Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was initially announced as the runner-up thanks to a major gaffe on the part of pageant host Steve Harvey. She stopped by the Business Insider offices to tell us what she was thinking.

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Miss Universe is from the Philippines, but she was born in Germany and taught us how to say some simple German phrases... although take it with a grain of salt. 

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These contestants wearing tiaras, sashes, and gowns are proof that the National Security Agency cared about beauty as well as intelligence in the 1950s and early 1960s.

The photograph comes from the NSA's formerly secret archives and was released in an interactive timeline in celebration of the agency's 60th anniversary. 

Aside from this vintage photo, little information is available to disclose what the annual Miss NSA competition was like in comparison to modern-day pageants. Although, the contestants seem to represent numbers rather than states unlike Miss USA. 

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Alexandra Miller wasn't supposed to be here.

The 26-year-old contestant in Sunday's Miss USA competition (airing on Fox) is its first ever "Miss 52." Instead of entering as a winner of a state pageant, she was picked by people on social media to stand alongside the 51 other women. She's the first ever fan-voted Miss USA contestant.

When WME/IMG bought the Miss Universe organization from Donald Trump last year, following his controversial election comments, the company set about making some changes to how the pageants work. A big one has been bringing in the voices of people who aren't insiders in the pageant world.

Though Miller was twice a first runner-up for Miss Oklahoma, she never made it to the Miss USA stage until fans rallied around her in the Miss 52 voting. Now she has a shot at winning the Miss USA title and going on to Miss Universe.

"This is absolutely my last chance," Miller told Business Insider this week as she prepared for Miss USA. "It feels incredible."

Get to know Alexandra Miller and how she made it to the Miss USA competition below:

SEE ALSO: Everything Miss Universe gets when she wins the pageant — a luxury apartment, free clothes, and more

Alexandra Miller has spent years in pageants and was twice first runner-up in Miss Oklahoma. When the 2015 Miss Oklahoma Olivia Jordan was crowned Miss USA, Miller got to fill her shoes (and crown).

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That meant she wasn't able to compete for Miss Oklahoma again, in her last year of eligibility (you must be under 27). "It’s been a dream for several years, but to be honest with you, I thought that dream was long gone," Miller told Business Insider.

But she got another shot, thanks to the #FindingMiss52 campaign. When Miller found out about the contest through friends in the pageant world, she applied, and fans voted on social media. Here she is finding out she would compete in Miss USA after all.

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People are pretty excited about the newly crowned Miss USA, Deshauna Barber, who won the pageant Sunday night, when it aired on Fox.

Barber, 26, works for the Department of Commerce and is a Captain in the Army and commander of the 988th Quartermaster Detachment at Fort Meade in Maryland. She's from the DC area.

She stepped up to the mic Sunday night to answer a question from a judge about the Pentagon's recent decision to allow women in all combat roles in the military. The judge asked what she thinks of the criticism that the move "puts political correctness over our military's ability to perform."

"As a woman in the United States Army, I think it was an amazing job by our government to allow women to integrate into every branch of the military," she said, to huge applause.

"We are just as tough as men. As a commander of my unit, I'm powerful, I am dedicated and it is important that we recognize that gender does not limit us in the United States."

The enthusiasm could be felt outside the room, too. People on social media were in thrall to Miss DC, soon to be Miss USA.

SEE ALSO: Everything Miss Universe gets when she wins the pageant — a luxury apartment, free clothes, and more

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NOW WATCH: How 'The Price Is Right' is made

Miss Teen USA is no longer having a swimwear competition.

The news, first reported by USA Today, marks an unprecedented move. USA Today notes parent company Miss Universe is aiming to shift its brand image following WME/IMG's purchase of the company from Donald Trump.

But swimsuit competitions have long been a part of beauty pageants, and one contestant slammed the show's decision to nix it.

2010 Miss Teen USA winner Kamie Crawford told Insider that she was upset because it was a "part of tradition."

"Removing it is sending a message that something is wrong with it, and there's nothing wrong with it," she said to Insider.

But it appears that a lot of consumers today might not agree with that statement. Aside from the fact grown adults judging the bodies of girls ages 14-19 in bikinis is downright weird and unnerving, the decision to eliminate swimwear is indicative of just how much Americans' values are shifting. Wellness is a much more important priority now.

As further proof, Miss Universe president Paula Shugart said that the reason to ditch the category was to "celebrate women’s strength, confidence and beauty" in a better way, according to USA Today.

"This decision reflects an important cultural shift we’re all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same," USA Today notes she wrote. "Our hope is that this decision will help all of Miss Teen USA's fans recognize these young women for the strong, inspiring individuals they are."

After all, teens today no longer feel the pressure to whittle their waists to get so-called "bikini bodies." Companies like Aerie with its unphotoshopped #AerieREAL campaign have encouraged teens to celebrate their bodies as they are. There's an often-cited platitude nowadays that says that you can attain a bikini body in two steps: 1) have a body, 2) put on a bikini. The implied emphasis is twofold: beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and true beauty comes from within.

Of course, "what's inside" has never really been the heart of beauty pageants. Sure, there's a desire to focus on education and bolstering women (as Miss America aims to do, for example) but at the end of the day, it's still called a "beauty pageant."  And if we wanted to really talk about groundbreaking shifts, we'd be seeing a bigger variety of body types on the pageant stage — which isn't what's happening here.

What is happening here is that rather than just eliminating this component of the competition, it's replacing it with an activewear section. After all, if Miss Teen USA isn't showing off women frolicking in bikinis, it can sell a different point of view that jibes with contemporary women's values: strength, power, and wellness.

As I've written before, the dieting industry has experienced a massive shift as consumers focus on wellness rather than thinness. As a result, many traditional "dieting" companies have seen sales suffer — people want healthy food (think: avocados, olive oil) and not processed snack replacements. But in turn, people are exercising more than ever, because the goal is to achieve health.

And along with that focus on wellness, we've seen activewear become one of the only sectors of the apparel industry to thrive (even if that's not that much of a compliment given how poorly the apparel industry as a whole is doing). Morningstar analyst Bridget Weishaar recently wrote that one of the reasons activewear companies have convinced consumers to pay a premium for products is because in order to fulfill certain experiential activities (like a workout class), they need the apparel to do so.

"This fits with our belief that consumers now value experience over material goods, as performance-based apparel is used in activities," she wrote. 

Activewear is so profitable, that Victoria's Secret has decided to totally ax its swimwear sector. In addition to turning the company into three core categories (lingerie, beauty, and its younger sister brand, Pink), it's planning to zero in on its activewear sector.

Analyst and founder of consulting firm A-Line Partners, Gabriella Santaniello, explained to Business Insider in April how eschewing swimwear for activewear was a smart marketing move.

"It's about not only being sexy, but being fit [and] strong .... Focusing on the athletic wear is a better fit for the total brand and their 360 vision of the brand than swim," Santaniello said at the time.

It appears that Miss Teen USA is trying to send a similar message.

But make no mistake: it's also a savvy business move. Victoria's Secret's decision to switch gears means the company is betting on the fact that American consumers are putting their dollars into that market.

If American consumers are putting their money into activewear, then it makes sense for a pageant to show that, too. But perhaps more notably, it shows that activewear may very well be the new swimwear: though people will always need bikinis, it might be more attractive to show off one's health by exercising and taking action.

And it's a business move for Miss Teen USA, too.

“If they are looking to expand this is a very shrewd move. It’s consistent with the overall brand and message the new owners are talking about," pagaent coach Valerie Hayes said to USA Today. "I think that it will cause more parents to be open to their daughters competing in a state or local Teen Miss USA pageant, because it's been a concern of parents in the past."

