The excitement is building as the 2019 Miss USA pageant approaches, and we’re ready to dive into the details. However, for those of us who didn’t dream of being beauty queens growing up, some aspects of the pageant might be a bit baffling. For instance, what’s the difference between Miss USA and Miss America? And why are there 51 contestants when there are only 50 states? Let’s break it all down.
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51 Contestants: Who's the Extra One?
It might seem like a no-brainer to assume that Puerto Rico is the 51st contestant, but that’s not the case. Puerto Rico has its own separate beauty pageant, Miss Puerto Rico. The 51st contestant actually comes from the District of Columbia. Yes, the nation’s capital gets its own representative in this glamorous event. This year’s pageant will be held at the beautiful Reno Tahoe, nestled between Lake Tahoe and Vegas.
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Miss USA vs. Miss America: What's the Difference?
The differences between Miss USA and Miss America can be confusing. The main distinction lies in what happens after the crown is won. The Miss America winner’s journey ends with the crowning ceremony, after which she focuses on being the face of the Miss America Organization and promoting her Social Impact Initiative for the year.
On the other hand, the Miss USA winner has an additional challenge ahead. After being crowned Miss USA, she will represent the United States in the Miss Universe pageant later in the year, which is set to take place in South Korea.
Who Won Miss USA 2018?
2018's Miss USA crown went to Sarah Rose Summers of Nebraska. Not only was she the first woman from Nebraska to win Miss USA, but she also had a successful run in the Miss Universe pageant, placing in the Top 20. The Miss Universe crown, however, went to Catriona Gray from the Philippines.
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What Does Miss USA Win?
Winning Miss USA isn’t just about the title and the crown. The perks are numerous and enviable. The winner gets to live in a luxury apartment in New York City, rent-free, for a year. She also receives a year-long salary, living expenses, and paid travel. One former Miss USA described her winnings as highly desirable, though she didn’t disclose the exact salary amount.
And if the Miss USA winner progresses to Miss Universe, the benefits increase significantly. Miss Universe receives a year’s supply of hair products and styling tools, a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry, free cosmetics, personal training, and free hair appointments from John Barrett Salon. Additionally, she gets personal health, nutrition, dermatology, and dental services.
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When and Where to Watch
If you’re eager to see who will take home the Miss USA crown this year, tune in to FOX on Thursday, May 2, at 8 p.m. EST. The event will be hosted by Vanessa and Nick Lachey, promising an evening of glitz, glamour, and suspense.
If you think you have what it takes to become the next Miss USA, you can apply for next year’s competition. For now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
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