If you were watching the Miss USA 2024 (and 2025) broadcast recently, you probably noticed something felt... different. Beyond the glitz and the high-tension walk-offs, a major shift happened during the special awards segment. For over seven decades, "Miss Congeniality" was the staple. It was the award everyone understood—the "nice girl" trophy. But suddenly, the announcers started calling it the Chelsi Smith Congeniality Award.
This wasn't just a random tweak by a marketing team. Honestly, it’s one of the most emotional and significant changes the Miss USA Organization has made in its history. If you're wondering why they finally decided to pull the trigger on a name change now, or what it means for the future of the pageant, you’ve gotta look at the legacy of the woman behind the name.
The Heart Behind the Miss USA Award Name Change
For a long time, the Miss USA pageant has been under fire. Between the 2023 resignations of Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava and the constant leadership turnover from Laylah Rose to the new CEO Thom Brodeur, the brand has been through the wringer. Critics say it's outdated. Fans say it’s lost its "iconography."
Basically, the organization needed a win. They needed heart.
During the 74th annual pageant held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, co-host Olivia Jordan (Miss USA 2015) dropped the news. They were officially renaming the Miss Congeniality award to honor the late Chelsi Smith.
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Who was she? Only a total legend in the pageant world. In 1995, Chelsi did the "triple crown": she won Miss Texas USA, then Miss USA, and then went all the way to win Miss Universe. But more importantly for this specific award, she was famous for winning "Miss Congeniality" in almost every single competition she ever entered.
Why Chelsi Smith?
The choice wasn't just about her titles. Chelsi Smith passed away in 2018 at only 45 years old after a battle with liver cancer. She was known for being genuinely kind in an industry that, let’s be real, can sometimes be pretty cutthroat.
By renaming the award, the Miss USA Organization is trying to bridge the gap between the "old school" glamour of the 90s and the modern era. They want the award to stand for more than just "friendliness"—they want it to represent a legacy of grace under pressure.
What This Means for the 2025 and 2026 Pageant Seasons
So, does a name change actually change anything for the contestants? Kinda.
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When Tetra Shockley of Delaware accepted the first-ever "Chelsi Smith Congeniality Award" during the 2025 cycle, the energy in the room was different. It felt less like a consolation prize for not making the Top 5 and more like a prestigious memorial honor.
Thom Brodeur, who took over the reigns as CEO and President in late 2025, has been vocal about "repositioning" the brand. He's spoken about removing "egregious NDA language" and making sure the women have more of a voice. Renaming awards is a small but visible part of that rebranding strategy.
Other Changes You Might Have Missed
While the Miss USA award name change is the big headline, it's not the only thing that's been shaken up lately:
- The Age Limit is Gone: You've probably heard this, but it bears repeating. In 2024, they scrapped the rule that you had to be under 28. Now, if you're over 18, you're in. Tetra Shockley, the winner of the renamed congeniality award, was 44. That’s huge.
- The "Reality TV" Ban: For years, winners were contractually banned from appearing on shows like The Bachelor or Survivor during their reign. That rule is effectively dead.
- Selection Committee Shifts: Brodeur has hinted at moving away from the "Trump-era" selection styles to something more focused on "visibility" and "feminism."
Why Some Fans Are Still Skeptical
Look, you can change the names on the trophies all day, but the Miss USA Organization is still dealing with some heavy baggage. The lawsuit filed by JKN Media against former CEO Laylah Rose and VVV Global has left a bit of a sour taste in everyone's mouth. There are still claims of unpaid bills and "brand damage" that a simple award name change can't fix overnight.
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Some pageant purists also argue that "Miss Congeniality" is a brand in itself. It's iconic. It’s the title of a Sandra Bullock movie! Changing it to a specific name makes it more personal, sure, but it also changes the "global" feel of the category.
However, most people in the community seem to agree that if you’re going to name it after anyone, Chelsi Smith is the right choice. She was the first American woman to win Miss Universe in 15 years back in '95, and she remains the only Texan to ever pull off the win at all three levels.
What's Next for the Miss USA Awards?
As we look toward the 2026 season, expect more of these "legacy" moves. The organization is desperate to reclaim its status as a premier media property rather than just a controversial niche event.
If you're a fan or a potential contestant, here’s the bottom line on what to watch for:
- Look for more "Memorial" titles: Don't be surprised if the "Photogenic" award or "Best in State Costume" gets a namesake attached soon to honor other past icons.
- Increased focus on the "Whole Woman": The shift toward naming awards after real people emphasizes the "story" behind the contestant rather than just the performance.
- Governance Stability: The transition from Laylah Rose to Thom Brodeur is still being felt. The 2026 pageant will be the real test of whether these branding changes—like the award renaming—are enough to stabilize the ship.
The Miss USA award name change is a signal. It’s a way of saying, "We remember our history, but we’re trying to do better." Whether the public buys into the new era of the pageant remains to be seen, but for now, honoring a woman like Chelsi Smith is a step toward the "iconography" the new leadership keeps talking about.
Actionable Insights for Pageant Fans
- Follow the New Leadership: If you want to know where the awards are headed, keep an eye on Thom Brodeur’s announcements. He is much more focused on "fan engagement" and "technology" than previous directors.
- Check the Official Archives: If you're confused about why a certain state is winning more awards, look at the historical data. States like Vermont and Wyoming actually hold the record for the most Congeniality wins—now the "Chelsi Smith" wins.
- Support the Titleholders: Regardless of the name on the award, the women winning these titles—like Audrey Eckert (Miss USA 2025) and Tetra Shockley—are navigating a brand in major transition. Their platforms are where the real work happens.
Ultimately, the Miss USA pageant is trying to find its soul again. Renaming a beloved award is a risky move, but in this case, it feels like a necessary tribute to one of the most beloved queens to ever wear the sash.