Miss USA contestants sold vacation packages and asked fans to buy votes. It's the CEO's latest effort to...

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Published: 2026-09-12T10:02:23.626Z • Permanent link

Miss Universe Organization's CEO, Jessica Pettersen, recently unveiled a new approach to the pageant format, emphasizing fan engagement and monetization. In a move that has sparked both praise and criticism, contestants are now allowed to sell vacation packages and fans can purchase votes. According to sources, the changes are part of an effort to revitalize the brand and appeal to a younger demographic. The new format has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that it undermines the pageant's core values and creates an unfair advantage for those who can afford to spend more. However, Pettersen's team maintains that the changes are necessary to stay relevant in an ever-changing media landscape.

Pettersen, who took over as CEO in 2022, has been tasked with transforming the pageant into a more modern and inclusive event. Under her leadership, the organization has made several changes, including the introduction of a new judging criteria and the expansion of the pageant to new markets. The latest move is seen as a key part of her strategy to increase revenue and reduce costs. By allowing contestants to sell vacation packages and fans to purchase votes, the organization aims to create a more interactive and engaging experience for participants and viewers alike.

The changes have been met with resistance from some former contestants and fans, who have expressed concerns about the potential for vote-buying and the impact on the pageant's integrity. Despite these concerns, Pettersen remains committed to her vision, arguing that the changes will ultimately benefit the pageant and its participants. As the pageant approaches its 70th anniversary, the controversy surrounding the new format is likely to continue, with some calling for a return to the traditional format and others embracing the changes as a necessary evolution.

The changes to the Miss Universe pageant format have significant implications for the Data Sources domain, where companies and researchers rely on accurate and unbiased data to inform their decisions. The introduction of paid votes and vacation packages raises concerns about the potential for manipulation and bias, which could undermine the integrity of the data. For companies that rely on the pageant's data, such as advertisers and sponsors, the changes could have a significant impact on their marketing and sponsorship strategies. Research communities, too, may be affected, as the new format could influence the way data is collected and analyzed.

The changes also have broader implications for the media landscape, where the pageant's data is often used to inform news and feature stories. As the pageant becomes more monetized, the data it produces may become more susceptible to manipulation, which could have a negative impact on the quality of journalism. In the Data Sources domain, the stakes are high, and companies and researchers must be vigilant in monitoring the changes and their potential impact on the data.

The controversy surrounding the Miss Universe pageant format is part of a larger pattern of changes in the media landscape, where traditional formats and models are being challenged and transformed. In recent years, there have been several high-profile examples of pageants and beauty contests being revamped or rebranded, often with the aim of increasing revenue and reducing costs. The changes to the Miss Universe pageant format are part of this trend, which has been driven by the rise of social media and the increasing importance of digital engagement.