Elle Smith of Kentucky, is crowned the newMiss USA 2021 Photo: Miss USA

Elle Smith from Kentucky is the new Miss USA!

Elle competed against 50 other women from around the country in evening gown, swimwear and interview competitions. She shined in the interview portion, responding to how we can encourage businesses to be more environmentally conscious.

“Companies need to switch to green energy, I think that’s something we all can agree on. But then at the micro level, we all know how to reduce, reuse, recycle” Smith said.

Smith, 23 is a graduate from the University of Kentucky and  a local TV Reporter at the ABC Affiliate station WHAS11.  

This year's Miss USA 2021 pageant was held at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Monday, November 29th.



Elle will go on to compete at the Miss Universe pageant representing the USA, on December 12th in Israel.


Elle is the second Miss Kentucky USA to win the Miss USA title. Tara Conner from Kentucky, was crowned Miss USA in  2006.



Kara McCullough, Miss USA 2017 and Deshauna Barber Miss USA 2016

When it comes to the world of pageantry, black women were not always allowed to compete in mainstream pageant systems and faced significant discrimination. While there are still strides to make when it comes to diversity in pageants, there are many black women who have made significant achievements. Becoming the firsts, winning national and international titles, and becoming household names in Hollywood.



Whether you are obsessed with pageants or not, here are 7 black beauty queens that you should know!






Carole Ann Gist- At 21 Carole became the first Black woman to win Miss USA in 1990





Vanessa Williams- Became the first Black woman to win Black woman to win Miss America in 
1983.




Deshauna Barber- Won Miss USA in 2016 and she was also the first winner to be actively serving in the Army!




Kara McCulllough- Is the current Miss USA 2017 from D.C, making a back to back winning streak for the District of Colombia! Kara is also a Scientist, changing the stigma for what a pageant girl is.





Halle Berry- Before she was a huge movie star, Halle Berry got her start in pageants. She won 
the title of Miss Ohio USA in 1986 and was a contestant at the Miss World pageant in 1986.






Kenya Moore- Won Miss USA in 1993, becoming the second black woman to win the title. 
Kenya is currently starring on the popular reality show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” which 
airs on Bravo!






Leila Lopes - Won Miss Universe in  2011. Before winning the Miss Universe crown she won the Miss Angola title in 2010.





Kamie Crawford- Won Miss Teen USA in 2010. She is now a Model, TV Host and 
Beauty Influencer.






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Considering competing in pageants in 2018? Here are 3 easy steps to help you get started:



1. Start looking up pageant systems that you may want to compete in :

Although the Miss Universe and Miss America organizations may be the most popular pageants that most people are familiar with, they are just two of  many pageant systems that exist. Depending on your age, talent, location and what you may be looking to get out of a pageant , the pageant systems may differ. RESEARCH!! It may take time to figure out what pageant system may be right for you. If you are someone that doesn't have a talent,  then the Miss America organization may not be the best fit. However, you may be surprised at how creative you can get with your talent. Miss Maryland 2013, Allyn Rose competed with an artistic roller skating routine and Miss Colorado 2015, Kelley Johnson performed a nurse monologue.




   2. Preparing physically:

A large part of pageant preparation is physical. If you want to compete in a pageant that is 6 months away starting a workout routine and having a better diet can be helpful. Do I have to be a certain size to compete ? NO, YOU DON’T!  It's not a requirement for any pageant to be a specific weight, and if there is then it’s a pageant you probably shouldn’t enter. Many pageants have swimsuit or fitness categories. Walking on a stage in a swimsuit in  front of strangers can be scary. Being physically ready, can help you feel and look your best, which is what we all want to show in a pageant. Everyones body is different and what may work for someone may not work for you. DONT STRESS OVER NUMBERS OR DO SOME EXTREME DANGEROUS DIET. Being healthy and confident is more important than “looking fit” or being on a strict diet that makes you miserable. It may take time to see the changes you want (if you want a change)  so be patient.






3. Start Saving:

Pageants are not cheap! As a matter of fact, it can be a pretty expensive hobby. If you are someone that competes every year or only wants to compete once, expenses can easily rack up. You shouldn’t start saving once you apply for a pageant. If you can start saving months or even a year in advance, saving will be a lot easier. Some possible pageant expenses may include: sponsorship fee, application fee, wardrobe, coaching, and gym expenses. These are just some of the many possible expenses that a contestant may  be responsible for. Sponsorship fees can range from $100 to over $1000! Sponsorship fees can be raised but, it can still be difficult to raise enough to cover all your expenses. Of course, if you are luckily enough to have your sponsorship fee and  other expenses covered then you are one of the lucky ones!  


Competing in pageants can be fun and exciting but, for new contestants it may also be overwhelming. These tips can be a great starting point , to help you get started on your pageant journey.


Will you be competing in your first pageant in 2018? Follow us on social media for pageant advice, Tiara Talk and beauty tips!




The Miss USA 2018 state pageants have started up so I've compiled a list of the upcoming pageant dates. If a date is not correct please feel free to let me now.


