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Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Hawaii, has been crowned as the new Miss USA by the pageant organization amid a reshuffle of titles. The announcement by President and CEO Laylah Rose comes after the unexpected resignation of previous titleholder, Noelia Voigt, for mental health reasons.
Gankiewicz, who was originally the runner-up in the last pageant, has received praise from the CEO as a beacon of “vision, intelligence, and compassion”. The CEO believes that her dedication to women’s empowerment through self-love and self-belief will make a worthwhile impact during her reign.
The sudden change in title follows Noelia Voigt’s decision to relinquish her crown just seven months into her role to prioritize her mental wellbeing. Aged 24, the Utah native stated her tenure with the Miss USA organization as “incredibly meaningful”. In the entirety of the pageant’s 72-year history, this marks the first voluntary resignation.
Gankiewicz, in full support of Voigt’s decision, pledged solidarity with mental health awareness. In accepting the crown, she expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her fans, family, and Hawaii residents.
The program director of the non-profit ‘What Makes You Feel Beautiful’, expressed on Instagram that her decision to accept the title was thoroughly thought through. She used her platform to express best wishes for Voigt’s future journey and shared her plan to use her reign to aid in the reconstruction of Lahaina, on her home island of Maui.
However, the recent events have sparked controversy surrounding the Miss USA organization. Rumors of a toxic environment are surfacing, with claims of pageant management bullying leading two beauty queens, including Voigt, to give up their crowns. There were also allegations in 2023 that Max Sebrechts, partner of former Miss USA president Crystle Stewart, sent inappropriate messages to participants.
The unseen undercurrents of the pageant industry have been discussed by Thatiana Diaz, former Miss New York, who described the manipulation and pressure behind the scenes, leading to mental health issues.
Looking forward, Gankiewicz, who will be officially crowned in Hawaii on May 15th, called for unity amongst her pageant sisters for the betterment of the organization and incoming delegates.
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