Alma Cooper of Michigan Crowned Miss USA 2024, Denouement to a Tumultuous Year of Pageant Controversies

Michigan’s Alma Cooper, a US Army officer, emerged victorious at the 73rd annual Miss USA pageant, capping a tumultuous year of controversies that had previously seen two titleholders step down. The 22-year-old, who possesses a Master’s degree in data science from Stanford University, triumphed over 50 other contestants to clinch the eminent title.

Daughter of a Migrant Worker to Mistress of the Crown

During the Q&A round of the finale, Cooper, an Afro Latina, drew upon her personal experiences, and encapsulated her life’s journey in the inspirational statement, “As the daughter of a migrant worker, a proud Afro Latina woman, and an officer of the United States Army, I am living the American dream.” Her riveting performance in key competitions such as swimwear and evening gown solidified her claim to the title.

Twists and Turns in the Miss USA Saga

Gankiewicz of Hawaii, the former titleholder, passed the ceremonial tiara to Cooper on the stage. She had assumed her role after Noelia Voigt of Utah decided to resign amid high-profile controversies three months prior. What followed Voigt’s departure was nothing short of a saga.

Gankiewicz, who herself had a very unexpected, three-month stint as Miss USA, aptly described it as, “the most unique reign in history.” Besides the Miss USA controversy, Miss Teen USA also saw its reigning pageant winner, UmaSofia Srivastava of New Jersey, resign around the same time.

Allegations and Counter Allegations

Voigt cited mental health as her reason for stepping down, leading to an online frenzy of speculation about a hidden, embedded message in her Instagram post indicating she had been silenced. This ignited rumors about a stringent non-disclosure agreement she might have signed. The narrative took a new turn when her resignation letter became public, which alleged a toxic work environment, claiming that it ranged from poor management to instances of bullying and harassment. Furthermore, she claimed to be a victim of sexual harassment during a public appearance due to the alleged failure of the Miss USA organization to provide an efficient handler.

Resignation of Srivastava, the then reigning Miss Teen USA, added another dimension to the controversy.

Historic Firsts and Changes in Rules

This year’s pageant was historic as it saw a change in rules and several firsts. Notably, there was a lifting of the age restriction that had previously prohibited women above the age of 28 from participating. This rule change allowed several contestants, like 41-year-old Kristina Johnson of Arizona and other finalists from Montana, North Dakota, Maryland, and Indiana, all in their 30s, to participate.

This year also witnessed Bailey Anne Kennedy becoming the first transgender contestant from Maryland to enter the finals and Shavana Clarke of Connecticut, according to organizers, emerged as the “first openly lesbian Miss USA state titleholder.”

Crowning Moment Amid Turbulence

Amidst such a turbulent year, Cooper’s victory on the pageant night seems like a breath of fresh air for the Miss USA pageant. Cooper is now set to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 contest slated to take place in Mexico later this year.