The 74th Annual Miss USA pageant made history on Friday, October 24, during its glittering finale at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. For the first time in its decades-long history, the Miss Congeniality Award has been renamed in honor of the late Chelsi Smith, a former Miss Universe and one of the most beloved figures in pageant history.
The announcement was made by co-host Olivia Jordan, Miss USA 2015, who shared the stage with sports analyst and former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho. “We are making history,” Jordan declared before the live audience. “We have decided to rename the Miss Congeniality Award after one of the most iconic beauty queens in history. In 1995, Chelsi Smith won Miss Texas USA, Miss USA, and then Miss Universe.”
Chelsi Smith, who passed away in September 2018 at the age of 45 after battling liver cancer, remains a trailblazer in the pageant world. She was the first and only woman from Texas to win both Miss USA and Miss Universe, and the first American in 15 years to bring home the Miss Universe crown.
“Chelsi also won Miss Congeniality in nearly every pageant she competed in,” Jordan continued. “The Miss USA organization wants to honor her legacy by renaming the Miss Congeniality Award the Chelsi Smith Congeniality Award.”
This year’s inaugural recipient of the renamed award was Miss Delaware, Tetra Shaylice Shockley, recognized for her warmth, kindness, and camaraderie with fellow contestants. The coveted Miss USA 2025 crown went to Miss Nebraska, Audrey Eckert, while Miss New Jersey, Ivy Harrington, was named first runner-up.
The evening’s judging panel featured a blend of pageant royalty and entertainment personalities, including Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014 and Miss Universe first runner-up; Jade Roper Tolbert, The Bachelor alum and beauty entrepreneur; Sasha Farber, professional dancer from Dancing with the Stars; Kenneth Barlis, renowned fashion designer; and Hannah Edwards, international model scout.
ALSO READ: Lukas Gage Opens Up About Family Loss, Divorce, and Forgiveness in Emotional Interview
