The beauty pageant world was shaken this week when Noelia Voigt, the reigning Miss USA, and UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA, relinquished their coveted crowns in quick succession. The dual resignations mark the first time in the 72-year history of the Miss Universe Organization that its premier titles have been simultaneously vacant, forcing harsh scrutiny on its operations.
Voigt acquired her title in September 2023, becoming the first Venezuelan American to be crowned Miss USA. The title had been a life-long aspirations, the former Miss Utah relayed via an Instagram post, framing her resignation as a deeply difficult decision. She spoke of her desire and mission to persist in being a beacon of inspiration, urging others to be tireless in advocating for their own mental health and to use their own voices to advocate for others. Particularly, she stressed on the importance of fostering mental and physical wellbeing and conveyed heartfelt appreciation for her supporters.
The Miss USA Organization, in return, expressed deep gratitude for Voigt’s stint, conveying their understanding and support for her decision to prioritize her personal well-being. They also assured their audience of their commitment to the health of their titleholders and revealed ongoing plans to transfer the vacant responsibilities to a new successor.
Srivastava, echoed similar sentiments of discord with the Miss Universe Organization’s direction in her own heartfelt Instagram post, noting that her personal values no longer fully resonate with the pageant’s approach. The reigning Miss Teen USA, crowned simultaneously with Voigt, expressed gratitude to her supporters, relishing in the honor of having represented her state as the first Mexican Indian American to hold the title.
The 17-year-old alluded to her eagerness towards future pursuits, namely university applications and a multilingual children’s book. Although she couldn’t have predicted the abrupt end to her reign, she cited the experience as a privilege.
As the pageant community awaits further insight into these unfolding events, representatives of the Miss Universe Organization, which oversees both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, have yet to publicize their response to the dual resignations.
