Miss USA Resigns, Citing Mental Well-being

Noelia Voigt attends Supermodels Unlimited Magazine Presents: Billboards Over Broadway - NYFW Celebrity Event in New York City on Feb. 10, 2024. Chance Yeh/Getty Images for Supermodels Unlimited

Miss USA announced on social media on May 6 that she is stepping down from the role, citing her mental health and well-being.

Noelia Voigt, 24, who clinched the 2023 Miss USA title in September, announced the news on her Instagram account.

“I realize this may come as a large shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth,” read the caption on her post.

Ms. Voigt’s message emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and self-reflection and highlighted the importance of mental health in decision-making.

Reflecting on her tenure as Miss USA, Ms. Voigt said she was proud to represent Utah and the entire nation at the Miss Universe pageant in November.

“Constant and consistent hard work and dedication all lead me to where I am today, and I hope that over the last seven years of competing in pageantry and sharing my journey with you all is something that inspires you to never give up on your dreams, whatever they may be,” she wrote. “My hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain.”

The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants responded with understanding in a joint Instagram post, accepting Ms. Voigt’s resignation and assuring a seamless transition to her successor, with formal announcements on the horizon.

“We respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties,” the organization said. “The well-being of our title holders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time. We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA.”

Possible Successors

In the 2023 Miss USA competition, Savannah Gankiewicz, hailing as Hawaii’s representative, was the first runner-up. Other finalists from the 2023 competition were Alexis Loomans of Wisconsin, Jasmine Daniels of Pennsylvania, and Lluvia Alzate of Texas, who were ranked in third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively.

Ms. Voigt expressed appreciation for the opportunity provided by Miss USA to promote issues she is passionate about, such as anti-bullying initiatives and immigrant rights advocacy. Her Venezuelan-American identity was a source of pride for her throughout the competition, she said.

Her path from a modest background to the Miss USA stage exemplified perseverance and dedication. Ms. Voigt’s message conveyed a sense of optimism, encouraging others to pursue their aspirations with determination despite challenges.

Before her Miss USA triumph, Ms. Voigt’s was crowned Miss Alabama Collegiate in 2020 and was first runner-up at Miss Alabama USA in consecutive years. As the Miss USA title holder, she represented the United States at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant held in El Salvador.

This comes as the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants announced a multiyear broadcast deal with The CW Network.