Utah’s Noelia Voigt is Crowned Miss USA 2023
Reno, Nevada – In a dazzling evening at the Grand Sierra Resort, Noelia Voigt of Utah was crowned the new Miss USA for 2023. The pageant, broadcast live on the CW Network, culminated with Voigt’s victory on Friday night. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii took the first runner-up position.
Voigt, 23, emerged victorious among the 50 state titleholders who competed in the pageant. Starting with 20 finalists, the field was further narrowed down to just five contestants, including Voigt, Gankiewicz, Jasmine Daniels of Pennsylvania, Lluvia Alzate of Texas, and Alexis Loomans of Wisconsin, after the swimwear and evening gown rounds.
During the final Q&A round, Voigt confidently presented herself as a “bilingual Venezuelan-American” and promised to connect with diverse communities across the United States. Her answer impressed the judges, which included notable personalities such as Vivica A. Fox, former “Real Housewife” Luann de Lesseps, and beauty vlogger Patrick Starrr.
The 2023 Miss USA pageant aimed to present a modern and progressive approach to the 70-year-old tradition, according to Laylah Rose, the President and CEO of the Miss USA Organization. This year’s pageant made history with the first married state titleholder, Juliana Morehouse-Locklear of Maine. However, Morehouse-Locklear did not advance to the top 20.
Voigt succeeds Morgan Romano of North Carolina, the 2022 Miss USA. Romano took over the title from R’Bonney Gabriel, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2022. Gabriel’s win was surrounded by controversy, as some fellow contestants claimed the pageant had been “rigged” in her favor.
In response to these allegations, the Miss Universe Organization launched an investigation and suspended then-Miss USA national director Crystle Stewart and her company, Miss Brands. Gabriel and Stewart vigorously denied any unfair advantage or rigging.
After a thorough investigation, the accusations were found to be false, and the Miss Universe Organization decided to end its partnership with Stewart. Miss USA stated that they were unable to reach an agreement, and Stewart chose to pursue other entrepreneurial passions.
On the same night, 16-year-old UmaSofia Srivastava of New Jersey was crowned Miss Teen USA, and Stephanie Skinner of New York took the first runner-up position. The event took place at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
Noelia Voigt’s reign as Miss USA 2023 promises to be marked by her commitment to diversity and her role as a brand ambassador for the Miss Universe Organization. As she takes on her new responsibilities, the nation eagerly anticipates the positive impact she will make on communities across the United States.