Competition Phases

First Impression Competition

In the First Impression Competition, every contestant has just thirty seconds to captivate the audience and selection committee with her presence, personality, and poise. This phase is designed to highlight the power of an introduction—where style, confidence, and authenticity merge to create an unforgettable moment. As each young woman takes the stage, the judges will evaluate the overall impression she makes in those opening moments. Consideration will be given to the elegance of her attire, the beauty and expression of her face, and the way she carries herself with grace and composure. Just as important, the charisma she conveys, and the content of her introduction will showcase her individuality, ambitions, and unique voice. In this competition, it is about who leaves a lasting impression in half a minute. A true American Queen knows that presence is as powerful as words, and the First Impression Competition is where contestants begin to define their legacy on stage.

Compassionate Service Initiative

 The Compassionate Service Platform Competition is dedicated to celebrating the heart of an American Queen—her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Each contestant will present her chosen cause or community service initiative, demonstrating not only the work she has accomplished but also the passion and purpose that drive her efforts.  In this competition, the judges will evaluate how effectively a contestant communicates her platform: the clarity of her mission, the impact of her service, and her vision for creating meaningful change. Just as important are her authenticity and compassion, qualities that inspire others to take action and reflect the spirit of true leadership. Beyond the crown, an American Queen is an ambassador for kindness, service, and advocacy. This phase allows contestants to show how they intend to use their title as a voice for their cause, a bridge between communities, and a source of inspiration for those in need. The Compassionate Service Platform Competition is where beauty meets purpose—where a contestant’s dedication to service becomes the cornerstone of her legacy.

Interview Competition

The Interview Competition provides contestants with the opportunity to showcase their intelligence, personality, and ability to communicate with confidence. In this phase, each young woman engages directly with the selection committee, allowing her to express her thoughts, share her values, and highlight the qualities that make her a strong representative of the American Queen legacy.Judges will consider her clarity of expression, depth of content, and ability to think on her feet while maintaining grace under pressure. Equally important are her poise, body language, and demeanor, which reflect not only her confidence but also her authenticity. Beyond polished answers, the interview is about connection—how she engages with the judges, conveys her personal story, and demonstrates her readiness to serve as a role model in her community, state, and nation. This competition is not a test of memorized responses, but a celebration of individuality. It is the moment when each contestant’s character, charisma, and convictions shine brightest. A true American Queen inspires trust and admiration through her words and presence, and the Interview Competition is where that inspiration begins.

Photogenic Competition

 The Photogenic Competition highlights the timeless power of a single image to capture beauty, personality, and presence. Contestants will submit a photograph that best reflects their natural elegance and individuality, allowing the judges to evaluate how well they radiate confidence and charisma through the camera’s lens.   In this phase, the selection committee will consider the quality of expression, the beauty and balance of facial features, and the ability of the contestant to project warmth, poise, and personality in a still photograph. Just as on stage, authenticity matters—photos that convey a sense of self, charm, and genuine presence often leave the strongest impression. The Photogenic Competition is not simply about physical appearance, but about the artistry of presentation. A true American Queen knows how to communicate strength, grace, and individuality without speaking a word, and this event showcases her ability to inspire and connect through the lasting impact of an image.

Runway Fashion Competition

 The Pageant Runway Fashion Competition is designed to showcase each contestant’s sense of style, confidence, and stage presence. This dynamic phase allows contestants to walk the runway in an outfit of their choice that reflects their personal taste, fashion-forward flair, and individuality. It is an opportunity for each young woman to demonstrate how she carries herself under the spotlight—with charisma, poise, and energy that captivates both judges and audience alike. Judges will evaluate the contestant’s overall presentation, including the style and suitability of her attire, her confidence and command of the runway, and the ability to project her personality through fashion. Beyond simply wearing a garment, contestants are expected to bring life to their look, combining elegance with individuality in a way that leaves a memorable impression.  The Pageant Runway Fashion Competition celebrates modern style while honoring the grace and polish of pageantry. A true American Queen understands that fashion is not just clothing—it is a reflection of identity, confidence, and creativity. This is the moment where her unique spirit shines through every step on stage.

Swimsuit   Competition

 The Swimsuit Competition is designed to highlight each contestant’s confidence, physical fitness, and stage presence. More than just appearance, this phase celebrates a healthy lifestyle and the ability to carry oneself with poise and elegance in a setting that emphasizes grace under the spotlight. Contestants will be judged on their confidence, composure, overall physical fitness, and presentation, as well as how naturally they project energy and charisma on stage. For Miss, Ms., and Mrs. contestants, the Swimsuit Competition reflects not only beauty but also discipline, balance, and self-assurance—qualities that embody the spirit of an American Queen.  

Athletic Wear Competition

The Athletic Wear Competition showcases a contestant’s dedication to health, energy, and lifestyle in a fun and dynamic way. Contestants will wear stylish athletic apparel that represents their personality and complements their stage presence. Judges will focus on fitness, confidence, personality, and overall presentation, as well as how well the contestant’s energy and charisma are reflected in her walk and stage performance. For younger divisions, this competition emphasizes confidence and vitality, while for Classic Ms. and Classic Mrs. contestants, it highlights balance, wellness, and strength. The Athletic Wear Competition is not about perfection—it is about celebrating the beauty of confidence, healthy living, and the joy of self-expression through motion.

Evening Gown

 The Evening Gown Competition is the crowning moment of elegance, where contestants embody grace, sophistication, and timeless beauty. Each young woman selects a gown that reflects her personal style and confidence, showcasing how she carries herself in an atmosphere of refinement and prestige. This phase is not about the gown alone—it is about the woman within it, her ability to move with poise, and the commanding presence she brings to the stage. 

Judges will evaluate the appropriateness and style of the gown, the contestant’s carriage and composure, and the overall impression she leaves as she presents herself with dignity and grace. More than fashion, this is an expression of inner confidence—how effortlessly she can captivate an audience and selection committee through posture, elegance, and personality. For many, the Evening Gown Competition symbolizes the essence of pageantry: beauty refined by character, ambition paired with grace, and confidence shaped by individuality. A true American Queen does not simply wear a gown—she commands the stage with it, leaving a lasting impression of strength, elegance, and distinction.

Evening Gown

 Optional Competitions & Awards

Talent Competition - $50 Entry Fee. $150 Prize.

The judges are looking for artistic expression, technical skill, stage presence, and overall performance in a talent expressed in 2 minutes or less. Each winner in each division will receive $150 prize.

Open to: Miss/Ms/Teen/Princess and Pre-Teen contestants only.

Oratory - $50 Entry Fee. $150 Prize.

The judges are looking for your ability to speak passionately about a cause or issue you care about. Essays, poems, or speeches must me memorized and delivered in 90 seconds or less. Each winner in each division will receive a $150 prize.

Open to: Miss/Ms/Teen/Princess and Pre-Teen contestants only.

Miss Photogenic - $20 Entry Fee. $75 Prize.

The winner is the participant who has the most beautiful photo. Each winner in each division will receive $75 prize.

Open to: All divisons

Miss Cover Girl - Required $1,000 minimum in ad sales.

The Cover Model for the Miss Ultimate Beauty of America. Her picture will be featured on the cover of the program book and in marketing campaigns in 2020. The winner is chosen based upon her photo and souvenir book ad sales.

Open to: All divisions. Only one winner.

The People’s Choice - $1,000 Prize. Crowned Miss Ultimate Beauty Grand Supreme.

She is the person who receives the most votes in the People’s Choice competition. 1,000 minimum votes is required to compete for this award.

Open to: All divisions. Only one winner.