SEE ALSO: These unretouched photos show why a teen retailer is giving Victoria's Secret a run for its money

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NOW WATCH: Miss USA Explains How Working As An Accountant Prepared Her For Beauty Pageants

During the Miss America pageant Sunday night, Miss Texas Margana Wood choked up as she challenged the comments President Donald Trump made after the deadly protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month.

In the question-and-answer portion of the pageant, Wood was asked what she thought of Trump saying there were "very fine people" on both sides of the protest by white nationalists and white supremacists.

Wood had 20 seconds to deliver her response — but needed only 15.

Wood's response:

"I think that the white supremacist issue, it was very obvious that it was a terrorist attack. And I think that President Donald Trump should've made a statement earlier addressing the fact and in making sure all Americans feel safe in this country. That is the number one issue right now."

Wood's brief reply was met with a roar of applause from the crowd. She didn't win the crown Sunday, but she certainly won over the audience in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

You can watch Miss Texas' response here:

SEE ALSO: Here’s the controversial answer that won Miss America the crown

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NOW WATCH: How 'The Price Is Right' is made

• Miss America is a beauty pageant that has been around since 1921, where it started out as a bathing suit contest designed to attract tourists to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
• In the almost 100 years since, it has grown into a huge organization that provides scholarships to women, and encourages female empowerment.
• The pageant has gone through many modifications, including network changes, location changes, and most recently, the removal of the swimsuit portion.

Miss America began in 1921 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. There weren't many rules (yet), and only a handful of women participated, but the pageant grew quickly. As the decades went by, it changed with the times — or didn't, depending on your viewpoint.

It was first broadcast on radio, then on TV — in both black and white and color. When it started, it only allowed white, unmarried women who had never had an abortion to compete. In 2018, it still has rigid guidelines about who can and can't compete.

Keep scrolling to learn about the evolution of Miss America, and what the pageant looks like today.

Miss America first took place in September 1921, and was then known as the Inter-City Beauty Contest.

Back then, it was judged half based on applause, and half on the judges' decisions. Contestants were also able to represent "key cities," not just states.

The winner was chosen after a day of mingling with judges and audience members on the Atlantic City boardwalk. The very first Miss America winner, Margaret Gorman, was 16 years old and hailed from Washington, DC.

It was created in an attempt to keep tourists coming to Atlantic City after Labor Day.

Clearly, there was no shortage of interest. It was scandalous though — one contestant wore tights with her bathing suit, not bloomers, and it caused a commotion.

The pageant was so successful that it took place annually until 1927. The name was officially changed to Miss America in 1922.

The pageant was cancelled after 1927 due to "a combination of bad press and criticism from religious and women's groups."

The pageant organizers voted to shut it down, but agreed to return to the boardwalk in the future, once the Boardwalk Convention Center was built.

Before any beauty pageant hits the airwaves, some viewers may find themselves wondering: Is this Miss USA, Miss Universe, or Miss America? And what's the difference between them anyway?

Although they're all beauty pageants where the winner dons an extravagant tiara, they are three very different competitions.

We broke down some of the biggest differences between Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss America.

Miss America is a scholarship program as well as a pageant.

When Miss America was founded, it said the goal was to invest in the careers and lives of women. When it started, it only allowed white, unmarried women who had never had an abortion to compete. In 2018, it still has rigid guidelines about who can and can't compete.

As of this year, Miss America is getting rid of its swimsuit competition and will no longer judge contestants based on their "outward physical appearance,"the organization said.

Last year, according to Bustle, the winner received a $50,000 scholarship and a six-figure salary during her 365-day tenure with the title. But it's worth noting that the extent of the scholarships have been called into question

Miss USA is a platform for Miss Universe.

According to the official website for Miss Universe, a former sponsor of Miss America (Catalina Swimsuits) founded Miss Universe and Miss USA in 1952 in Long Beach, California. Many women choose to compete in both Miss USA and Miss America, but the two organizations are completely separate.

Miss USA also has strict requirements for entry just like Miss America, and the show includes a swimsuit portion of the competition. 

The winner of Miss USA advances to compete at Miss Universe against country winners from all over the world.

Miss Universe has no talent competition.

Unlike Miss America, which as of this year focuses 50% of contestant scores on the competition's talent portion, Miss Universe does not host a talent competition.

Instead, according to Miss Universe's website, "three days of preliminary interviews and a swimsuit and evening gown presentation show (streamed live prior to broadcast) help select the semi-finalists who will be named during the final night event and will go on to compete in Swimwear, Evening Gown, Final Question, and Final Look."

85 contestants from countries around the world compete in Miss Universe.

The Miss America competition has been around since 1921. While it has gone through many changes throughout the years, one thing never changes: the unbridled joy and excitement each woman feels when they are crowned.

We've rounded up 37 different Miss Americas, caught at the exact moment they received their crown. Whether there are tears, laughs, or shock, one thing that they all have in common is pure, unadulterated happiness.

1940: Miss Philadelphia, Frances Burke

Burke won when key cities were still eligible as competitors, not just states.

1946: Miss California, Marilyn Buferd

California is tied with New York for the state that has produced the most Miss Americas. They've had six apiece.

1951: Miss Alabama, Yolande Betbeze

After Betbeze won, she refused to pose in Catalina Swimwear, one of the pageant's sponsors. This infuriated the brand so much that they created their own pageant, Miss USA.

• Georgia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and a fourth unidentified state have received notices that their Miss American licenses have been revoked. 
• Once the state's license is terminated, it can no longer claim affiliation to the Miss America Organization and must hand over bank accounts containing scholarship money.
• News of the terminations comes as Miss Arizona 2015 Madi Esteves and two other past contestants said they were bullied, belittled and forced to lie by pageant organizers.

The Miss America Organization terminated the licenses of four states and threatened 15 others with probation after dozens of former contestants revolted against the national leadership of the pageant.

Georgia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and a fourth unidentified state have received notices that their state licenses to hold Miss America pageants are being revoked, the Associated Press reported.

News of the terminations comes as Miss Arizona 2015 Madi Esteves and two other past contestants told the Arizona Republic that they were bullied, belittled, and forced to lie by pageant organizers.

The three were inspired to come forward after Miss American 2018, Cara Mund, accused the national organization of bullying just days before her successor was crowned last month.

"(The Miss Arizona organizers) didn't want to hear what I wanted to do. They didn't allow me to be myself. ... It was: 'You do as we say,'" Esteves, 24, told The Arizona Republic. "I got a glimpse of what it feels like to be silenced and feel like you don't have a voice."

Two executives in the Miss Arizona organization disputed Esteves's claims.

States whose licenses have been terminated can request appeal hearings from Miss America's executive committee or replace their current leaders.

Once the state's license is terminated, it can no longer claim affiliation to the Miss America Organization and must hand over bank accounts containing scholarship money to the national organization.

This year's pageant took place last month, after 46 of the 51 organizations, along with 23 former contestants, called for CEO Regina Hopper and chairwoman and former Fox News Host Gretchen Carlson to resign, claiming the two were perpetrators of bullying and manipulation.

Last December, Miss America Organization CEO Sam Haskell stepped down after leaked emails revealed past contestants and winners had been body shamed.

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NOW WATCH: Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales: There's going to be an 'enormous backlash' against Donald Trump's lies

• The Miss USA pageant takes place on May 2. 
• Some of the contestants have shared Instagram photos featuring little to no makeup.
• The photos prove that the contestants are just as pageant-worthy without the glamorous makeup typically associated with the Miss USA competition. 
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Miss USA contestants are known for their glamorous evening gowns and stunning hair and makeup looks, but the contestants are just as pageant-worthy with little to no makeup on.

