In a pageant world rocked by drama and controversy, Alma Cooper of Michigan emerged victorious, claiming the Miss USA 2024 title on August 4 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. This momentous occasion marked the end of months of turbulence and uncertainty.
Cooper, a 22-year-old officer in the US Army, stood proudly as she was crowned. “As the daughter of a migrant worker, a proud Afro Latina woman, and an officer of the United States Army, I am living the American dream,” she declared, her voice resonating with pride and determination.
Congratulations to our former manager 2LT Alma Cooper ‘23 for winning Miss USA! #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/DBLwg0TsrF
— Army Volleyball (@ArmyWP_VB) August 5, 2024
The competition was fierce, with Miss Kentucky, Connor Perry, taking the first runner-up spot, and Miss Oklahoma, Danika Christopherson, securing the second runner-up position. The evening was electric, filled with excitement and applause, but recent controversies cast a long shadow over the celebrations.
Savannah Gankiewicz, who assumed the Miss USA 2023 title in May, crowned Cooper. Gankiewicz herself stepped in after the unexpected resignation of Noelia Voigt, the first Venezuelan-American to hold the title. Voigt’s departure in May, citing mental health concerns and alleging a toxic work environment, shook the pageant community to its core.
Do you think she will go far at #MissUniverse ? Congratulations to the stunning Alma Cooper newly crowned #MissUsa from Michigan 🔥✨ #roadtomissusa @roadtomissusa pic.twitter.com/lrc7aW0SiT
— Louise ~ PageantsNews (@PageantsNEWS) August 5, 2024
Voigt’s blistering resignation letter portrayed a disturbing culture within the Miss USA organization, citing mismanagement, bullying, and harassment as pervasive problems. These allegations were strongly denied by Laylah Rose, the president and CEO of the Miss USA organization, who insisted that such behavior would not be tolerated and would be swiftly addressed if it occurred.
The turmoil didn’t stop there. Miss Teen USA 2023, UmaSofia Srivastava, also resigned just days after Voigt, stating that her values no longer aligned with the organization’s direction. This left the title vacant as the first runner-up declined to take over, leading to the crowning of Addie Carver as Miss Teen USA 2024.
“I’ve wanted to walk the @MissUSA stage since I was a little itty-bitty girl,” says Army officer and data scientist Alma Cooper. “I’ve found that my skills—being a KH scholar and having this community and this love and support—it all managed to make me a better candidate.” pic.twitter.com/quuOR9Lagu
— KnightHennessy (@KnightHennessy) August 3, 2024
Former Miss New York, Thatiana Diaz, weighed in on the ongoing crisis, saying, “You have all these different personalities and so many ways in which you’re being pushed and pulled and being told what to do. That really does affect your mental health.”
As the pageant world attempts to recover from these tumultuous events, Cooper’s win offers a beacon of hope and renewal. Her story is one of resilience and diversity, a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour are real individuals with inspiring stories and dreams.
Major Points
- Victory Amidst Chaos: Alma Cooper, a US Army officer, wins Miss USA 2024.
- Inspirational Background: Cooper, an Afro Latina and daughter of a migrant worker, embodies resilience and diversity.
- High-Stakes Competition: Runner-ups include Miss Kentucky, Connor Perry, and Miss Oklahoma, Danika Christopherson.
- Controversial Resignation: Former titleholder Noelia Voigt steps down, citing a toxic environment and mental health struggles.
- Leadership Under Scrutiny: Miss USA organization faces accusations, sparking calls for reform and transparency.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News