Noelia Voigt of Utah was crowned the new Miss USA at the 2023 pageant held in Reno, Nevada. The 23-year-old beat out 50 other state titleholders to win the prestigious crown. The pageant, which took place at the Grand Sierra Resort, was broadcast live on the CW Network.
Among the judges for this year’s Miss USA were Vivica A. Fox, Luann de Lesseps, and Patrick Starrr. The pageant aimed to offer a modern and progressive approach to its 70-year-old tradition.
Voigt, in her victory speech, promised to be a “bilingual Venezuelan-American” brand ambassador and connect with diverse communities across the United States. As the new Miss USA, she will serve as an ambassador and advocate for various causes during her reign.
This year’s pageant also made history with the inclusion of the first married state titleholder, Juliana Morehouse-Locklear of Maine. However, despite her accomplishment, Morehouse-Locklear did not advance to the top 20.
Voigt succeeds Morgan Romano of North Carolina as Miss USA. Romano took over the title from R’Bonney Gabriel of Texas, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2022. Gabriel’s win at the 2022 Miss USA pageant was marred by claims of rigging by some contestants. An investigation was opened, and the then-Miss USA national director, Crystle Stewart, was suspended. However, Gabriel, Stewart, and other officials strongly refuted the allegations.
In August, the pageant announced its decision to end its partnership with Stewart. This move reflected the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the competition.
On the same night, UmaSofia Srivastava of New Jersey was crowned Miss Teen USA, while Stephanie Skinner of New York was named the first-runner-up.
The Miss USA pageant continues to be a platform for talented young women to showcase their beauty, intelligence, and advocacy skills. With Noelia Voigt as the new titleholder, the pageant hopes to promote unity and diversity across the nation.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”