Many of the contestants have shared more casual makeup looks on Instagram, showing that they're just as comfortable wearing minimal makeup as they are wearing a full face of product on stage.

Ahead of this year's pageant on May 2, here's what 11 of the 2019 Miss USA contestants look like with little to no makeup, along with some interesting facts provided to INSIDER by The Miss Universe Organization.

Kelly O'Grady is competing as this year's Miss Massachusetts. She shared a makeup-free selfie in March.

The 28-year-old shared a selfie during a dentist appointment on Instagram.

"No makeup today to give my skin a break," she wrote in the caption. 

O'Grady double-majored in social studies and East Asian studies at Harvard University and currently works as a management consultant.

This year's Miss Maryland, Mariela Pepin, went for a low-key look on Instagram in February.

When a person commented "I love you with little to no makeup,"Pepin responded by writing:"that's how I feel most comfortable too!" 

The 23-year-old says her biggest goal in life is to travel the world to help those in need. She recently went on a mission trip to Puerto Rico to help those affected by Hurricane Maria.

JoEllen Walters of Alaska shared a natural makeup look with her followers in January 2017.

The 25-year-old is currently a first-grade teacher. She shared the selfie during her first week at her new school.

Miss Delaware, Jolisa Copeman, went makeup-free for an Instagram video in April.

Copeman shared the video on Instagram with hashtag "#nomakeup." She holds a master's degree in entrepreneurship and design and currently works as a landscape designer.

Lexie Elston of Maine shared a photo of her casual beach look in January 2018.

"When you get accepted into a new university and get new wheels in one day," she captioned the casual look.

The 23-year-old is currently a full-time student studying environmental science.

Madeleine Overby, this year's Miss Mississippi, shared a no-makeup selfie in April.

"Feeling like no makeup is the new makeup," she captioned the post.

The 21-year-old is a former NFL cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints, and plans to get her master's degree in nursing.

Lex Najarian is representing Nebraska this year, and posted a gym photo in March.

The 25-year-old often posts about her workouts on Instagram. She's also an advocate for Lyme Disease awareness and education.

This year's Miss Nevada, Tianna Tuamoheloa, shared a "#nomakeup" photo in February 2018.

According to Miss USA, the 26-year-old is making history as the first woman of Samoan descent to compete in the pageant.

Natalie Elaine is representing Oregon in this year's pageant. She went with a natural makeup look for an Instagram photo in September 2018.

The 28-year-old currently works at the Nike World Headquarters and is also a fitness model and instructor.

This year's Miss Utah, Amanda Renée Giroux, went for a low-key look during a flight in December 2018.

"It's all fun and games until you hit a wall 23 hours of travel later," she wrote in the caption.

The 23-year-old recently graduated from Ohio University with an honors degree in marketing and retail merchandising. 

Alice Magoto, this year's Miss Ohio, shared a behind the scenes look of a photo shoot in April.

She wrote in the caption that the photo was "no photoshop and filter free." 

According to Miss USA, the 21-year-old began lobbying with the Eating Disorder Coalition in 2016, and she doesn't alter or edit any photos she shares on Instagram.

Read more:37 showstopping looks from the Miss USA pageant over the years

• The 2019 Miss USA competition will air Thursday, May 2. 
• There are 51 women competing for this year's crown.
• This year's competition will be hosted by Nick Lachey and Vanessa Lachey.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

The2019 Miss USA competition is almost upon us. The pageant will air live on ox on Thursday, May 2 at 8 p.m. ET.

The event is hosted by the Miss Universe Organization and it seeks to recognize women pursuing their personal, professional, and philanthropic goals while helping contestants spread awareness of issues they care about.

Read More: Here's how Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Universe are different

This year, the competition will be hosted by performer Nick Lachey and television personality Vanessa Lachey. The 2019 winner will be crowned by last year's Miss USA, Sarah Rose Summers of Nebraska.

Here arethe 51 women who will be competing for this year's crown.

Alabama: Hannah McMurphy

Hannah McMurphy is a professional freelance makeup artist from Tuscaloosa. She travels around Alabama to raise awareness about the impacts of verbal and emotional abuse and the importance of mental health.  

Alaska: JoEllen Walters

JoEllen Walters has a degree in elementary education and is currently a first-grade teacher. She seeks to educate the public about the proper disposal of prescription medication and how to prevent opioid overdoses.

Arizona: Savannah Wix

Savannah Wix is a musical performer who works to promote awareness about mental health and suicide prevention among college students. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in integrated-marketing communication and intends to work in entertainment law.

Arkansas: Savannah Skidmore

Savannah Skidmore has a degree in broadcast journalism and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in law. Though her nonprofit organization, Speak Up Now, Skidmore seeks to promote suicide prevention and awareness. She also enjoys fundraising for children's hospitals.

California: Erica Dann

Erica Dann holds a master's degree in international business and a bachelor's degree in political science. She currently works at Google and spends her spare time traveling. She is passionate about working to combat the homelessness epidemic in the US.

Colorado: Madison Dorenkamp

Madison Dorenkamp is a summa-cum-laude graduate of Johnson & Wales University. She teaches Pure-Barre classes and works as a subcontractor. She also usesher lifestyle blog to connect with readers on topics like food, fitness, and travel.

Connecticut: Acacia Courtney

Acacia Courtney is a TV analyst and broadcast journalist who has covered horse racing events like the Triple Crown, Breeders' Cup, and the Pegasus World Cup. Her organization, Racing for Home, helps rehome former racehorses. Courtney is also a classically trained ballerina.

Delaware: Jolisa Copeman

Jolisa Copeman works as a landscape designer while also serving on the board of a nonprofit organization that helps develop gardening programs for schools. She's traveled to 15 countries so far.

District of Columbia: Cordelia Cranshaw

After aging out of foster care at 21, Cordelia Cranshaw founded a nonprofit, Acts of Random Kindness (ARK), that seeks to help families break the cycle of poverty. She is now an advocate for youth in foster care and a motivational speaker.

Florida: Nicolette Jennings

After working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a sports reporter, Nicolette Jennings is currently earning a master's degree in sports management. She is passionate about traveling and helping women to succeed in male-dominated fields.

Georgia: Katerina Rozmajzl

Katerina Rozmajzl founded a cosmetics company when she was 19 years old and she is currently studying accounting. She also runs her own beauty and fashion blog and she is an ambassador for the nonprofit Kiva that helps support low-income entrepreneurs.

Hawaii: Lacie Choy

Lacie Choy is currently studying communications at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. She aims to create a Native-Hawaiian non-profit organization focused on educating others about green initiatives. She is also working with state senators to promote sustainability in her state.

Idaho: Shelby Brown

Shelby Brown earned a degree in supply chain and operations management while on a full academic scholarship from Boise State University. She owns her own faux-eyelash company and is currently working as a professional makeup artist and hair stylist.

Illinois: Alexandra Plotz

Alexandra Plotz graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in media communications and a certificate in multicultural studies. She's passionate about heart health and is an ambassador for the American Heart Association. One of her goals is to help high schools offer CPR and lifesaving classes.

Indiana: Tate Fritchley

As a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates, Tate Fritchley helps abused and neglected children find loving homes. She is currently studying marketing and management information systems at Butler University and she hopes to eventually open a clothing boutique.

Iowa: Baylee Drezek

Baylee Drezek is currently studying business marketing and plans to eventually open her own daycare facility. She has a twin sister and younger brother.

