A new Miss Teen USA has been crowned! On August 1, Miss Mississippi Teen USA, Addie Carver became the new Miss Teen USA 2024 Winner at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. She competed against 50 other contestants in evening gowns, athletic wear, and interview categories. She wore a white gown by Sherri Hill with gold and silver details around the neckline and waist. Before receiving the crown, Carver shared her past struggles with mental health and said she wants every girl who feels like she did to know they are not alone. Georgia’s Ava Colindres and Arizona’s Rachael Mclaen were named first and second runners-up.
The event didn’t mention this year’s surprising double resignation, where the 2023 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, Utah’s Noelia Voigt and New Jersey’s UmaSofia Srivastava, both stepped down from their titles. Voigt said it was for mental health reasons, and Srivastava cited differences in personal values with the Miss USA organization.
This year, Carver received her tiara from Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii. Gankiewicz took over the Miss USA crown after Voigt’s resignation. This broke with the tradition of the outgoing Miss Teen USA passing on the crown. Here is what you would want to know about Miss Teen USA 2024 WInner.
Advertisement Carver’s Journey and Achievements
“After years of hearing ‘No,’ I finally got the ‘Yes’ I’ve been dreaming of one month ago today,” Carver shared on Instagram after winning Miss Mississippi Teen USA in April. “My journey has been long, but it’s been so worth it! I can’t fully explain how much this means to me, but I’m incredibly grateful and ready. Serving my state and representing it at Miss Teen USA is the biggest honor of my life. TYJ.”
Carver, 17, from Brookhaven, Miss., turned to dancing for comfort after her father passed away when she was 13. She hopes to inspire others to find passions that help them deal with life’s challenges. She is also a varsity cheerleader.
The pageant was hosted by The Bachelorette’s Rachel Lindsay and E! News reporter Justin Sylvester. The judges included actress Francia Raísa, Dancing With the Stars dancer Rylee Arnold, influencer Alyssa Carson, Miss Teen USA 2019 Kaliegh Garris, and Miss World 2022 Shree Saini.
Year of Controversy
The Miss USA organization was in chaos when Noelia Voigt resigned in May. Voigt didn’t give details at the time. However, some people noticed that the first letters of each line in her resignation Instagram post spelled “I am silenced.” This suggested she might have been restricted by a non-disclosure agreement.
Later, CNN got her resignation letter, which listed several problems with the organizers. Voigt said there were delays in receiving prizes. She also described the work environment as “toxic,” with problems including poor management, possible bullying, and harassment. She also claimed she was sexually harassed during a public event because the organization didn’t provide proper support.
Shortly after Voigt’s resignation, UmaSofia Srivastava also stepped down as Miss Teen USA, saying her personal values no longer matched the organization’s direction. She hasn’t spoken publicly about it. However, her mother, Barbara Srivastava, told Good Morning America that both beauty queens were “ill-treated, abused, bullied, and cornered.” She also said that their dream job turned into a nightmare.
The Miss Universe Organization, which runs the pageants, didn’t respond to CNN’s requests for comment on the resignations. Miss USA president Laylah Rose denied Voigt’s claims in a statement reported by the Los Angeles Times at the end of May. Unlike Miss USA, the Miss Teen USA first runner-up, Stephanie Skinner, chose not to take over the title, so it remains unfilled.
Wrap Up!
Addie Carver’s win as Miss Teen USA 2024 winner is just the start of an exciting journey. Her hard work and determination have led her to this moment, and her goal to help others and support mental health is truly inspiring. As she begins her role, Carver’s story of overcoming challenges and finding strength in her passions is very moving. With a strong team and a clear purpose, she is ready to make a positive impact and represent her state with pride.