On Monday of last week, the New York-based Miss Universe Organization announced that they will be hosting both the `Miss USA’ and `Miss Teen USA‘ 2020 competitions at Graceland, the former residence of rock legend Elvis Presley, in Memphis, Tennessee. The star-studded weekend of pageantry starts with the 38th annual `Miss Teen USA’ finals on Friday, November 7, 2020, while the 69th annual `Miss USA’ finals will be staged on Monday, November 9, 2020, and will be broadcast live on FYI Television. Both pageants will take place at the Soundstage at Graceland, under strict covid19 rules in accordance with the Shelby County Health Department Covid19 protocol.

DIFFERENT
According to Paula M.Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, in a statement said: “We look forward to crowning a new “Miss USA” and “Miss Teen USA” in the historic city of Memphis. While this year’s competitions will look a little different as we adhere to crucial safety guidelines, we are excited to bring the thrill and excitement of the iconic “Miss USA” and “Miss Teen USA” competitions to the homes across America.” Obviously, the safety guidelines will be strictly followed. Temperature checks are required before being admitted to any Miss USA and Miss Teen USA events or to Graceland. An MUO spokesperson re-iterated that apart from health screenings before events, even for staff and crew, there will be social distancing as much as possible by using working groups to keep the numbers of interactions low. All of this will be in full effect, according to the guidelines of medical professionals. Additionally, audience capacity will be significantly reduced. 

CONTESTANTS
With both current “Miss USA” and “Miss Teen USA” as well as “Miss Universe” being Black women, there is a noticeable large representation of Black, Latina, and mixed-race women in both pageants. Plus, most of them are very strong and accomplished contestants. The women of color who are frontrunners in the “Miss USA” competition are Miss Delaware USA (Katie Guevarra), Miss District of Columbia USA (Cierra Jackson), Miss Hawaii USA (Samantha Neyland), Miss Louisiana USA (Mariah Clayton), Miss New York USA (Andrea Cyban), Miss Maryland USA (Taelyr Robinson), Miss Massachusetts USA (Sabrina Victor), Miss Michigan USA (Chanel Johnson), Miss Mississippi USA (Asya Branch), Miss Rhode Island USA (Jonet Nichelle), Miss Washington USA (Imani Blackmon) and Miss Wisconsin USA (Gabriella Deyi).

TEEN SCENE
On the “Miss Teen USA” side, the favored teens of color to watch are the representatives from the states of Virginia, Vermont, New York, Colorado, California, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Indiana, New Jersey, Oregan, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Some of the other teen Queens to watch are the girls from; Nevada, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Washington, and New Hampshire. It seems like a record number of contestants entered preliminary competitions in their various States. The Miss New York Teen USA pageant, attracted a record number of 122 contestants this year, 

VENUES
The host hotel for both pageants is The Guest House at Graceland Resort. As for the Soundstage at Graceland venue, Platinum Stage-side tables, Gold Packages, Section 1 and Section 2, will accommodate a limited number of guests, but there will be a special Viewing party at the Graceland Exhibition Center, just steps away from the live event for the overflow of guests. As of this writing, there are still a few Platinum packages available. This special package includes V.I.P Seating, exclusive ringside top-of-the-line very best seats; complimentary champagne; a Royal lunch with former Miss USA contestants; a virtual Meet and Greet with the current Miss USA Cheslie Kryst; a Memphis style buffet lunch; special table seat at Dress Rehearsal; guests at two panels conversations with Former Miss USA contestants. 1 – “Women as a Voice for Change” and 2 – “State of the Universe” and a special unveiling of the new Miss USA crown at an exclusive `Crown Unveiling Event.’ This complete Platinum V.I.P. package is $1,875.00. The Viewing Party tickets are $75.00. Call 800-238-2000 for ticket support.

CHARITIES SUPPORT
Both Miss USA and Miss TEEN USA are run by women for women, creating opportunities, breaking stereotypes and working closely with charitable initiatives like God’s Love We Deliver (GLWD), Best Buddies, and Smile Train. Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA provide approximately 10,000 women who participate annually, an international platform to effect positive change personally, professionally, and philanthropically as inspirational leaders and role models. 

MUO
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is the umbrella organization for all three pageants Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA. It’s a globally inclusive organization that celebrates women of all cultures and backgrounds and empowers them to realize their goals through experience that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success.