Answers to common questions about the competition.
Yes. Open Casting is part of the official Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pathway. Contestants selected through this process join the 2026 Class and compete at the National Pageant.
Yes. In 2025, sixteen women earned their place through Open Casting and competed on the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA national stage in Reno. Open Casting is not a separate side competition. It is an official path to Miss USA.
Miss USA applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the eligibility requirements listed in the official rules. There are no state residency restrictions for Open Casting. Married women, mothers, and first-time contestants may apply if they meet the official eligibility requirements.
Miss Teen USA applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the age and eligibility requirements listed in the official rules. Miss Teen USA applicants must be within the eligible birth-year range, have never been married, and have no children. Full eligibility details are provided during registration.
No. You do not need pageant experience to apply. Open Casting is designed for women who are ready for the Miss USA or Miss Teen USA stage, whether this is their first time competing or their next shot at Nationals.
You will need to submit a completed application, headshot, introduction video, and walking video. Your videos do not need to be professionally produced. They should clearly show who you are, how you present yourself, and why you are ready for this opportunity.
Approved contestants may receive a personalized contestant page and unique voting link as groups become active during registration. Supporters can cast free daily votes during voting rounds. Public voting helps determine who advances through The Open Call, The Finals, and the Last Chance path toward Judges’ Review.
Public voting helps determine who advances to Judges’ Review. The Miss USA judging panel reviews the final field and selects the winners who will join the 2026 Class and compete at Nationals.
Winners receive an official place in the 2026 Class of Miss USA or Miss Teen USA and compete at the National Pageant. This is the same stage, same sash, and same crown opportunity as every other national contestant.
The Open Casting application fee is $295. Applicants who paid a valid, non-refunded, non-disputed application fee for the prior Open Casting may be eligible for an application fee waiver for Open Casting 2.
No. Winners are responsible for their own travel and required wardrobe for Nationals. Hotel accommodations and meals during the national competition are provided according to the official competition guidelines.
Open Casting has no residency requirements. State titles are assigned by the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organization after winners are selected.
No. Judges use candidate bios, photos, and videos during Judges’ Review.
We encourage anyone eligible for a state pageant to take advantage of that opportunity! If you did not win a 2026 state pageant, Open Casting is your second pathway to the national stage.
Reach out to the Miss USA support team directly. We typically respond within 24 hours.
