The Miss USA pageant is set to mark an important milestone this year, celebrating its 75th Diamond Anniversary on 27 August 2026. This much-anticipated event will take place in Miami, where contestants from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., have gathered to compete for the prestigious title. The festivities around this centenary are expected to highlight the rich legacy of the pageant, which has been a significant platform for women across the United States and beyond.
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The theme for this year’s pageant, “75 Years of Icons,” draws attention to the incredible impact the Miss USA organisation has had on American culture. It reflects a commitment to showcasing talented, accomplished women who encapsulate the diversity, ambition, and confidence representative of modern America. The official Miss USA website states that the pageant is now considered “a cultural institution” intertwined with the realms of entertainment, fashion, and media.
In the lead-up to this monumental event, Miami is buzzing with activities as over 40 former titleholders return to join the celebrations. These legacy representatives will participate in scheduled events and activities throughout the week, further enriching the occasion. The week will also feature the 44th iteration of the Miss Teen USA pageant, which adds another layer of excitement and inclusivity to the festivities.
On the night of the crowning, a new Miss USA will take over the title from 2025’s winner, Audrey Eckert, who represented Nebraska. The pageant is scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, at the highly regarded Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, specifically within the Ziff Ballet Opera House.
The preliminary rounds of the competition will begin on 24 August, with contestants showcasing their state-themed costumes, followed by preliminary competitions the next day. On 26 August, the new Miss Teen USA will be crowned, culminating in the main event on 27 August when Miss USA will receive her crown.
In a recent shift regarding broadcasting arrangements, the Miss USA Organization announced that the pageant would no longer be aired live on The CW Network due to unresolved contractual matters. This change marks a significant moment, as last year was the first occasion since 1965 that the event did not feature on live television, opting instead for streaming on the Queen Beauty Network. This year, the pageant will again be available for viewing via the Queen Beauty Network, accessible via mobile apps, websites, and various streaming platforms.
The hosting duties for this year’s event will be undertaken by Kenya Moore and Ian Ziering. Moore, who is not only a former Miss USA (1993) but also a notable figure on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has experience in both pageantry and entertainment. Ziering, familiar to many from his role as Steve Sanders in the 90s series Beverly Hills, 90210, is also known for his involvement in the Sharknado film series. Together, they will guide viewers through the celebrations of this landmark occasion.
As anticipation builds for the crowning night, the Miss USA pageant continues to resonate as a symbol of the evolution of women’s empowerment and representation in contemporary society. Celebrating 75 years, the organisation looks forward to another chapter in its storied history, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of women and serving as a platform for future generations.