Kansas: Alyssa Klinzing

Alyssa Klinzing is pursuing a degree in political science and strives to educate the public on the importance of equal representation in politics and leadership roles. She lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and said she enjoys being "a part-time resident of Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland."

Kentucky: Jordan Weiter

Passionate about education and female empowerment, Jordan Weiter is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Kentucky. She hopes to use the Miss USA platform to help women all over the world study in STEM-related fields.

Louisiana: Victoria Paul

Victoria Paul is a full-time emergency-medicine nurse and part-time dermatology nurse. Her program Hopeful-HeART seeks to "bring understanding to addiction, and love to those who struggle with difficult home lives, much like she did." 

Maine: Lexie Elston

Lexie Elston is currently studying environmental science, biology, and marine biology. She dreams of becoming a biologist for the United States Interior and working with environmental non-profits such as Sealegacy and the National Geographic Society.

Maryland: Mariela Pepin

Mariela Pepin oversees a charity that donates permanent makeup services to people who have struggled with medical conditions such as breast cancer and alopecia. Her first language was Spanish and she has also studied French and American Sign Language.

Massachusetts: Kelly O’Grady

A former competitive figure skater and a graduate of Harvard Business School, Kelly O'Grady currently works as a management consultant. In her spare time, she runs the women's advocacy program Here to Slay and enjoys Latin ballroom dancing.  

Michigan: Alyse Madej

Alyse Madej is the North-American spokesperson for luxury car brands Alfa Romeo and Maserati. She advocates for mental-health awareness by sharing her stories of positivity, kindness, and confidence to students in Michigan.

Minnesota: Cat Stanley

Cat Stanley holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Baylor University and is pursuing a career in dermatology. If crowned Miss USA, she plans on using her platform to educate the public about mental illness and addiction.

Mississippi: Madeleine Overby

A current nursing student and former NFL cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints, Madeleine Overby plans to eventually work as a cardiothoracic surgical nurse. She has also appeared on the TV show "America's Most Talented Kids" and loves to dance and sing.

Missouri: Miriah Jo Ludtke

Miriah Jo Ludtke is an avid traveler and businesswoman. She supports the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization by using her experience as the daughter of a foster child and a sister of a physical-assault victim to advocate for the importance of teen mentorship.

Montana: Grace Zitzer

Grace Zitzer is a child-protection specialist who works with vulnerable and marginalized communities and volunteers with the Missoula County Human Trafficking Task Force in her spare time. During her college years, she was an all-state athlete and MVP in both basketball and volleyball.

Nebraska: Lex Najarian

Lex Najarian has lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, for six years and she works in the fitness industry. She hopes to use the Miss USA crown to promote Lyme disease awareness and education.

Nevada: Tianna Tuamoheloa

Tianna Tuamoheloa is passionate about both physical and mental health. She works with the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Southern Nevada and she has lobbied for increased funding for physical education and art programs in her community. When she was 16, Tuamoheloa was chosen to sing for President Obama at the White House.

New Hampshire: Alexis Chinn

Alexis Chinn is currently pursuing a degree in chemistry at Southern New Hampshire University while working full-time as a server to fund her education. She's passionate about raising awareness of violence in teen relationships.

New Jersey: Manya Saaraswat

After moving to the US from India as a child and living in five different states, Manya Saaraswat earned a degree in biology and began volunteering at local children hospitals. She hopes to become a pediatric surgeon and has already been published in several medical journals.

New Mexico: Alejandra Gonzalez

Alejandra Gonzalez is the child of two parents who immigrated from Mexico. She is passionate about educating young people about financial literacy. She has a degree in accounting and also loves working with animal-welfare organizations.

New York: Florinda Kajtazi

Florinda Kajtazi has a degree in forensic psychology and a second-degree black-belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is currently studying to becoming a physician assistant while working to implement programs that will assist non-English speaking patients and victims of domestic violence at local hospitals.

North Carolina: Cheslie Kryst

Cheslie Kryst is a full-time attorney and former, record-setting Division-1 athlete. She runs the blog White Collar Glam, which is focused on workwear fashion for women, and she also volunteers with the organization Dress for Success.

North Dakota: Samantha Redding

Samantha Redding has a degree in education and aims to help children reach their educational and personal goals. She volunteers with a multitude of organizations including the North Dakota Buddy Walk, Second Story, Dream Catchers Baseball, Special Olympics of North Dakota, and Minot Area Homeless Coalition.

Ohio: Alice Magoto

Alice Magoto is currently studying marketing, fashion, and digital engagement. She aims to create a lifestyle brand focused on challenging beauty and success standards for women. She said she posts photoshop-free images across all of her social media platforms and her headshot for Miss USA is not photoshopped.

Read More: Here's what 26 Miss USA contestants look like without makeup on

Oklahoma: Triana Browne

Triana Browne holds a degree in human development and family sciences and is currently working as a Native-American ambassador through a partnership with Nike N7 and the Chickasaw Nation. She's passionate about promoting unity across cultural, political, and religious divides.

Oregon: Natalie Tonneson

Currently employed at the Nike World Headquarters, Natalie Tonneson works with the Forward Stride organization, an equine therapy nonprofit. She believes in helping children and adults of all ability levels stay active.

Pennsylvania: Kailyn Marie Perez

Kailyn Marie Perez is a first-generation American and law-school graduate. She has danced ballet professionally and volunteers with Best Buddies and Running Start. Perez hopes to one day host her own talk show.

Rhode Island: Nicole Pallozzi

Nicole Pallozzi has a degree in business administration with a focus in marketing. She has volunteered with Best Buddies and the Special Olympics for the past nine years and she hopes to use the Miss USA platform to help individuals with disabilities.

South Carolina: MaKenzie Divina

MaKenzie Divina is pursuing a degree in nursing and plans on becoming a trauma nurse. She uses her personal experience with anxiety and depression to advocate for inclusion through her organization, Empowering Youth Every Second.

South Dakota: Abigail Merschman

Abigail Merschman began working in the digital-marketing industry while still earning her undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism. After suffering from undiagnosed endometriosis for years, she now seeks to educate people about the disorder and other invisible diseases.  

Tennessee: Savana Hodge

After triple majoring in international business, marketing, and Spanish, Savana Hodge began a career in civil engineering and currently works for a global-engineering firm. Hodge is also an avid beekeeper and ambassador for the Make a Wish Foundation.

Texas: Alayah Benavidez

Alayah Benavidez is a student at The University of Texas at San Antonio and a literacy advocate. She created the Read the Way campaign to help support local schools and literacy programs and she dreams of eventually becoming a published author.

Utah: Amanda Renée Giroux

Amanda Renée Giroux graduated cum laude from Ohio University and now works with Project Heal, a non-profit dedicated to helping people who are struggling with eating disorders. She's also an avid traveler and is pursuing a career in acting.

Vermont: Bethany Garrow

Bethany Garrow is currently studying business administration and psychology. She travels to schools in order to talk to students about mental wellness and plans on becoming a dance therapist to help children from diverse backgrounds heal from emotional trauma.

Virginia: Courtney Lynne Smits

A fifth-generation military member, Courtney Lynne Smits serves as a psychological-operations specialist in the United States Army Reserve. She started her own volunteer organization at the age of 10 and is committed to working for better access to mental-health programs for veterans and service members in order to lower the suicide rates of veterans and service members.

Washington: Evelyn Clark

Evelyn Clark is an estate planning and business paralegal and the owner of a set-net operation in Alaska, where she works in commercial fishing with her family. She hopes to use the Miss USA platform to inspire children to chase their dreams.

