Alma Cooper Crowned Miss USA 2024 Amid Pageant Controversies and Changes
Michigan’s Alma Cooper Wins Miss USA 2024
Michigan’s Alma Cooper, a US Army officer and Stanford graduate, was crowned Miss USA 2024 on Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Cooper, who competed against 50 other contestants, won the title after a tumultuous year for the pageant. Kentucky’s Connor Perry and Oklahoma’s Danika Christopherson were named first and second runners-up.
Cooper, 22, described her win as a realization of the American dream. “As the daughter of a migrant worker and a proud Afro Latina, I am living proof that your circumstances don’t define your destiny,” she told the judges during the Q&A session.
Controversies Leading to the New Titleholder
Cooper’s crowning followed a challenging period for the Miss USA organization. The 2023 titleholder, Utah’s Noelia Voigt, resigned unexpectedly in May, citing mental health issues. Her resignation letter, which later became public, alleged delays in prize distribution and a toxic work environment, including sexual harassment. The resignation led to speculation about a non-disclosure agreement.
Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, also resigned shortly after, citing a clash of personal values with the organization. Both Voigt’s and Srivastava’s mothers criticized the pageant’s management, describing it as abusive and harassing.
Event Highlights and New Rules
The Miss USA 2024 pageant, hosted by Garcelle Beauvais and Keltie Knight, featured several new rules. For the first time, the event allowed contestants over 28 years old to participate, which led to the inclusion of several finalists in their 30s. Additionally, Maryland’s Bailey Anne Kennedy made history as the first transgender contestant from her state, and Shavana Clarke from Connecticut was noted as the first openly lesbian state titleholder.
The pageant also marked its return to California for the first time since 2007. The final round included a top 20, followed by a swimwear and eveningwear competition, and ended with contestants answering questions on cultural understanding.
Looking Ahead
Alma Cooper will represent the USA in the Miss Universe 2024 contest in Mexico later this year. The Miss USA pageant continues to evolve amidst its challenges, reflecting broader societal changes and new inclusivity efforts.
