A: The MISS UNIVERSE® and MISS USA® competitions celebrated their 50th anniversaries in 2001 and began as concurrent events in 1952 in Long Beach, California; MISS TEEN USA® made its debut in August 1983 in Lakeland, Florida.
Are these programs separate from the Miss America Pageant?
A: Yes. In 1952, Catalina Swimsuits, formerly a Miss America sponsor, founded MISS UNIVERSE® and MISS USA® in Long Beach, California as product promotion. Although some women compete in both MISS USA® and Miss America, the two systems are completely separate. MISS USA® goes on to represent her country in MISS UNIVERSE®.
Are the events held in a different place each year?
A: Now they are. When they were initiated, the MISS UNIVERSE® and MISS USA® competitions were held in Long Beach, California. Eight years later in 1960, the two moved to Miami Beach, Florida, where they remained until 1971. Since 1972, they have been separate live television specials that are telecast from different locations around the globe.
How are the sites chosen?
A: The producer of the events works throughout the year with private enterprise, state and city government officials and, in the case of the MISS UNIVERSE® competition, with foreign governments to establish the site for each event. The city or country offering the optimal venue and support to the organization is chosen.
How many women compete?
A: In the case of MISS UNIVERSE®, between 75 and 85 countries send a candidate to compete. In MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA®, 51 contestants participate in the competition.
Are there age requirements contestants must meet?
A: Yes. As of 1993, MISS UNIVERSE® and MISS USA® contestants must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age by February 1st in the year they compete in the national competition. MISS TEEN USA® candidates must be at least 15 and under 19 years of age by September 1st in the year they compete in the national competition.
May a delegate compete more than once?
A: MISS USA® goes on to represent the United States in MISS UNIVERSE®. contestants may compete more than once in the preliminary (state) competition but may only compete in MISS UNIVERSE® and MISS USA® once. MISS TEEN USA® may compete in MISS USA® but only after her reign has ended and after she has reclaimed her state title.
Are contestants required to have a coach?
A: No. While some feel more prepared when they work with an experienced person who can give them tips on competition, many women have won titles without any outside training. Candidates also turn to their state and national directors for assistance as the directors are experienced in providing effective counsel about the competition. Generally, state and national directors provide contestants with the confidence and experience needed to compete.
Can contestants be married?
A: No. contestants may not be married or pregnant. They must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled nor given birth to a child. The titleholders are also required to remain single throughout their reign.
Are contestants allowed to have cosmetic surgery?
A: Although contestants are discouraged from altering their own natural beauty, no restrictions are placed on cosmetic surgery; it is impossible to enforce such a rule. In fact, since 1990 the organization has allowed the use of padding in an effort to discourage participants from permanently altering their bodies for the competition.
How do the contestants get to the national competition?
A: For MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® some cities and all states have preliminary competitions, which are produced by local and state directors. The winner of the city competition goes on to compete in the state event for her home city; state winners go on to the national competition. However, a delegate may enter a state competition without having won a city title. MISS UNIVERSE® contestants must win their respective competitions to compete in the contest. In the case of the United States, MISS USA® goes on to represent the United States in MISS UNIVERSE®.
How are the semi-finalists chosen?
A: All contestants are judged in three areas of preliminary competition which are not always televised due to time constraints:
1. Interviews - Judges spend time with each delegate to learn about her successes, goals and ambitions.
2. Swimsuit Competition-Each delegate wears one of a variety of swimsuit styles provided by a sponsor.
3. Evening Gown Competition-Each delegate wears a gown she has chosen for herself.
All scores are entered into a computer and are then tallied in each of the three categories. The contestants with the highest aggregate scores are named the semi-finalists. The competition is narrowed twice more to produce the winner. In 1997, the MISS USA® telecast introduced a dual-paneled judging system. One panel judges the preliminary rounds; the other judges the live telecast.
How are the Titleholders and runners-up chosen?
A: Once the finalists are named, their scores are discarded, and they begin competing anew. In the final competition, the same three areas are judged. The judges' scores in these categories are tallied and the winners are named live on the air.
What prizes do the winners receive?
A: Each Titleholder is awarded cash and prizes from the event's official sponsors.
What happens to the winners after they are named?
A: Part of each titleholder's prize package is an employment contract with the Miss Universe Organization (now MISS UNIVERSE, L.P., LLLP). To fulfill that contract, the titleholder becomes a representative of the company for one year.
MISS UNIVERSE® and MISS USA® are provided with a deluxe apartment in New York City and travel the world meeting dignitaries, speaking on behalf of the company, meeting with charitable organizations and appearing at events held by official sponsors. MISS TEEN USA®, because she is usually still in school, lives at home and makes appearances during her weekends and vacations.
When are the competitions held?
A: MISS USA® is always the first event of the year and is generally held in February/March. MISS UNIVERSE® follows in the spring, with MISS TEEN USA® held at the end of summer.
Who televises the competitions?
A: NBC Universal broadcasts the three events live during prime time in the United States. NBC Universal distributes the shows to international markets (approximately 117 countries). The three events are packaged together for international distribution.
Who produces live televised events?
A: The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® specials are produced by the Miss Universe Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal.