More Than Just a Crown: The Power and Purpose of Pageantry

Pageants are often misunderstood as outdated or superficial, but in reality, they are dynamic platforms for self-growth, education, leadership, and advocacy. For countless girls and women of all ages, pageantry is about more than glitz and glamour; it is about discovering confidence, building community, and finding purpose. Whether dazzling in a gown or advocating for a cause, contestants use the stage to showcase their talents, intelligence, and heart.

Modern pageantry began with the Miss America Pageant in 1921, originally conceived as a tourist attraction in Atlantic City. Over the years, the format evolved to include scholarship opportunities, talent showcases, and social impact initiatives. While some systems still highlight beauty and fashion, many prioritize community service, academic achievement, and personal development. Today, there are hundreds of pageant systems tailored to a wide range of values, styles, and participants.

Pageants offer valuable life experiences and personal development opportunities from public speaking and interview skills to self-confidence and poise, to scholarships, to lifelong friendships to community service and leadership. Pageants help girls and women in their everyday life.

There is a pageant type for every personality and purpose. Glitz pageants are all about sass and performance. They require full makeup starting from toddler age, rhinestone-studded gowns, big hair, flippers (fake teeth), and spray tans. They focus on beauty, modeling, and stage presence. Judging is heavily weighted on facial beauty, personality, and fashion. Some popular systems include Universal Royalty, Southern Celebrity, Darling Dolls of America, and Ribbons of Hope.

Natural pageants are focused more on the girl. They require little to no makeup for younger girls with teens and adults being able to wear makeup but on the natural side.

Clothing is usually “age appropriate” with longer gowns (except for babies) and no over-the-top fashion. Some even only allow off-the-rack clothing, meaning no custom-made outfits.

The focus is on inner beauty, confidence, and natural charm. Judging is based on personality, speaking skills, and natural presentation. Some popular systems are National American Miss (NAM), Pure International, International Junior Miss, Miss Heart of the USA.

Semi-Glitz pageants are more polished than natural, but less intense than glitz. Light makeup and sparkle are allowed. They focus on appearance and personality. Judging is based on beauty, communication, and presentation. Some popular systems include, Cinderella International, East Coast USA, Royal International Miss, America's Regal Gems.

Scholarship Pageants are more conservative and professional. Evening gowns and business attire are common. The focus of these pageants is academics, public speaking, talent, and community service. Judging is based on interview performance, scholastic achievements, and social impact. Popular Systems include Miss America, Distinguished Young Women, Miss High School America, Miss United States, Miss Collegiate USA.

Platform-Based & Advocacy Pageants can differ greatly from each other on what kind of style and clothing is allowed. They focus on social impact and advocacy. Contestants select a cause or issue to promote. Judging includes platform presentations, community involvement, and media interaction. Popular systems include Miss Earth USA, American Women of Service, Royal International Miss, Miss World, United States of America's, Miss USA.

Online and Virtual Pageants are also a way to get involved in pageantry without the cost.

Each one differs greatly, and they are usually themed. Contestants submit videos and/or photos to be judged. Sometimes there may be an essay or interview. The highest-scoring contestant wins a prize. Some popular systems are Crowns of Inspiration, Posh Pageants, Iconic Beauty Online.

Inclusive & Adaptive Pageants Focus on celebrating diversity and inclusion, including disability-focused or neurodivergent pageants. Popular systems include Miss Amazing, Miss You Can Do It, Special Talents America, Limitless Pageants.

Fair/Festival pageants are another one that varies between systems and states.

Most cut-off at the age of 22, but many states, such as Kentucky, offer a division for any age.

These pageants are all about hometown pride. They can focus on promoting tourism to your county/state, promoting the fair/festival, and being present in your community. They are usually natural or semi-glitz in style. Typically more conservative and age-appropriate. Winners often make appearances, speak at events, and participate in parades. Local winners may compete at the state level (e.g., Miss Indiana State Fair, Miss Kentucky County Fair, Fairest of the Fair) and some even advance to a national pageant (AmeriFest). These events are ideal for first-time contestants, civic-minded individuals, and those looking to represent their roots with pride.

Some popular categories of competitions are:

Evening Gown: Contestants wear formal attire to showcase elegance and grace.

Swimsuit/Fitness Wear: Evaluates confidence and fitness. Some systems use athletic wear or cover-ups.

Private Interview: One-on-one or panel-style question and answer to assess personality, ambition, and communication skills.

Onstage Question: Tests poise and quick thinking in front of an audience.

Talent: A performance (e.g., singing, dance, instrumental, monologue) judged on skill and entertainment.

OOC (Outfit of Choice) or Theme Wear: A creative fashion segment to show individuality.

Photogenic: Contestants submit a headshot or photo to be judged on appearance and marketability.

Casual or Runway Wear: Judged on modeling ability and personal style.

Speech or Spokes-model: Contestants recite a speech that they have written in front of judges and the audience, usually without any cards or reminders.

Many pageant systems require contestants to support a platform, which is a cause or issue they advocate for. Examples include: Mental Health Awareness, Anti-Bullying Campaigns, Autism Acceptance, Cancer Research Advocacy, Veterans' Support, Literacy & Education Programs, Environmental Sustainability.

Community service is a core expectation, with contestants logging volunteer hours, attending events, and leading charity efforts. Titleholders often continue their advocacy work well beyond their reign.

Modern pageants have divisions for every age group, making them more inclusive than ever before. Common age divisions include:

Baby/Tiny Tot: 0-2 years

Toddler: 2-3 years

Little Miss: 4-6 years

Junior Miss: 7-9 years

Preteen: 10-12 years

Teen: 13-17 years

Miss: 18-24, typically unmarried

Ms.: 25+, single, married, or divorced

Mrs.: Married women, usually 18+Classic/Elite/Grand:

Women 40+, 50+, or 60+

Some systems with no age limit include Regency International, Miss USA, United States of America's, United States, Miss for America, Mrs. America. Ms. America, Miss Senior America, Sunburst ,and glitz pageants.

Far from being just about tiaras and evening gowns, today’s pageants are about making an impact. They cultivate leadership, strengthen public speaking, support educational and career goals, and create confident, community-focused individuals.