What’s The Difference Between Miss USA And Miss America?

Miss USA and Miss America are both beauty pageants, but there are some differences between the two contests. As the Miss USA pageant gears up at the Mandalay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Sunday, learn what makes the two competitions stand apart.

First, though, we’ll talk about the parallels. For one, the winners of both competitions get to wear a large tiara —and not get looked at weird by the public. Secondly, the winners are given the titles of either Miss USA or Miss America and they win a scholarship.

The differences lie in the money. Miss America is solely a scholarship program. Miss USA, however, was launched by Catalina Swimsuits to promote the company. The main prize in Miss USA is the chance to compete in Miss Universe.

Miss USA president Paula Shugart emphasized the value of confidence, saying: “Our organization believes that confidence is the most important quality for a person to possess.”

READ: Mikayla Holmgren, Down Syndrome Dancer From Minnesota, Enters Miss USA Pageant

According to its website, the Miss USA pageant emboldens their contestants.

“The Miss Universe Organization empowers women to develop the confidence they need to achieve their personal best,” the website says. “A confident woman has the power to make real change, starting in her local community with the potential to reach a global audience. We encourage every woman to get out of her comfort zone, be herself, and continue to define what it means to be Confidently Beautiful.”

Overall, the Miss Universe pageant, which Miss USA is a part of, touts itself as an organization that is “run by women for women.” The idea is to applaud diversity.

“Annually, nearly ten thousand young women participate in Miss Universe pageant events,” the pageant says about their mission. “The mission of the organization is to provide the tools which help women to be their personal best. Self-confidence is the key. Every woman should have the confidence to stand up in any situation and declare, ‘I am secure and that's what makes me beautiful!’’

Participating in Miss USA is just the start of a contestant’s career. “The contestants and titleholders that have gone through the Miss Universe system are able to cultivate their personal career goals, advocate for humanitarian issues and be a voice to affect positive change in the world,” the pageant writes. “These women are forward thinking and motivated to not just talk about this change, but to initiate it. They have gone on to high-profile careers in government, business, finance, broadcasting, as well as film and television.”

Last year, Deshauna Barber was crowned Miss USA 2016. This year, she will hand the crown over to one of 51 contestants. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are slated to compete.

“Dancing With the Stars ” Julianne Hough and Terrence J are slated to host the 2017 Miss USA competition. There will be performances by Pitbull and Brett Eldredge . The judge’s panel, including Carson Kressley and Jennie Mai, will conduct the question and answer part of the show.

Don’t miss the contest when it airs 8 p.m. EDT on Fox.

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