West Virginia: Haley Holloway

Haley Holloway is a graduate of the New York Film Academy and a current student at Lindenwood University. She is the owner of Top Five Consulting and former host of the real-estate and home-design show, "Family Flip."

Wisconsin: Danika Tramburg

Danika Tramburg holds a bachelor's degree in sport and entertainment business and she plans on obtaining a master's degree in broadcast journalism. Her dream is to become a sideline reporter and she's also passionate about raising awareness for and changing the legislation for human trafficking.

Wyoming: Addison Treesh

Addison Treesh recently graduated high school with her associate's degree in science general studies from Gillette College. She is currently studying marketing at the University of Wyoming and she plans on pursuing a career in the beauty industry. At 19, she hopes to use her platform to raise awareness about eating disorders.

• Miss USA has been crowning winners since 1952.
• The prestigious competition boasts the most winners from Texas with nine.
• Reigning Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers became the first winner from Nebraska.
• The pageant is scheduled to air live Thursday on Fox.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Every year 51 women compete in the Miss USA pageant for a chance at representing the United States for a year in the areas of philanthropy, service and other initiatives, as well as competing in the Miss Universe competition.

One state has bragging rights when it comes to yielding the most winners at nine, while more than a dozen have yet to take home the Miss USA prize at all. In between are a lot of ties.

Here are the states with the most Miss USA winners. 

Texas takes the crown with the most Miss USA titles at nine.

In fact, a candidate from The Lone Star State won five years in a row during the 1980s, from 1985 until 1989. Although a contestant from Texas hasn't worn the crown since 2008, that hasn't stopped the southern state from producing the most champions.

California is a close runner-up with six.

Texas could possibly be dethroned in the next several years. With six winners to their name, California has the distinction of generating the second most champions. The last winner from The Golden State came in 2011.

New York is the first state in a four-way tie for third with four winners.

This year's winner could break a four-way tie for third place. The first of these states is New York. The Empire State last won in 1999. 

The District of Columbia is the next state in the tie.

Washington, D.C. is the next state that has scooped up four wins. Having not produced a winner since 2002, District of Columbia won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017.

Illinois is the last state to come in third, but hasn't won the title in quite some time.

Illinois is the final state in the tie with four, as well. Though the state has snapped up quite a few titles, a woman from Illinois has not taken Miss USA since 1974.

With another tie, Michigan is the first of three states to claim three Miss USA winners.

Rima Fakih, who last won for Michigan in 2010, was the first Arab-American and first Muslim Miss USA titleholder. Another notable winner from the state is Bravo star Kenya Moore, who took the crown in 1993. 

Louisiana can also claim three Miss USA winners.

Louisiana has also had three participants go on to be Miss USA. One of the most notable, Ali Landry, who won in 1996, went on to be a successful actress and model. 

South Carolina is the final state in the tie for fourth place.

Although South Carolina has also clinched three wins, a Miss USA has not come from that state since 1994. But Shawn Weatherly, pictured above, did go on to be Miss Universe in 1980. 

A whopping seven states hold two titles each, including North Carolina.

North Carolina's Kristen Dalton was the most recent winner from the southern state in 2009. 

Ohio last won in 1981.

Kim Seelbrede, pictured above, was the most recent winner from Ohio. 

Virginia's two wins were consecutive.

Virginia is the next state in this massive tie. Its two Miss USA wins were back-to-back in 1969 and 1970. 

Utah can claim two Miss USAs, one of whom was also Miss Universe.

Though there are many states in the tie for fourth, only one woman from these states has gone on to win Miss Universe: Utah's Linda Bement in 1960, pictured above.

Maryland's two wins have been particularly unusual ones.

Though Maryland has claims two titles, they haven't been exactly traditional. Its first winner, Mary Leona Gage, won in 1957 but was disqualified after judges found out that she had lied about her age and that she had a husband and two children. The rules still stand today that no contestant is allowed to be married or have been pregnant. 

Its second winner, Nana Meriwether, was not crowned at the ceremony, but took over the crown after the 2012 winner, Olivia Culpo, took over as Miss Universe. 

Tennessee last crowned a winner in 2007.

Tennessee's two winners were in the early aughts, one in 2000 and one in 2007. 

Massachusetts also crowned two winners fairly close together.

The final state in the two-win tie, Massachusetts crowned a winner in 1998 and 2003. 

But 17 states have yet to experience Miss USA victory.

Some of these states include Georgia, Oregon, Alaska, and Montana. But this could all change after this year. After all, Nebraska did so last year, with Sarah Rose Summers becoming the state's first winner in the competition's 67-year history and 18 other states have one title to their names, as well.

Reigning Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers will crown her successor live in a two-hour special event Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

• The 2019 Miss USA pageant took place on Thursday in Reno Tahoe, Nevada.
• The contestants hit the stage in several showstopping looks.
• Each of the women represented their states in chic swimwear and elegant evening gowns. 
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

The 2019 Miss USA pageant took place on Thursday night at the Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, and the hopeful contestants represented their state in style. 

Each of the contestants modeled multiple looks during the competition, including summer-ready swimwear by Sinesia Karol and elegant evening gowns by Sherri Hill.

From Miss Florida USA's daring dress to Miss North Carolina USA's chic white evening gown, here are the 25 best looks from the 2019 Miss USA Pageant.

Alice Magoto, Miss Ohio USA, hit the stage for the swimsuit portion in a unique design.

Magoto says she doesn't alter or edit any of her photos on social media.

Savannah Skidmore represented Arkansas in a leopard print bikini.

The 24-year-old plans to practice non-profit law in the future.

Cheslie Kryst of North Carolina hit the stage in a classic two-piece swimsuit.

The 28-year-old is currently a civil litigation attorney.

Tianna Tuamoheloa, Miss Nevada USA, wore a bright-blue two-piece bikini, which she accessorized with hoop earrings.

Tuamoheloa is the first woman of Samoan decent to compete in Miss USA.

Alyssa Klinzing of Kansas hit the stage in a white two-piece bikini with a lace overlay on top.

The 21-year-old says her dream is to become the youngest White House Press Secretary.

Lacie Choi represented Hawaii in a deep purple swimsuit.

Choi is currently interning at the Hawaii State Capitol.

Nicolette Jennings, Miss Florida USA, walked in a bright-purple bikini.

Jennings is earning a master's degree in sports management.

Alejandra Gonzalez represented New Mexico in a dark two-piece with halter-style straps.

The 26-year-old has a master's degree in accounting.

Triana Browne of Oklahoma hit the stage in a classic black swimsuit.

Browne has partnered with Nike to represent its N7 division, which celebrates Native American heritage.

Baylee Drezek, Miss Iowa USA, walked in a floral swimsuit with a unique cutout design.

The 21-year-old is currently studying business marketing.

Cat Stanley represented Minnesota in a chic white bikini.

Stanley's bio says she proud to be a first-generation American and first-generation college graduate.

Cordelia Cranshaw, Miss District of Columbia USA, walked the runway in a classic design.

The 26-year-old founded "Acts of Random Kindess," which works with children to break the cycle of poverty.

Victoria Paul of Louisiana hit the stage in a colorful floral print.

The 26-year-old founded an organization called "Hopeful He-ART," which educates children on addiction through therapeutic art projects.

Kailyn Marie Perez represented Pennsylvania in an intricate cutout design.

She recently graduated law school and is a former professional ballerina. 

Mariela Pepin, Miss Maryland USA, went with a deep purple bikini.

The 23-year-old recent took a mission trip to Puerto Rico to help those affected by Hurricane Maria.

Miss Arkansas USA stepped out for the evening gown portion in a sparkly red design.

The gown featured intricate beading throughout.

Miss Ohio USA walked the stage in an ethereal white evening gown.

