Miss USA Pageant: All the Rules Contestants Must Follow

And this is just the latest instance of the organization’s less-than-pretty side peeking through. 

Though Nebraska’s Audrey Eckert carried off her reign unscathed, two years ago, Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava provided a look behind the very polished curtain, announcing their separate decisions to step down from their respective roles. 

Though Voight (citing mental health reasons) and Srivastava—who said her values were no longer aligned with the organization—weren’t allowed to speak out, their mothers made a joint appearance on Good Morning America that May. 

Basically, Jackeline Voigt summed up, “The job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare.” (In a statement to ABC News, The Miss USA Organization shared, “We are committed to fostering a healthy, communicative and supportive environment for all contestants, state titleholders, national titleholders and staff.”)

Still, the gig remains a dream come true for plenty of others, who are willing to spend the necessary funds and time to claim the crown. 

Before Eckert helps crown one of them, we’re participating in our own question-and-answer portion, detailing the rigorous rules each hopeful must abide by.