Miss USA Honors Late Beauty Queen Chelsi Smith by Renaming Miss Congeniality Award
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In a heartfelt tribute to the late beauty queen Chelsi Smith, the 74th Annual Miss USA pageant made history by renaming the prestigious Miss Congeniality Award in her honour. The announcement was made during the pageant finals on Friday, October 24, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. Smith, who tragically passed away in September 2018 at the age of 45 after battling liver cancer, left an indelible mark on the pageant world.
The news of the name change was revealed by pageant co-host Olivia Jordan, herself a former Miss USA winner in 2015. Alongside sports analyst and former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho, Jordan spoke movingly about the decision to rename the award. She highlighted Smith’s remarkable achievements, including winning Miss Texas USA, Miss USA, and ultimately, Miss Universe in 1995.
Chelsi Smith’s legacy extends beyond her titles as she was known for her congeniality, having won the Miss Congeniality award in numerous pageants she participated in. Jordan emphasised the significance of honouring Smith’s memory by renaming the Miss Congeniality award as the Chelsi Smith Congeniality Award. This gesture serves as a tribute to a trailblazer who made history as the first woman from Texas to win both Miss USA and Miss Universe.
The Miss USA pageant saw Miss Delaware, Tetra Shaylice Shockley, clinching this year’s Chelsi Smith Congeniality Award. The coveted Miss USA 2025 title was awarded to Miss Nebraska, Audrey Eckert, with Miss New Jersey, Ivy Harrington, securing the first runner-up position. The judging panel featured notable personalities, including former Miss USA Nia Sanchez and former Dancing with the Stars pro Sasha Farber.
The renaming of the Miss Congeniality Award not only honours Chelsi Smith’s memory but also underscores her impact on the pageant community. By acknowledging her contributions and character, the Miss USA organisation pays homage to a woman who inspired many aspiring beauty queens. The Chelsi Smith Congeniality Award symbolises kindness, grace, and camaraderie—the qualities exemplified by Smith throughout her pageant journey.
As the pageant world continues to evolve, initiatives like renaming awards after iconic figures like Chelsi Smith reaffirm the importance of commemorating trailblazers who have left a lasting legacy. The gesture not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters a sense of community and inclusivity within the pageant industry. By renaming the Miss Congeniality Award, Miss USA sets a precedent for honouring the outstanding individuals who have made a significant impact on the pageant world.
In conclusion, the renaming of the Miss Congeniality Award as the Chelsi Smith Congeniality Award marks a poignant moment in the history of the Miss USA pageant. It pays tribute to a remarkable woman whose warmth, grace, and tenacity continue to inspire generations of beauty queens. Chelsi Smith’s enduring legacy lives on through this honour, reminding us of the power of kindness and friendship in the world of beauty pageants.