Her gown featured flowing sheer sleeves for a dramatic touch.

Miss Kansas USA then stepped out in a sleeveless black gown.

The thigh-high slit allowed her to show off her sparkly matching heels.

Miss District of Columbia USA opted for a bold-red one-sleeve evening gown.

Her elegant gown featured intricate beading that shimmered as she walked the runway.

Miss New Mexico USA hit the stage in an eye-catching shade of yellow.

Her voluminous skirt added a princess-like touch to her gown.

Miss Maryland USA went with a light shade of yellow for the evening gown portion.

Her design featured a plunging neckline and elaborate beading on the skirt.

Miss Florida USA opted for a daring sheer design with two thigh-high slits.

Her bodice featured sheer lace detailing, while her sheer skirt flowed around her as she walked down the runway.

Miss Nevada USA walked the stage in a voluminous skirt with a waist-high slit and sparkly bodysuit underneath.

Her gown also featured a shimmering one-shoulder design.

Miss Oklahoma USA hit the stage in a shimmering silver design.

Her evening gown featured rows of sparkly beading.

Cheslie Kryst, Miss North Carolina USA, took home the Miss USA crown wearing an elegant white evening gown.

She hit the runway one final time after she crowned with the winning title. 

Read more:

37 showstopping looks from Miss USA over the years

What 11 Miss USA contestants look like without makeup

Meet the 51 women competing to be Miss USA 2019

The 15 states with the most Miss USA winners

Here's how Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Universe are different

• The 2019 Miss USA pageant was on May 2, 2019.
• The pageant started back in 1952 in retaliation for a slight by the reigning Miss America, who refused to wear a bathing suit designed by sponsor Catalina.
• Now it's one of the two biggest pageants in the country, and its winner represents the US at Miss Universe.
• It's also a very emotional day, as shown by these winners.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Winning Miss USA is potentially the peak of any beauty queen's career. It's no shock that getting crowned would cause an emotional reaction of joy, shock, and even tears.

Luckily for us, there's usually a camera around to capture the thrilling moment. From 1953 to 2019, here are 35 Miss USA winners the exact moment they won.

1955: Miss Vermont Carlene King Johnson

Johnson was the fourth-ever Miss USA.

1958: Miss Louisiana Eurlyne Howell

Howell was the first Miss Louisiana to win Miss USA.

1965: Miss Ohio Sue Ann Downey

Downey's hair has the signature '60s wave.

1967: Miss Alabama Sylvia Hitchcock

Hitchcock memorably said during her pageant, "I can't think of a single disadvantage that goes along with being pretty," according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

1968: Miss Washington Dorothy Anstett

At the time, getting the crown earned the winner a $10,000 prize and a brand-new wardrobe, reported the Reading Eagle.

1972: Miss Hawaii Tanya Wilson

Wilson originally competed as Miss Nevada in 1970 but after a move to Hawaii competed for the Aloha State.

1973: Miss Illinois Amanda Jones

Jones was the 22nd Miss USA and was 22 years old when she won her crown.

1974: Miss Illinois Karen Morrison

At 5-foot-11, Morrison was the tallest person to win a major beauty pageant at the time, according to the Sumter Daily Item.

1980: Miss South Carolina Shawn Weatherly

Weatherly was the fifth Miss USA to become Miss Universe when she competed in Seoul, South Korea.

1983: Miss California Julie Hayek

Hayek went on to appear in multiple TV shows including "Moonlighting,""Dallas," and "Twin Peaks."

1986: Miss Texas Christy Fichtner

Yes, that Halle Berry was the runner-up for Miss USA 1986 — and she's not the only celebrity to have dabbled in the beauty pageant world.

1990: Miss Michigan Carole Gist

Gist was the first black woman to win Miss USA.

1992: Miss California Shannon Marketic

Marketic also won Miss Photogenic at the 1992 pageant.

1993: Miss Michigan Kenya Moore

Moore can be seen on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," though she left as a full-time cast member in 2018.

1996: Miss Louisiana Ali Landry

Landry is one of the most notable former-Miss USA winners, having since appeared in numerous commercials, magazines, and movies. In 2018, she appeared in an episode of sitcom "Kevin Can Wait."

1999: Miss New York Kimberly Ann Pressler

Pressler has been the reporter for all FOX Sports Professional Bowlers Association events since 2010.

2000: Miss Tennessee Lynnette Cole

Cole was the first Miss USA from Tennessee.

2001: Miss Texas Kandace Krueger

The 2001 pageant was hosted for the first and only time by William Shatner after he played a pageant host in the 2000 comedy "Miss Congeniality."

2002: Miss Washington, DC, Shauntay Hinton

Hinton was the first winner from Washington, DC, in 38 years. The last Miss District of Columbia winner was in 1964.

2004: Miss Missouri Shandi Finnessey

After her reign ended, Finnessey appeared on and won the short-lived reality dating competition show "Ready for Love." She was chosen by one of the show's three bachelors, though the two broke up shortly after.

2005: Miss North Carolina Chelsea Cooley

After her reign, Cooley joined the girl group BQ Girls— BQ stands for Beauty Queens — alongside former Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Teen USA 2012 first runner-up Haley Seibert, and Miss China Universe 2011 third runner-up Yi Na.

2006: Miss Kentucky Tara Conner

Conner became the center of a scandal during her reign when she was caught partying and tested positive for cocaine. She checked into rehab and was able to hang onto her crown.

2007: Miss Tennessee Rachel Smith

When Smith traveled to Mexico for Miss Universe, she dressed up as Elvis Presley for the National Costume Show to honor her Tennessee home.

Read more:The wildest outfits in the history of Miss Universe's National Costume Show

2008: Miss Texas Crystle Stewart

Stewart had her first major acting role in the 2018 film"Acrimony," written and directed by Tyler Perry.

2009: Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton

Pageants are in Dalton's blood—  her mother, Jennie, was Miss North Carolina in 1982 and her sister, Julia, was the second runner-up in the 2008 Miss Teen USA pageant.

2010: Miss Michigan Rima Fakih

ABC News reported that Fakih was the first Muslim Miss USA.

2011: Miss California Alyssa Campanella

Pageant queen Campanella is now married to another royal of sorts, actor Torrance Coombs, who played the illegitimate son of King Henry II on "Reign."

2012: Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo

Culpo went on to win Miss Universe, the first Miss USA to take the crown since 1997.

2013: Miss Connecticut Erin Brady

Brady was the first Miss Connecticut to win Miss USA.

2014: Miss Nevada Nia Sanchez

Sanchez is a fourth-degree black belt in taekwondo.

2015: Miss Oklahoma Olivia Jordan

Jordan is the first woman to represent the US at two international pageants. She was the American representative at Miss Universe, as all Miss USAs are, and also was Miss World America at the Miss World pageant in 2013.

2016: Miss Washington, DC, Deshauna Barber

Barber was the first Miss USA to have served in the armed forces.

2017: Miss Washington, DC, Kára McCullough

This was a back-to-back win for Washington, DC.

2018: Miss Nebraska Sarah Rose Summers

Summers was the reigning Miss USA after placing in the top 20 at Miss Universe.

2019: Miss North Carolina Cheslie Kryst

Kryst is a full-time attorney who works on getting inmates released from prison.

