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Inside the Miss America Pageant: Competition Guidelines and Contestant Criteria

Today marks the inauguration of Miss America 2025, taking place in Orlando, Florida at the Walt Disney Theater within the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This esteemed beauty pageant will unfold over six nights from December 31 to January 5, 2025.

The Miss America pageant stands as one of the most esteemed and significant beauty competitions in the United States, featuring specific eligibility criteria that participants must fulfill to enter.

Below are key contest rules highlighted on the official pageant website.

Benefits of Participation

  • Recognition: Celebrate your accomplishments and contributions to your community.
  • Skill-building: Gain essential experience and life skills.
  • Scholarships and Crown: Winners will earn educational scholarships and be crowned.
  • Glamour: Enjoy moments filled with style and elegance.
  • Excitement: Explore new interests and possibilities.
  • Networking: Create meaningful relationships with motivated women.
  • Personal growth: Cultivate a positive mindset to achieve your objectives.

Eligibility Criteria

For those interested in the upcoming competition in 2026, which encompasses local contests starting from March 2024 and culminates in the national championships in January 2026, it’s essential to adhere to the new age specifications. These age requirements have been revised compared to prior years to foster ongoing improvements.

  • Miss America (Age 18 to 28): Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of their state contest but not exceed 27 years.
  • Miss America’s Teen (Ages 14 to 18): Contestants should be a minimum of 14 years at the state competition, not surpassing 18 years.
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Age Criteria Updates

Miss America has introduced changes, allowing contestants aged 18 to decide whether to compete in the Teen or Miss categories for a transitional year.

To qualify for the Teen category, participants must be between the ages of 14 to 18 on the day of the state competition. Once they have chosen their category, they cannot switch until the next event. Registration must be completed online through the appropriate state platform.

Competition Structure

Scoring for State and Local Competitions

  • 30% Personal Interview
  • 20% Physical Fitness
  • 20% Talent Showcase
  • 20% Evening Gown
  • 10% On-stage Question

Scores for State Multi-Round Night Competitions

Preliminary Round:

  • 30% Personal Interview
  • 20% Physical Fitness
  • 20% Talent Showcase
  • 20% Evening Gown
  • 10% On-stage Question

Grand Finale:

  • 30% Personal Interview
  • 20% Physical Fitness
  • 20% Talent Showcase
  • 20% Evening Gown
  • 10% On-stage Question

The competition is set to deliver an exhilarating experience, as the rules are frequently updated to stay current in the entertainment industry, with the upcoming edition expected to make a significant impact in early 2025.

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