Towards the end of May and beginning of June in 2024, several users on social media platforms voiced their outrage over the winner of a beauty pageant titled “Miss” in Alabama.
There were some who raised concerns about Sara Milliken’s victory, stating that it could potentially encourage “unhealthy lifestyles.” One individual even went as far as to question whether a “chain smoker” would be awarded the same prize in a pageant. Another person brought up the example of the Miss Maryland USA crown being awarded to a transgender woman in June 2024, and deemed such accolades as “fake awards.”
Following her interview with Mobile, Alabama’s WKRG TV station, Milliken and the reporter were bombarded with criticism, including on a Facebook post sharing the report. One comment read, “It’s crazy to me to support and encourage obesity… She’s extremely unhealthy, and this is disrespectful to young girls who have worked hard and maintained a healthy diet to become beauty queens… This is a disgrace to the state of Alabama.”
On her official Facebook page, Milliken issued a response.
The things that has been said about me is truly disgusting and I cannot fathom how people think it’s ok to say these things. The easy thing would be to give up. I could hide my face. Stop posting on social media. Make no appearances. Stay low key until Nationals. I could even give in and give up my title. But instead I say WATCH ME. Watch me serve my community. Watch me give my all into preparing for nationals. Watch me find the shy girl in the room and learn her name. Watch me continue to pour positivity into social media. Watch me crush every goal I set. Watch me chase this dream. Watch me show every single hater why a plus size woman can and should be a titleholder. Stand back and watch me show everyone who doubts me wrong. You are more than your body and more importantly… you are more than the evil things people say about your body. I gave this dream up for 6 years because of the hurtful things someone said about me. Never, ever again.
As the controversy persisted, it became evident that a considerable number of commentators failed to differentiate between the different beauty pageants in the United States. These pageants have varying levels of emphasis on physical appearance, skills, and personality. Whether intentional or not, this lack of distinction was apparent among many of the comments.
Miss USA is a renowned pageant that selects representatives from all states of the United States. The winner of the national pageant gets a chance to participate in the prestigious Miss Universe competition, where national winners from several countries compete. Although previously associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Miss USA still conducts a swimsuit and sportswear contest, which judges the contestants’ silhouettes rather than their physical abilities. The pageant also features a private interview, an evening gown presentation, and an onstage question as other stages of the competition.
Unlike Miss Universe, Miss America does not feature a swimsuit competition. Instead, the pageant focuses on various categories such as a private interview, an evening gown presentation, a panel interview with multiple judges, an onstage question, a talent show, and a physical fitness presentation. It is worth noting that Miss America does not send its contestants to Miss Universe.
In 2024, Diane Westhoven clinched the Miss Alabama USA title, while the Miss America Alabama 2024 crown remained unclaimed. Interestingly, Milliken didn’t participate in either of these pageants. However, she was crowned the winner of the National American Miss contest.
In Alabama, NAM hosts a range of competitions, including talent, spokesmodel, fun fitness model, runway modeling, and top model. However, it’s worth noting that these categories are optional and may differ from state to state. To win a NAM pageant, participants are required to compete in formal wear, personal introduction, interviews, and community service. The latest contest in Alabama followed this schedule. NAM’s mission statement emphasizes the importance of communication and confidence over physical attributes, reflecting the organization’s values.
Each participant has the opportunity to be a trailblazer… charting the course for her future successes. More than just a pageant, National American Miss is a program all about growing confidence. We emphasize the importance of developing real world skills and are shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. Forget everything you thought you knew about pageantry.
Milliken had previously participated in a NAM pageant twice before. She first competed at the age of 15 in the Jr Teen group and then again at the age of 16 in the Teen group. Despite her previous experience, Milliken had doubts about the possibility of a plus-sized girl from a small town in Alabama winning the pageant. However, she was determined to succeed and worked tirelessly for 365 days to achieve her dream. “I didn’t think it was possible for a plus-sized girl to win,” Milliken shared with WKRG.
In November 2024, Milliken had plans to participate in the National NAM competition during the week of Thanksgiving.
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