Need to Know: The 74th Annual Miss USA Pageant
The 74th Annual Miss USA pageant finals took center stage on Friday, October 24, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. The event was packed with glamour, excitement, and historical announcements that will resonate within the pageant community for years to come.
A Historic Name Change
One of the most significant moments of the evening was the announcement that the Miss Congeniality Award would be renamed in honor of Chelsi Smith, the former Miss Universe who tragically passed away in September 2018 at the age of 45. The change aims to pay homage to Smith’s unforgettable legacy, as she was not only a beauty queen but a beacon of hope and encouragement for many.
Smith’s journey in the pageant world was remarkable. She made history by becoming the first and only woman from Texas to win both Miss USA and Miss Universe. In under a year, she claimed the Miss Texas USA title, followed by her victories in the national and international pages.
Remembering Chelsi Smith
Chelsi Smith’s battle against liver cancer showcased her strength and resilience; her untimely death was a profound loss for fans and fellow competitors alike. Olivia Jordan, co-host of this year’s pageant and Miss USA 2015, emphasized the importance of honoring Smith’s memory, stating: “We have decided to rename the Miss Congeniality award after one of the most iconic beauty queens in history.”
Smith was also well-known for her approachable and charismatic nature, winning the Miss Congeniality award in nearly every pageant she participated in. Jordan expressed the Miss USA organization’s desire to ensure that Smith’s legacy would endure for generations to come by establishing the “Chelsi Smith Congeniality Award.”
Celebrating New Talents
This year’s Miss Congeniality was awarded to Tetra Shaylice Shockley from Delaware, while the night concluded with Audrey Eckert from Nebraska being crowned Miss USA 2025. Ivy Harrington from New Jersey secured the title of first runner-up, adding to a year that celebrated both new talent and cherished memories.
Judges for this year’s event included notable personalities like Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014, and Jade Roper Tolbert from Season 19 of The Bachelor. Their involvement brought an inspiring blend of experience and contemporary influence to the judging panel, showcasing a rich diversity that the pageant world truly deserves.
A Night to Remember
In an atmosphere filled with emotional moments and celebratory triumphs, the renaming of the Miss Congeniality award stands out as a poignant tribute to a remarkable woman. The decision not only honors Chelsi Smith but also encourages future contestants to emulate her spirit, kindness, and charismatic presence.
Overall, the 74th Annual Miss USA pageant was an event that not only celebrated beauty and talent but also encapsulated the essence of community, compassion, and resilience—a true reflection of Chelsi Smith’s legacy that will inspire contestants and audiences alike for years to come.