What pageant should I compete in?

So it’s 2021 and perhaps you’re still finalizing your resolutions for the year. If you’re Interested in competing in a pageant, but not sure which pageant system to look into, you’ve come to the right place. With my 8 years of competitive experience & a total of 15 years in the industry, here are my thoughts on which systems might be a good fit for you. First a little disclaimer: these are my own opinions based on conversations with many, many clients, hair & makeup artists, directors, and some are perceptions based on pageant branding & social media.

How old are you?

While almost all pageant systems have multiple age divisions, most pageant systems have an age range “Sweet spot” where they excel.

Young (5-tween): NAM, IJM, UNM

Young Teen to Teen: High School America, Miss Teen USA, Outstanding Teen (the teen division for Miss America), NAM, IJM, UNM

Miss: Miss USA, Miss America, United States, Miss World

Mrs: Mrs. America, International

Are you just starting out?

If you are BRAND NEW to pageants, it’s pretty common to start with smaller pageant systems to get your “feet wet” and learn the ropes before competing in larger pageant systems. If you are looking to enter your very first pageant, here are a few system ideas. I still suggest you find a pageant coach to help you navigate your first time. I always encourage girls to compete at the state level before heading to Nationals if it’s your first pageant experience.

NAM, Royalty International, USA Ambassador pageant, POA (especially in MN/WI)

Are you comfortable competing in swim suit?

Miss USA, Miss Earth, and United States might be good fits for you! If you’re a Mrs. contestant, Mrs. America also has a swim component of their competition. Many pageant systems no longer have a swim component, so if you are not comfortable competing in swim, check out Miss America, High School America, IJM, UNM, or NAM. Miss Teen USA recently changed from swimsuit to fitness so instead of teens competing in swim, they compete in athleisure (leggings, sports bras, tennis shoes). Systems that don’t have swimsuit competitions often have events like runway or fun fashion that replace that part of the competition. And some pageant systems even have a combination: International that has fitness AND fun fashion.

Do you rock at an on-stage talent?

I WISH I could say this is me, but it’s not. You can’t exactly “wow” with photography on stage in the same way you can with dancing, piano, or singing. If you are the lucky talented individual that absolutely shines with an on-stage talent, check out the Miss America system. Talent is over 30% of their final score!

Do you want to be on TV?

Unfortunately pageants are less and less televised. Even Miss USA was streamed on FYI network this year—which required a third party streaming partner like Hulu Live to watch. Instead of National TV, look at what pageant systems have strong streaming platforms. I like to look at the quality of the production & stream. For example, Miss High School America put on a fantastic national pageant stream!

What range of investment are you ready to spend?

All pageants require investment, but here’s the range of investment needed from what I’ve observed in the last few years. Miss USA, United States, Earth, High School America, UNM, IJM are very fashion-focused and many competitors compete with a couture wardrobe. Pageant systems like Royalty International, POA, Miss America (local & state levels), NAM, have less weight on what you’re wearing, and I’ve seen competitors just as successful with non-couture wardrobes. If you can rock it, you can wear it. Of course there are exceptions every year to this, and competitors often take the same wardrobe across multiple systems in the same year—which is SO smart. At the end of the day, it’s all about fit and what makes you stand out.