In a spectacular turn of events, Miss Michigan, Alma Cooper, triumphed at the Miss USA 2024 beauty pageant held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Cooper seized the coveted title, overcoming strong competition from Miss Kentucky Connor Perry and Miss Oklahoma Danika Christopherson.

An Unexpected Win

The victory comes in the wake of the shocking resignation of former Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, just a few months ago. Now, Cooper has the honor of representing the United States in the forthcoming Miss Universe Pageant scheduled for November 2024.

Crowning of a New Miss Teen USA

Meanwhile, the Miss Teen USA 2024 pageant crowned Mississippi’s Addie Carver as their champion. This event, held earlier on Aug 1., has no less significance in the world of beauty pageantry and youthful representation.

Row of Resignations

These wins come after surprising resignations in the Miss USA organization. Voigt, the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA, shocked fans by resigning her title on Instagram on May 7. She cited mental health concerns as the primary reason behind her decision. Just two days later, Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava followed suit, stating that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”

Noelia Voigt’s eight-page resignation letter later surfaced in public, alleging a toxic work environment amongst other issues within the organization. However, CEO Laylah Rose fervently denied these allegations.

Handing Over the Crown

Rising from the upheaval, Savannah Gankiewicz stepped up to assume the Miss USA 2023 title shortly after the resignations. Gankiewicz expressed no regrets about accepting the top spot. “I can’t speak on their experience, but I can only judge from mine, and it has been nothing but great,” Gankiewicz said.

Making a Difference

Gankiewicz, former Miss Hawaii, utilized her platform to raise awareness about the deadly 2023 wildfires in Maui, which had faded from the limelight but continue to affect the island. Now focusing on her reign, she aims to inspire young women. “I feel confident and empowered, and that’s all I want other young women to feel,” she added. “I want them to feel beautiful from women. And that has always been my message.”