CNN
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After an exciting competition at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, Noelia Voigt of Utah emerged as the new Miss USA for 2023. The pageant, which was broadcast live on the CW Network, also saw Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii take the first-runner-up spot.
Voigt, 23, outshined 50 other contestants to capture the prestigious title. The competition started with 20 finalists, but was eventually narrowed down to just five, including Voigt, Gankiewicz, Jasmine Daniels of Pennsylvania, Lluvia Alzate of Texas, and Alexis Loomans of Wisconsin, after the swimwear and evening gown rounds.
During the final Q&A round, Voigt impressed the judges with her plans to be a “brand ambassador” for the Miss Universe Organization and Miss USA. As a “bilingual Venezuelan-American,” she promised to connect with diverse communities across the United States.
The esteemed panel of judges included Vivica A. Fox, former “Real Housewife” Luann de Lesseps, and beauty vlogger Patrick Starrr.
The 2023 Miss USA pageant aimed to modernize and progress the 70-year-old tradition, according to Laylah Rose, President and CEO of the Miss USA Organization. This year’s pageant also made history by featuring its first married state titleholder, Juliana Morehouse-Locklear of Maine, as a result of a recent rule change implemented by the Miss Universe Organization. However, Morehouse-Locklear did not advance to the top 20.
Voigt takes over the Miss USA title from Morgan Romano of North Carolina, who held the crown in 2022. Romano, in turn, succeeded R’Bonney Gabriel of Texas, who was crowned Miss Universe in January.
Gabriel’s win in the 2022 Miss USA pageant was overshadowed by claims of rigging made by some of her fellow contestants.
In response to the allegations, the Miss Universe Organization launched an investigation and suspended then-Miss USA national director, Crystle Stewart, and her company, Miss Brands. Stewart, who won the 2008 Miss USA pageant, and Gabriel vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Miss USA ended its partnership with Stewart in August, after confirming that the accusations were false. The organization stated that they were unable to reach an agreement with Stewart and Miss Brands for their continuing involvement due to extensive discussions and considerations.
In a separate event at the Grand Sierra Resort, 16-year-old UmaSofia Srivastava of New Jersey was crowned Miss Teen USA, with Stephanie Skinner, 19, of New York as the first-runner-up.
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