- Miss Utah, Noelia Voigt, crowned new Miss USA on Friday night.
- Voigt discusses leading the pageant after a controversial year in an exclusive interview with Insider.
- Contestants alleged rigging in the 2022 pageant, resulting in Crystle Stewart’s departure as president.
As the newly crowned Miss USA, Noelia Voigt will lead the renowned pageant organization following a highly controversial year.
In an exclusive interview with Insider, Voigt shares her aspirations for her reign and her mission to shed a positive light on Miss USA.
After R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss USA in October 2022, contestants alleged that the pageant had been rigged in her favor. The Miss Universe Organization conducted an investigation, leading to the suspension of Crystle Stewart, who was serving as president at the time. In August, the organization issued a statement refuting the rigging allegations as “false.” On the same day, it was announced that Stewart would no longer hold the position of Miss USA president. Stewart did not provide a comment when contacted through her representative.
Voigt acknowledges the stories shared by her friends who participated in Miss USA under Stewart’s leadership, stating that it is disheartening to hear their experiences.
“It is crucial that we acknowledge their feelings because they are speaking their truth,” she added.
Courtesy of Miss USA
However, Voigt has only positive words for Laylah Rose, who assumed the role of Miss USA president in August.
“She is an empowering woman,” Voigt stated. “I knew we were in for a special time with her because she exudes positivity and encourages us to be the same with others.”
According to Voigt, Rose is committed to creating a positive environment at Miss USA this year. She has listened to the stories of previous contestants who may have had negative experiences under different ownerships.
“Laylah has fostered the perfect environment for women supporting women and placed philanthropy at the forefront,” Voigt added. “I am thrilled to showcase the true definition of pageantry and prove that it does not resemble what transpired in the past.”
Courtesy of Miss USA
As the new Miss USA, Voigt aims to demonstrate that the competition goes beyond a beauty pageant and remains relevant.
“We have the power to make a tremendous impact on people’s lives,” she emphasized. “If you consider the contributions of state and national titleholders and the positive changes they have brought, it is evident that pageants are still incredibly important and should continue to be relevant.”
At the age of 23, Voigt becomes the first Miss Utah to win Miss USA since 1960. She will represent the United States in the Miss Universe pageant on November 18 in El Salvador.
Gabriel, the current Miss Universe, became the first American to win the pageant in 10 years.
