Miss USA 2025: Contestants Reveal Shocking Rules and Traditions

As the Miss USA 2025 pageant approaches its finale in Reno, Nevada, contestants from across the country are sharing eye-opening revelations about the rules, rituals, and realities of competing for America's most prestigious beauty crown. From surprising regulations to deeply personal pre-show traditions, this year's competition offers an unprecedented look behind the glittering curtain of pageantry.

Historic Rule Changes Transform the Competition

The Miss USA organization has undergone significant transformations in recent years, dismantling decades-old restrictions that once limited who could compete. Perhaps the most impactful change came in 2024 when the organization eliminated its age cap, previously restricting contestants to women 28 and under.

Jenny Ting Crawford, representing Idaho at this year's pageant, exemplifies this evolution. At 37, the former Los Angeles Laker Girl dancer is competing 13 years after her last pageant appearance. "That was surprising because pageants are built on a platform of championing women to succeed, and I know age does not limit a woman's ability to be successful," Crawford told reporters ahead of the competition.

MonaLesa Brackett, Miss New Hampshire USA, returned to pageantry after a 10-year hiatus made possible by the rule change. Now 35, she expressed gratitude that "the Miss USA Organization continues to evolve, reflecting the diversity of the United States." As a modest Muslim Hijabi woman, Brackett appreciates the inclusivity that now welcomes "women of all ages, marital statuses, motherhood experiences and identities."

The Rules That Still Surprise

Despite progressive reforms, Miss USA maintains strict protocols that catch even seasoned competitors off guard. Miss Florida USA Lou Schieffelin was shocked to learn about a now-reformed rule that once prohibited crowned winners from appearing on reality shows during their reign. "So that meant no Bachelor Nation roses, no Survivor islands, no cameos," Schieffelin revealed.

Ohio's Hannah Klein discovered the demanding nature of competition schedules firsthand. "You can't have visitors, and you aren't allowed to leave your room," Klein noted about pageant day restrictions. "We're on such a tight schedule that it makes sense, but I definitely get in a FaceTime or two before bed!"

The married women rule change in 2023 particularly resonated with contestants like Hawaii's Issha Rose Mata, who shared, "I held off being engaged for years because I wasn't quite done with my pageant career as a miss. Now, as a newly engaged woman, I can stand confidently on stage in love without judgment."

Powerful Pre-Show Rituals and Traditions

Beyond the official rulebook, contestants maintain deeply personal traditions that help them prepare mentally and emotionally for the pressure of competition. These rituals reveal the human side of pageantry often hidden beneath the polished performances.

Family Connections

Miss Illinois USA Nikolina Vujcic, a pediatric nurse, cherishes a backstage tradition with her mother who writes special messages hidden for Vujcic to discover. "It finds its way into my hands at exactly the right time, usually when the nerves start to kick in or when I need that last little spark of love before stepping on stage," she explained.

Missouri's Shae Smith carries a purple heart-shaped rock in her backstage bag—a symbol of her relationship with her late father. "After he passed away shortly before I competed for Miss Teen USA in 2022, I've continued to keep it with me, even attaching it to my dress as a way to keep him close," Smith shared.

Mindfulness and Preparation

New York's Christiana DiNardo, a model and fashion editor, focuses on centering herself before competition. "Before every pageant, I take a quiet moment to breathe, pray, center myself and reflect on how far I've come," DiNardo said. She pairs this meditation with a curated "get in the zone" playlist that reminds her of her confidence and purpose.

New Hampshire's Brackett practices what she calls "strategic self-care," incorporating visualization techniques and purposeful activities like massages and walks. "They aren't just for relaxation," she emphasized. "They are essential rituals for sharpening my focus and renewing my spirit for the journey ahead."

The Lighter Side of Superstitions

Some traditions lean toward the superstitious. Nebraska's Audrey Eckert always eats a banana before facing pageant judges—a ritual that started in her youth and has become her "little good luck charm." Idaho's Crawford plans elaborate "cheat meals" on pageant mornings, reasoning that "whatever I eat that morning won't show up on my body in the bikini or uniform because I have been training for weeks or months."

Hawaii's Mata adds levity to her preparation by FaceTiming her cat and singing before shows. "I tell her I'm working on my 'Catwalk,'" Mata joked. "Not sure why, but it always puts me in a good mood."

Breaking Barriers on Stage

This year's competition features several groundbreaking moments. Miss Nevada USA Mary Sickler made headlines during preliminaries when she ditched her wig on stage, embracing her alopecia universalis diagnosis. Sickler, 22, was diagnosed in December 2024 and initially kept her condition private, even while competing.

"I lost all my hair, and I definitely didn't think that I would be walking on the Miss USA stage without any hair, but I am," Sickler said. She wore a bejeweled head covering with her evening gown, making a powerful statement about beauty standards. "It took me a long time to finally be able to see myself as beautiful, and I think that's the first step."

Controversy and New Leadership

The 2025 pageant marks the first under new CEO Thom Brodeur, following significant organizational turmoil. In a surprising development, current Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper announced hours before the finale that she would not attend to crown her successor—a break from decades of tradition.

Cooper, 23, cited the demanding nature of balancing her title with her roles as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and a Stanford graduate student. "After much consideration, I've made the extremely difficult decision not to attend this year's Miss USA pageant and crowning ceremony," Cooper shared on Instagram. "I do so with the knowledge that I finished what I started with integrity and my self-worth held high, just like the crown I was honored to wear."

Brodeur addressed Cooper's absence diplomatically, stating that their office had extended invitations for her participation "in whatever capacity she was most comfortable." He added, "We honor you, Alma. You are a queen. You are our queen even if we didn't start this journey with you."

The Evolution Continues

As Miss USA 2025 unfolds, it's clear the organization is navigating a period of significant transformation. The elimination of age restrictions, acceptance of married women and mothers, and removal of restrictive contract language represent fundamental shifts in how the pageant defines beauty, achievement, and women's empowerment.

These changes reflect broader societal evolution regarding women's roles and the definition of success. Contestants no longer fit a narrow mold—they're military officers, nurses, graduate students, and professionals who happen to compete in pageants, rather than defining themselves solely by their titles.

The personal rituals and traditions contestants maintain reveal the humanity behind the competition. Whether through family mementos, mindfulness practices, or lighthearted superstitions, these women demonstrate that success in pageantry—as in life—comes from staying grounded in what matters most: family, purpose, and authentic self-expression.

As the Miss USA organization continues its evolution under new leadership, these contestants are writing a new chapter in pageant history—one that celebrates diversity, authenticity, and the multifaceted nature of modern womanhood. Their willingness to share their experiences, vulnerabilities, and triumphs offers inspiration far beyond the stage, proving that real beauty lies in courage, resilience, and staying true to oneself.