Venezuelan-American After a scandalous year, Noelia Voigt was crowned Miss USA 2023.

Venezuelan-American After a scandalous year, Noelia Voigt was crowned Miss USA 2023.

Noelia Voigt is the first Venezuelan-American woman to be crowned Miss USA 2023.

Noelia Voigt of Utah was crowned Miss USA during the grand finale of the 2023 pageant at Reno, Nevada’s Grand Sierra Resort. She is the first Venezuelan-American to win the pageant, which has been plagued by scandal and turpitude in recent years. The exciting event took place on a Friday night and was broadcast live on the CW Network. Savannah Gankiewicz, representing Hawaii, finished first runner-up.

Noelia, 23, won the competition against 50 other state titleholders.

These finalists were chosen after the pageant’s traditional swimwear and evening gown segments. Noelia was asked how she would contribute as a brand ambassador for the Miss Universe Organization and Miss USA during the crucial final Q&A round.

She emphasized her identity as a “bilingual Venezuelan-American” and promised to build bridges with diverse communities across the country.

Vivica A. Fox, former Real Housewife Luann de Lesseps, and renowned beauty vlogger Patrick Starrr were among the judges for this prestigious event. The Miss USA Organization, led by President and CEO Laylah Rose, aimed to breathe new life into this 70-year-old tradition.

Notably, this year’s Miss USA included a game-changing change. Juliana Morehouse-Locklear of Maine was the first married state titleholder. Noelia Voigt’s victory means she will succeed Morgan Romano of North Carolina as Miss USA 2022.

Miss USA rigging scandal

Morgan took over the title from R’Bonney Gabriel of Texas, who was crowned Miss Universe in January 2022. Gabriel’s victory in the 2022 Miss USA pageant sparked accusations from some of her fellow competitors that the competition was rigged in her favor.

Following these allegations, the Miss Universe Organization, which oversees Miss USA, launched an investigation and temporarily suspended Crystle Stewart, the then-Miss USA national director who was also associated with Miss Brands, the company involved in organizing the pageant.

Gabriel and Crystle both denied the allegations. Gabriel stated in an interview with E! News that no unfair advantage or rigging occurred.

In a statement, Crystle emphasized her commitment to ensuring a fair competition for all contestants and denied any intention of undermining young women’s opportunities.

The pageant officially announced the end of its partnership with Crystle Stewart in August. The Miss USA Organization confirmed in a statement that a thorough investigation found the allegations against the pageant to be unfounded.

However, despite discussions, the Miss Universe Organization and Crystle Stewart were unable to reach an agreement regarding her participation. As a result of her success with the Miss USA Organization, Crystle Stewart went on to pursue other entrepreneurial endeavors.

UmaSofia Srivastava, a 16-year-old from New Jersey, was crowned Miss Teen USA in a separate event on Thursday night at the Grand Sierra Resort. Stephanie Skinner, a 19-year-old from New York, finished first runner-up.