The Unseen Rules of Miss America: What Contestants Must Abide By

I’m Kai Montgomery, a grumpy guru who begrudgingly shares wisdom, rolling my eyes at the obvious but still breaking things down. As I dive into the world of beauty pageants, I’m reminded that there’s more to Miss America than meets the eye. The recent crowning of Miss New York Cassie Donegan as the new title holder has brought attention to the 104-year-old pageant, which has evolved significantly since its inception as a “bathing beauty revue” on New Jersey’s Atlantic City boardwalk.

The Miss America competition has indeed grown, waving goodbye to the swimsuit competition in 2018, but several strict rules remain in place for contestants vying for the crown. Donegan, a 27-year-old Belmont University musical theatre graduate, took home $70,000 in scholarships and a platform to discuss her community service initiative, promoting arts education in schools. As the chief operations officer of New York-based Southern Sitter LLC, Donegan expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead.

But what about the rules that govern these contestants? For starters, hopefuls for the 2026 event must be no older than 28 on September 30, 2026, and no younger than 18 on September 1, 2026. This age range is crucial, as it allows contestants to participate in either the Teen or Miss division. In fact, those who are exactly 18 years old on September 1, 2026, get to choose between the two divisions, but once they’ve made their decision, they cannot change divisions until the next application cycle.

Marital status is another important factor, as contestants cannot be married at the time of competition, although they can be divorced. They must also certify that they’re not pregnant and have no children. It’s clear that the pageant is looking for contestants who can dedicate themselves fully to the competition.

State titleholders must also meet specific requirements, including providing proof of residency in the state they’ve represented for at least 120 consecutive days before taking the stage. Alternatively, they can prove they’ve worked in the state for a minimum of 40 hours a week for at least 120 days or are enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in the state.

Talent is, of course, a significant aspect of the competition, with contestants’ 90-second performances in the talent portion counting for 20 percent of the scoring in each round. From singing and instrumental performances to dance and even chemistry lessons, contestants must showcase their unique skills to stand out.

As I wrap up this look into the world of Miss America, I’m left wondering what it takes to be a contestant. Is it the thrill of competition, the chance to make a difference, or something more? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: contestants must be prepared to abide by a set of strict rules that govern every aspect of their participation.

And that, dear reader, is the not-so-glamorous side of being a beauty queen.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed