You’ve probably seen the headlines. Pageantry used to be predictable—a very specific look, a very specific age, and a very specific background. That’s just not the case anymore. Maryland, in particular, has become the epicenter of this shift. If you are looking for the story behind Miss Maryland Miss USA, you’re likely tracking the massive waves made by Bailey Anne Kennedy or checking in on the new 2025 titleholder, Lexia Gillette.
Things are changing fast.
The 2024 season was a "lightning rod" moment for the Miss USA organization. When Bailey Anne Kennedy was crowned in June 2024, she didn't just win a pageant; she broke about five different glass ceilings at once. Honestly, it was a lot for the traditional pageant world to process.
The 2024 Watershed Moment: Bailey Anne Kennedy
Bailey Anne Kennedy is a name that will be in the history books of the Miss Universe Organization. She was 31 when she won. Under the old rules, she wouldn't have even been allowed to fill out an application. For decades, the age cutoff was 28. But the organization pivoted, embracing "beauty without an expiration date," and Bailey Anne stepped through that open door.
She’s a Cambodian-American immigrant who moved to Silver Spring when she was 11. She’s a military spouse, married to a U.S. Marine. And, in the detail that caught the most national attention, she became the first openly transgender woman to win the Miss Maryland USA title.
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People had opinions. A lot of them.
Social media was a battlefield for a few weeks, with some praising the inclusivity and others... well, not. But if you look at the actual competition in Bethesda, Bailey Anne won because of her stage presence and her interview. She spoke about her work with the USO and her platform for military spouses. That "American Dream" narrative is hard to beat when it’s authentic.
Why 2024 Was Different
- Age: At 31, she was the oldest delegate at Miss USA 2024.
- Identity: She was the second openly transgender woman to ever compete at the national Miss USA level, following Nevada's Kataluna Enriquez.
- Background: First Asian-American Miss Maryland USA.
- Results: While she didn't place in the Top 20 at the national Miss USA 2024 pageant (which was won by Alma Cooper of Michigan), her impact on the brand's SEO and visibility was arguably bigger than the win itself.
Looking Ahead: Lexia Gillette and the 2025 Title
If you’re checking the current standings for 2026, the baton has already been passed. Miss Maryland Miss USA 2025 is Lexia Gillette.
She was crowned in late 2024/early 2025 (pageant seasons often overlap the calendar years) representing Chevy Chase. Like her predecessor, Lexia is also benefiting from the new age-inclusivity rules. She is 29 years old. This is a clear trend now. Maryland is no longer just looking for the 19-year-old college student; they are looking for women with established careers and life experience.
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Lexia has a tough act to follow in terms of media coverage, but the "Maryland Sisterhood" is known for being tight-knit. The state has a weirdly high success rate at the national level. Think back to Nana Meriwether, who actually became Miss USA 2012 after Olivia Culpo won Miss Universe. Maryland knows how to pick 'em.
The Confusion: Miss Maryland vs. Miss Maryland USA
This is where most people get tripped up. There are two "Miss Marylands."
- Miss Maryland USA: This is the one we're talking about. It leads to Miss USA and Miss Universe. It’s owned by the Miss Universe Organization. It doesn't have a talent portion. It’s mostly about fitness, evening gown, and interview.
- Miss Maryland: This is the Miss America branch. This one has the talent portion (singing, dancing, etc.). The current 2025 winner there is Maria Derisavi, who is Iranian-American and an incredibly talented speaker.
If you are searching for Miss Maryland Miss USA, make sure you aren't looking for the girl who played the cello or did a "HerStory" monologue. You’re looking for the one in the swimsuit and the high-fashion gown.
Why Maryland Matters in the National Circuit
Maryland isn't just a "participant" state. It’s a powerhouse. In the last decade, Maryland has placed in the semi-finals or higher more often than many "pageant states" like Alabama or Texas.
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Take Savena Mushinge in 2023. She made the Top 20. Layilah Nasser in 2021? She made the Top 8. Mariela Pepin in 2019? Top 10 (and later a star on Bachelor in Paradise).
There is a specific "Maryland Look"—it’s polished, it’s diverse, and it’s usually very "D.C. Professional." These women aren't just models; they are often working in policy, the military, or high-level tech.
Actionable Insights for Pageant Fans
If you’re following the journey of the current titleholder or thinking about competing yourself, here’s the ground reality of the Maryland circuit right now:
- Diversity is the Standard: Maryland has crowned women of Cambodian, African, and Hispanic descent in just the last few years. If you don't have a unique story, you're at a disadvantage.
- Age is an Asset: The "old" limit of 28 is dead. The judges in this specific state seem to value the maturity that comes with being in your 30s.
- The Interview is 90% of the Game: You can have the best walk in the world, but Maryland judges are notoriously tough on the "Why." Why are you here? What is your platform?
- Follow the Official Channels: To keep up with Lexia Gillette’s prep for the next Miss USA, follow the official
@missmdusaInstagram. That’s where the real "behind the scenes" happens, not the tabloid sites.
The 2024-2025 era of Miss Maryland Miss USA has basically rewritten the rulebook. Whether you agreed with the 2024 results or not, you can't deny that it made the pageant relevant again. People are talking. People are watching. And in the world of entertainment and "celebs," that’s the only metric that really counts.
To see how the Maryland representative stacks up against the rest of the country, keep an eye on the Miss USA national broadcast schedules, which usually drop in the summer.