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| Utah's Noelia Voigt Takes Home Miss USA 2023 Crown |
Noelia Voigt was officially crowned as Miss USA 2023 during a spectacular event held on Friday. The prestigious title was passed on to her by Miss USA 2022, Morgan Romano, representing North Carolina, who had assumed the crown after R’Bonney Gabriel won the coveted Miss Universe 2023 title.
Noelia Voigt, aged 22, hails from Florida and is the child of an American-Venezuelan couple. She boasts a license as an esthetician and holds certification as a lash technician.
Prior to her Miss USA triumph, Voigt had a history of success in the pageant circuit. In 2018, she clinched the title of Miss Teen Florida, and in 2020, she triumphed as Miss Alabama Collegiate America. She had also competed in four other pageants before vying for the Miss Utah title.
During the final round of the competition, Voigt faced a challenging question: "As the brand ambassador for Miss USA, what will be your contribution to the organization?" Her thoughtful response emphasized the importance of connecting with diverse communities, given the United States' rich cultural tapestry. Voigt, as a bilingual Venezuelan-American woman, expressed her desire to represent all communities, regardless of their background, race, or ethnicity, as Miss USA 2023.
The Miss USA pageant unfolded at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, with 51 contestants vying for the title through various rounds, including swimsuits, evening gowns, and interviews. The event was expertly hosted by Keltie Knight and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton.
A distinguished panel of judges presided over the competition, featuring beauty entrepreneur Patrick Starrr, fashion designer Nicole Miller, actress Vivica A. Fox, and model Emina Cunmulaj Nazarian.
Notably, Miss Hawaii, Savannah Gankiewicz, earned acclaim by winning the Best State Costume award. Her costume was inspired by the resilient banyan tree of Lahaina, symbolizing Hawaii's enduring spirit.
In the grand finale, the Top 5 finalists of Miss USA 2023 were:
1. Miss Wisconsin USA, Alexis Loomans
2. Miss Texas USA, Lluvia Alzate
3. Miss Utah USA, Noelia Voigt
4. Miss Hawaii USA, Savannah Gankiewicz
5. Miss Pennsylvania USA, Jasmine Daniels
Moreover, the Top 20 contestants of Miss USA 2023 included representatives from various states, showcasing the diverse talent pool in the competition.
An interesting development in the Miss USA organization is the ownership change. The 2023 edition marked the first Miss USA contest organized by JKN Global Group, led by Thai transgender entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip, who acquired the Miss Universe Organization in 2022. Laylah Rose assumed the roles of President and Chief Executive Officer of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in August, with a vision to inspire women to pursue their dreams and uphold integrity.
This year's sponsors included renowned brands like Portia and Scarlett, Ema Savahl, and Diverse Style by Sydni Dion, which contributed to the opening number, swimwear, and footwear, respectively. Ema Savahl's designs were particularly praised for their high-fashion and couture elements, elevating the competition's overall style quotient.
In sum, Noelia Voigt's crowning as Miss USA 2023 marked a significant moment in her journey, as well as a milestone for the Miss USA organization under new leadership, promising exciting changes and growth for the future.
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