• • Read more:
  • Photos of the exact moment 35 contestants found out they won Miss Universe
  • 10 of the biggest beauty pageant scandals of all time
  • Here are the biggest differences between Miss Universe and Miss USA
  • 37 photos of Miss America winners being crowned through the years
  •  

• Camille Schrier, a biochemist, won the Miss Virginia pageant on June 22 after performing a chemistry experiment during the talent portion of the competition.
• She demonstrated the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, culminating in a colorful explosion of foam.
• An advocate for women in STEM, Schrier is pursuing a doctor of pharmacy degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.
• Schrier will go on to compete in the Miss America pageant in September.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Camille Schrier won the Miss Virginia pageant on June 22 with an explosive display of talent.

The 24-year-old biochemist demonstrated the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, known as the "elephant toothpaste" reaction because of the streams of foam that shoot out of the graduated cylinders as a result of the catalyzed reaction. She replaced her pageant dress with a lab coat and safety goggles, though she still kept her high heels.

Many contestants sing, dance, or play an instrument for the talent portion of pageants. Schrier told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that she knew her unconventional talent was a risk but was thrilled that it paid off.

"We are typically an organization that sees people that are fabulous dancers and really talented singers use that as their talent, and so for me to come out there and take a risk and do a science demonstration was very different," she told the newspaper. "As someone who is breaking the boundaries and breaking stereotypes for what talent looks like at Miss America, I wanted to be a little out of the box, and it really worked out."

Read more:THEN AND NOW: How the Miss America pageant has changed over the years

Virginia Tech, where Schrier earned dual degrees in biochemistry and systems biology, tweeted its congratulations.

Virginia Commonwealth University, where Schrier is earning her doctor of pharmacy degree, also celebrated her win on Twitter.

Schrier plans to use her platform as Miss Virginia to advocate for women in STEM and promote the work of Mind Your Meds, a drug-safety and abuse-prevention program. She will go on to compete in the Miss America pageant in September.

• Read more:
• 37 photos of Miss America winners being crowned through the years
• Miss Hawaii wants to see even more change come to Miss America in the future: 'I'd like to see a revamped lifestyle and fitness portion'
• The new Miss America is glad she didn't need to wear a swimsuit to win the competition: 'I'm more than that'
• 10 of the biggest beauty-pageant scandals of all time

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Nxivm leader Keith Raniere has been convicted. Here's what happened inside his sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.

• A Michigan pageant winner was stripped of her title over what the organization said were "offensive, insensitive, and inappropriate" social media posts.
• University of Michigan student Kathy Zhu tweeted a conversation in which a Miss World America pageant official took issue with tweets about Muslim hijabs and African-American murder rates. 
• Zhu has a following of around 80,000 people on her social media accounts, where she supports right-leaning organizations and President Donald Trump. 
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

A Michigan pageant winner was stripped of her title over what the organization said were "offensive, insensitive, and inappropriate" social media posts.

University of Michigan student Kathy Zhu, 20, tweeted a conversation in which a Miss World America pageant official took issue with two now-deleted tweets from her account, @PoliticalKathy.

Zhu has approximately 80,000 followers across her Twitter and Instagram accounts, where she often supports right-leaning media, commentators, and President Donald Trump.

The first tweet the official took issue with is one that sparked controversy in 2018, when Zhu attended the University of Central Florida and went up to a Muslim Student Association booth celebrating World Hijab Day before balking at the offer to wear a hijab when offered.

"There is a 'try a hijab on' booth at my college campus," Zhu tweeted at the time. "So you're telling me that it's now just a fashion accessory and not a religious thing? Or are you just trying to get women used to being oppressed under Islam?"

The second tweet by Zhu that sparked concern was one in which she pushed back against another user who condemned police killing black men.

"Did you know the majority of black deaths are caused by other blacks?" Zhu asked. "Fix problems within your own community before blaming others."

Zhu was announced this week as Miss Michigan World America 2019 but the title was revoked a day later. Organizers appear to have deleted the original announcement from a regional Facebook page and reposted a list of other winners.

The University of Michigan College Republicans stood by Zhu, who is vice president of the organization, reportedly saying in a statement that they support her "in decrying the outrageous behavior of [the organization] Miss World America."

"Although they are within their rights to do this as a private organization, we believe that this decision shows incredible bias against unextraordinary right-wing opinion, which we expect will come back to hurt the organization," the statement said.

Zhu told The Detroit News that she personally dropped off her crown and sash at the official's house after the exchanges.

"I just think that they got a one-sided story," Zhu told the Detroit news of pageant officials, saying the surfaced social media posts were somehow unfair and "made it seem as if I was a bad person." 

"The whole point of them not wanting me to represent them is because they didn't want bad publicity, but this gave them way more bad publicity because they removed someone that really didn't do anything wrong," she said.

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A 24-year-old YouTuber just married her 61-year-old girlfriend, who people keep mistaking for her grandmother

Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon 50 years ago today. Here's what the astronaut remembers most about NASA's Apollo 11 mission.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Nxivm leader Keith Raniere has been convicted. Here's what happened inside his sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.

• The Mister Global male beauty pageant was held on September 26 in Thailand.
• Like Miss Universe, Mister Global contestants participate in a National Costume Show, an event that showcases clothing meant to represent each contestant's home country.
• This year's winner of the National Costume Show hailed from Myanmar.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

As any beauty pageant fan knows, the best part of the competition is the National Costume Show— a segment designed to showcase clothing that honors and celebrates contestants' home countries.

Every year, outfits seem to get increasingly complicated, ornate, or simply engineered to go viral.

This year's Mister Global, an annual male beauty pageant founded in 2014, was no exception.

Keep scrolling to see our 25 favorite costumes from this year's entrants.

On September 26, the international male beauty pageant, Mister Global, took place.

This year, the US was represented by Branden Cruz, or as he's known on Instagram, Brandex.

Much like Miss Universe, Mister Global has a national costume portion of the show.

Mister Nepal this year is Aryan Sitaula.

Read more: The wildest outfits in the history of Miss Universe's National Costume Show

It's a time for each contestant, or "Inspiring Gentleman," to showcase clothing that honors and celebrates their home country.

Manuel Duarte's costume was inspired by the ancient Mayan civilization. 

Or to rock the colors of their country's flag.

Mister Cuba 2019 is Rubert Manuel Arias Solozábal. This was the first year Cuba was represented in the pageant.

The costumes range from simple...

Mister Sweden 2019 is Sebastian Jonsson⁣⁣.

... To extremely ornate, like Guam's entry this year.

According to Facebook, Jonny Onedera's look was inspired by the Guam kingfisher, a type of bird native to the island.

Japan's contestant used a traditional parasol as part of his outfit.

Kodai Hata represented Japan this year at Mister Global.

The Swiss outfit looks like the robes that professional boxers wear before a fight, but featuring the Swiss flag.

Kenan Murseli, aka Mister Switzerland, was the third runner-up at the 2019 pageant.

This year's overall winner was South Korea's representative, 23-year-old Jong Woo Kim.

Kim is a police administration student and model, according to Missosology.

According to the pageant's spokesperson, this year's pageant raised money for an organization that takes care of elephants in Thailand, where Mister Global was held this year.

"We are true on our advocacy on Environmental Awareness and charity cause," spokesperson Kitti Kamjunsa told Bored Panda.

Thailand's costume was incredibly ornate.

Thailand is represented this year by Jeerawat Vatchasakol.

"The aim of Mister Global is to promote environmental awareness, and we have been promoting this cause ever since we started in 2014," said spokesperson Kitti Kamjunsa.

The winner automatically becomes a Global Goodwill Ambassador.

Mister Haiti 2019 is Tcholo Medastin. His costume is"a fantasy that pays tribute to the ancient African empire known as Nubia, a town of high artistic sensibility, wealth and culture."

While Mister Korea won Mister Global, the winner of the costume portion was Mister Myanmar.

