, favoritism, and rigged competition begs the question: “Are pageants still relevant in today’s day and age?”
In order to truly understand the impact pageants have on women nationwide, one must understand what pageants actually are. The Miss America Organization and Miss USA Organization are the most well-known pageants, but there are many other national pageant organizations as well including Miss Volunteer America, Royal International Miss, Miss Collegiate, and Miss World. There are also pageants that compete only at a state or local level, not nationwide.
Despite the many different organizations, the goals of all of them are the same: to help women build confidence, gain relevant life skills, and empower themselves to use their voices to advocate for those causes about which they are passionate. Pageants play a valuable role not only in uplifting women, but also in opening doors to personal and professional success.
Due to the rise of social media and cultural commentary, pageants are in the spotlight
more than ever: both the good and the bad. Pageants often have a misconception that
contestants have to uphold a “perfect” image in what they do and how they look. Similarly, pageants have been criticized for not being inclusive or celebrating all women, just the ones who look a certain way. The world of pageantry has to be more inclusive and less superficial, allowing diverse definitions of beauty, intelligence, and strength to emerge.
While every pageant has different competition elements, almost all of them require a personal interview that showcases each contestant’s personality, on-stage questions where contestants are put on the spot to answer a random question with poise and intelligence, as well as the submission of paperwork highlighting community service done, education received, and the contestant’s individual passions. Some organizations even have a talent category, showing that the women competing are more than how they look.
Pageants are relevant because they provide women with confidence and communication
skills, opportunities and visibility, and platforms to advocate for important causes. They teach public speaking, poise, and how to advocate for causes; skills essential in leadership and business. Pageants also help contestants earn scholarships to help further their education, networking opportunities, modeling experience, media exposure, and professional advancement. Many contestants go on to found their own non-profits, become lawyers, doctors, and so much more.
While many pageant organizations have increased their efforts to take care of their
contestants and titleholders by providing mental health resources, the conversation about mental health needs to continue. Prioritizing emotional well-being shouldn’t be a trend, it should be a long-term commitment embedded into the culture of pageantry. This commitment must include open dialogue, access to support, and a redefinition of strength that includes vulnerability.
But the responsibility doesn’t rest solely within the pageant community. Society at large must also examine the unrealistic expectations it places on women. From how we look, to how we lead, we must place value on authenticity over perfection. Only then can we create environments, both on and off the stage, where women feel supported, seen, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Keenan Pasztor M.S., LPC-MHSP(T) is a Tennessee-based therapist who helps young adults overcome a range of challenges. She is also a former beauty pageant participant who has won Miss Lynchburg in 2024 and Miss Tustin in 2019.