Miss Montana USA - September 9-10th

Miss Ohio USA - November 11-12

Miss Wyoming USA - September 16-17

Miss Missouri USA - September 22-24

Miss Delaware USA - November 25-26

Miss Michigan USA- September 29-30

Miss Kansas USA - November 24-26

Miss Indiana USA- October 21-22

Miss Tennessee USA-  October 12-14

Miss  New Jersey USA-  October 13-15

Miss Rhode Island USA- September 8-10

Miss New York USA-  January 12-14 2018

Miss  Minnesota USA-November 25-26

Miss Texas USA -  TBD

Miss Idaho USA- September 29-30

Miss South Dakota USA-  September 30-Oct 1

Miss North Carolina USA-  September 29-30

Miss South Carolina USA- Nov 17-18

Miss Oregon USA- October 7-8

Miss  Pennsylvania USA -December 1-3

Miss California USA -December 1-3

Miss Virginia USA-  Oct 21-22

Miss Wisconsin USA - Sep 9-10

Miss District of Columbia USA- Dec 16

Miss Louisiana USA - Oct 20-21

Miss Nebraska  USA- Jan 5-7, 2018

Miss Arizona  USA-  TBD

Miss Mississippi  USA-

Miss Arkansas  USA- Oct 27-29

Miss New Mexico USA- January 2018 TBD

Miss Vermont USA - TBD

Miss Colorado USA- October 28-29

Miss Maryland USA- October 27-29

Miss New Hampshire USA- October 28-29

Miss Utah USA- TBD

Miss Nevada USA- November 19th

Miss Maine USA  - TBD

Miss Hawaii USA-  TBD

Miss Connecticut USA - TBD

Miss Kentucky USA- TBD

Miss Alaska USA- TBD

Miss Washington USA- November 4-5

Miss Florida USA - December 14-17



*Will update more states as the dates gets closer
Kara McCullough, from D.C is the new Miss USA 2017!



25-year-old, Kara McCullough, from District of Columbia was crowned the new Miss USA on Sunday at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 51 contestants from all over the country competed for the illustrious title of Miss USA.  
Kara astonished in all categories of competition, which included evening gown, swimsuit, and onstage interview.  Kara, a popular fan favorite, stood out from the start for her impressive career as a Scientist at the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Her beauty and intelligence dazzled the judges and viewers and made her a competitive contestant.  She was even noted as being one of the most intelligent contestants in Miss USA pageant history.

During the on-stage interview category of the competition, McCullough was asked a question about healthcare. “Do you think affordable healthcare for all U.S citizens is a right or a privilege and why?” Co-host Julianne Hough asked.


Kara McCullough on stage with Co-Host Terrrence  J

McCullough’s response did cause some controversy on social media.  “I’m definitely going to say it’s a privilege,” As a government employee, I am granted health care. And I see firsthand that for one to have health care, you need to have jobs. So therefore we need to continue to cultivate this environment that were given the opportunities to have health care as well as jobs to all the American citizens worldwide.”  McCullough responded.
McCullough is excited about being able to share her passion for science during her reign. “I just want to encourage so many women nationwide to find their passion in any subject possible and understand that nothing is difficult if you really, truly put the work in for it.” McCullough said after the pageant.

This is a back to back win for DC. The previous Miss USA, Deshauna Barber was also Miss DC USA. McCullough’s first runner up was Chavvi Verg, Miss New Jersey USA.

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Blog contributor, Abby Mansolillo is back and sharing her Miss USA  predictions for this years pageant! Let us know, who are your favs and don't forget to Tweet with us @tiaraobsessions during the pageant and follow us on social media! 


It’s that time of year again! The annual Miss USA 2017 pageant will be aired on May 14, 2017!

As always, these predictions have no real bearing on the pageant results, nor are they in any way affiliated with the Miss USA/Miss Teen USA/Miss Universe pageant system. It was incredibly difficult to choose just 15 out of all these beautiful women, and I wish them all the best

So, here are my Top 15 Semi-Finalist predictions for Miss USA 2017!


Alaska: Alyssa London , New York: Hannah Loopa,  Arkansas: Arynn Johnson




Delaware: Mia Jones, Idaho:Cassie Lewis, Iowa:Kelsey Weier



Louisiana: Bethany Trahan, Maryland: Adrianna David, Massachusetts: Julia Scaparotti




Nevada: Lauren York, Rhode Island: Kelsey Swanson, South Carolina: Megan Gordon


Tennesee: Allee-Sutton Hethcoat , Texas: Nancy Gonzalez, Utah: Baylee Jensen


As always, every single woman that will be on the Miss USA stage is beautiful and intelligent. While looking through their biographies, I saw a lot of winners here who had competed upwards of 3-7 times in their division, or in Teen, respectfully. This continues to prove that it is purely perseverance, faith and determination that allows these women to be successful. My mother said to me recently, that it’s not the title itself, but the woman who holds it and wears the crown that makes it important. Just something to think about. Meanwhile, it was incredibly hard to choose just fifteen, and I wish all of the women competing for the coveted title the best of luck! Have something you want me to write about? Let me know and I’d love to take requests.

XO,

Abby


Instagram: @abbymansolillo
Twitter: @abby_mansolillo
Email: aemansolillo44@gmail.com

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