Mister Myanmar, Thiha Kyaw, wore a costume designed by Phyo Pyae.

Indonesia's dragon-inspired outfit was nothing short of eye-catching.

Herman Yosef was crowned Mister Global Indonesia back in April.

As was South Africa's tribal-inspired chest-piece.

South Africa was represented this year by Marcus Max Karsten.

Mister Portugal's costume probably wouldn't turn too many heads in a crowd of hipsters.

His hat ties it all together.

Unlike the Dominican Republic's outfit — he looks ready for battle.

Braulio Encarnación, Mister Dominican Republic, was the fourth runner-up.

Egypt's competitor looks like he belongs among the pharaohs of ancient Egypt.

This year's Mister Egypt, Adam Hussein, tied his look together with an ankh-adorned headpiece. The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol for life.

Mister Sri Lanka's giant golden headpiece is making us envious.

Maduranga Dilshan represented Sri Lanka.

Mister Global is one of 10 "Global Beauties Grand Slam" pageants, alongside Miss Universe, Miss World, and Mr. World.

Here's a complete list of the Grand Slam pageants.

This year's Mister Puerto Rico was Edgar Irizarry. His costume "paid tribute to the indigenous people of Puerto Rico; the taínos," Irizarry told Insider. "The costume I wore was designed to resemble the Cacique Taíno," or a leader of the group.

The pageant first took place in 2014, making it a newer competition. Compare that to Miss America, which started in 1921.

Togo was represented by Kwassy Adjamah this year.

Read more: The very first Miss America contest took place in 1921 — here's what that first pageant was like

Even though it's new, the contestants don't come to play — these costumes take time and money to create, and can be quite heavy.

Chace Cheng was named Mister Hong Kong 2019. His costume was another dragon-inspired ensemble.

Just ask Mister Peru.

Mister Peru seems to be channeling the ancient Inca people, who lived in Peru through the late 1500s.

Though some countries take a more laid-back approach, like Tunisia.

Houssem Saïdi, Mister Tunisia, was close to taking home the Mister Global title. He was the first runner-up.

Poland's representative is wearing traditional Polish folk clothing.

Michał Grudzień was named Mister Poland 2019.

• Read more:
• Photos of the exact moment 35 contestants found out they won Miss Universe
• The very first Miss America contest took place in 1921 — here's what that first pageant was like
• 10 of the biggest beauty pageant scandals of all time
• THEN AND NOW: How the Miss Universe pageant has evolved over the last 66 years

• Model Veronika Didusenko was crowned Miss Ukraine in 2018.
• Four days after she won the title, Miss World pageant officials took away her title because she is a mom, which violates the pageant's policies.
• The current rules of Miss World state that a contestant cannot be someone who has given birth to a child.
• On Saturday, more than a year after Didusenko was stripped of her title, the model announced on Instagram that she is taking legal action against Miss World, calling its policy prohibiting mothers from competing "discriminatory."
• In an interview with the BBC published Sunday, Didusenko said she wants to "make sure the rules of Miss World move with the times" and hopes the pageant updates its rules to "reflect women's reality today."
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Four days after model Veronika Didusenko won the title of Miss Ukraine in 2018, Miss World officials took away her title after they discovered she is a mom, which violates the pageant's rules.

Didusenko said in an interview for the BBC's Radio 1 "Newsbeat," published Sunday, that upon entering to compete in Miss Ukraine, she was aware of the policy that prohibited mothers from entering the competition, but said that pageant organizers encouraged her to enter anyway. 

"Why should a woman be excluded from entering just because she's a mother? It doesn't make any sense," the 24-year-old model, who has a 5-year-old son, told the BBC's Cherry Wilson.

The list of requirements for entry in a Miss World pageant says that a contestant must be someone who "has never given birth to a child."

According to a statement provided to Insider by a representative for Didusenko, she is now taking legal action against Miss World in hopes that the organization will change its policy that prohibits mothers from entering in the competition.

Didusenko made the announcement to challenge Miss World in an Instagram post on Saturday, not long before this year's Miss World pageant finale, which takes place in London on December 14.

"Today #righttobeamother has made a huge leap forward," Didusenko wrote on Instagram. "I have launched a legal challenge against @MissWorld and this marks the new phase in our joint fight for justice."

In the post, Didusenko added: "We say that under the #EqualityAct 2010 the entry policy operated by #MissWorld is discriminatory on various grounds, namely marital status, and pregnancy and maternity. The Equality Act protects against discrimination based on certain characteristics, including marriage, maternity and sex."

Didusenko, who has enlisted the representation of attorneys Ravi Naik and Marie Demitriou, referred to the Equality Act, which went into effect on October 1, 2010, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The act contains nine pieces of legislation that provide Britain with a "discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society."

In her Instagram post, Didusenko added that she does not want her crown back, but instead wants "to get the rules changed for wider society."

A representative for Didusenko reiterated that message in the statement provided to Insider, saying that Didusenko hopes the pageant rules can be changed "not for her, but for larger society."

The statement continued: "The Equality Act 2010 protects discrimination against certain protected characteristics, including marriage, maternity and sex. The reason Veronika was not allowed to compete in Miss World is because she was married and had a child. Quite simply, denying her the chance of competing on those bases would seem to breach those protections against discrimination."

"This is a systemic, widespread and international policy that may result in discrimination on large scale across many countries," the statement read. "We await Miss World's full response to see if they can justify their entry policy."

Didusenko told Radio 1's "Newsbeat" that she wants to "make sure the rules of Miss World move with the times."

"I want to make them more fit for nowadays and reflect women's reality today — who can perfectly balance between their careers and their personal life," Didusenko told the BBC.

As the BBC's article points out, in a 2018 interview with Good Morning Britain, Julia Morley, the CEO of the Miss World Organization, spoke about the rule that prohibits mothers from competing in the pageant. In the interview, Morley defended the rule, saying: "When you're trying to get a worldwide organization to agree, you have to look to everyone and they vote as to what is acceptable." 

Didusenko is not the first mother who has lost a pageant title due to organization policies

In 2018, a Miss Universe winner lost her title after becoming pregnant. 

In February, Yahoo!'s Kerry Justich reported that Miss Bolivia Universe 2018 Joyce Prado was stripped of her title after she became pregnant. Yahoo! reported that Prado may have lost her title because of pageant rules that prohibited contestants from being pregnant.

Miss Universe outlines its rules and requirements on its website, stating that competitors cannot be pregnant, married, or have ever parented a child.

Bolivian modeling agency Promociones Gloria shared a statement on Facebook at the time, which said Prado was dismissed from her title due to a "breach of contract."

"Promociones Gloria is announcing to Opinion Publica that the current Miss Santa Cruz and Miss Bolivia Universe 2018 has been stripped of her titles of Miss Santa Cruz and Miss Bolivia for reasons strictly related to a breach of contract, noting that we maintain cordial relations in an area of mutual understanding, honoring the confidentiality clause," the modeling agency wrote on Facebook.

A representative for Promociones Gloria later provided a statement to Insider at the time, saying that "it was agreed between" Prado and the modeling agency that she would focus on her pregnancy and continue to be a model with the agency despite not being "able to fulfill any of the activities that she had to do as Miss Bolivia."

Representatives for Miss World and Veronika Didusenko's attorneys, Ravi Naik and Marie Demitriou, did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

• Read more:
• Behind-the-scenes photos show how Miss Universe 2019 contestants get ready for the world-famous pageant
• 10 of the biggest beauty pageant scandals of all time
• THEN AND NOW: How the Miss Universe pageant has evolved over the last 66 years
• What 11 Miss USA 2019 contestants look like with little to no makeup

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