Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a contestant?
Miss Houston and Miss Houston Teen are open to all young women who meet the eligibility requirements. You do not need to have previous experience to participate. We invite you to apply and await your invitation to become a contestant!
How do I sign up?
Click the “Apply” link on this website to submit your information for consideration to our office. An authorized representative will call you to conduct an interview. A limited number of girls will be accepted into the program.
When is the last day to sign up?
The last day we will be accepting contestants for the 2020 competition is Feb 14, 2020 unless the spaces fill up sooner.
Do I have to live in Houston in order to compete?
No you don’t. However, you have to be a resident in the state of Texas in order to compete. You may live in Houston or any of the surrounding counties, but you must be able to attend all required contestant commitments.
I can’t believe the entry fee includes training for the pageant and a makeover / photoshoot for my headshot! When is the training held?
Your training will begin Feb 29, 2020 and will consist of 4 consecutive Saturdays, starting off with a fabulous makeover and photo shoot!
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is. The entry fee includes ALL of the following:
- 4 weeks of intensive pageant training sponsored by MISS Academy’s Sash Class
- Makeover/photoshoot
- Headshot for Program book and Judges
- Exclusive access to Sash Class training workshops
- Receive regular contestant newsletters via email
- Invitations to exclusive contestant events
- Your sash with your name on it
- Swag bag filled with amazing gifts from our Partners!
- Fabulous selfies and group shots that will make your Instagram followers swoon
What do I win?
Our titleholders win the opportunity of a lifetime to represent Houston at the Miss Texas USA and Miss Texas Teen USA pageant (if eligibility requirements are met), the state prelim to the national Miss USA® and Miss Teen USA® competitions. Our prize package includes an educational scholarship, wardrobe allowance, and numerous other prizes and memories to last a lifetime. Check out our Prize Packages page for a detailed listing.
Will the pageant be televised?
We are working on that! But stay tuned, the pageant will stream live online.
What organization is Miss Houston a part of?
We are official recruiters for Miss Texas USA® and Texas Teen USA® which are official preliminaries to the national Miss USA and international Miss Universe competitions. The Miss Universe Organization is the largest and most prestigious pageant system in the world.
How is the competition judged?
Each contestant will be judged in three areas of competition; Interview, Evening Gown, Swimsuit for the Miss contestants and Activewear for the Teen contestants. Judging criteria includes character, poise, confidence and personality. Each category is 1/3 of the overall score.
Is there a talent portion of the competition?
While many of the contestants are talented in many different ways, No, there is no performing talent required and it is not a part of the scoring.
Are you only looking for perfect 10’s?
Miss Houston doesn’t believe that women can be assessed and compared by all one standard. We firmly believe and are committed to reinforcing the message that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and contexts. We are looking for young women that own harness their individual talent, aesthetic and personalities so they represent Houston, shining in their best light! This new generation of pageantry will be the most diverse one yet!
Do I have to have experience in order to enter?
Not at all, in fact most of our contestants are newcomers and many state titleholders were first time competitors. Included in your entry is a 4-week intensive pageant training program sponsored by MISS Academy’s Sash Class. Contestants also have exclusive access to Sash Class workshops. Team Houston will make sure you are prepared and ready for the event weekend.
I don’t really think I can afford this, but I really want to be a part of the pageant competition. Is there anything I can do?
Finding sponsorships is a way to offset your personal costs to participate, including the entry fee. We suggest to start with a list of potential sponsors such as friends and family members and their employers, etc. Gaining sponsorship will be discussed at contestant orientation and strategies will be included in your contestant handbook, upon registration.
When will the semi-finalists be named?
The semi-finalists will be named during the first portion of the finals show on the last day of the event weekend. No one will know who the semi-finalists are until that moment. Even if you are not named as a semi-finalist, you will still play an active part in the finals. All contestants will participate in the gown review, special awards, naming of the semi-finalist and naming of the titleholders and will also be on stage at many times during the finals show.
If I win, will it interfere with my schooling?
We make school the number one priority! Our program only encourages your success! Almost all of your appearances, celebrity events, and charity work will take place during the weekend and will be scheduled in advance.
Do I have to spend a lot on outfits?
Not at all! You do not need to spend fortunes on swimwear, an interview outfit, and an evening gown. It is most important to find outfits that you will feel confident in and that best suit you and your personality. The personal choice of gowns have spanned from simple, elegant to hand beaded. But it is never the gown that the judges are scoring; it’s the young women wearing it. Again, several contestants have been able to secure a gown sponsor to assist them.
What happens if I can’t get my registration materials in before the deadline?
Deadlines are very important to us in order to make timely program preparations. If you are not registered before February 14th for our 2020 pageant, you will have to wait to compete at the next pageant the following year.
Do I need to pay for a hotel room during the event weekend?
Although it’s not mandatory we do recommend you stay at the Host Hotel. Due to early rehearsals and late night fun parties, your days will be long and it may be more convenient for contestants to walk up to their hotel room versus driving home. For more information on our host hotel please click here.
Will I have time to visit with my family, friends and out-of-town guests, during the pageant weekend?
From the time you check in to the pageant the contestants will have a packed schedule of activities, interviews, rehearsals and shows. We recommend you plan on arriving early or staying an extra day in the host city to enjoy the experience with your guests. Time permitting, team Miss Houston makes every effort to include designated family meet and greet opportunities.
If my family or friends want to attend, where do they stay?
Friend’s and Family rates are available at the host hotel. Tell your guests to mention the Miss Houston pageant to the hotel receptionist and they will apply the adjusted room rate.
How do my family and friends get tickets to the pageant?
Ticket information and sales will be listed on the our website once they have been set.
What should my family and friends wear to the pageant?
The new Team Miss Houston is planning a fabulous gala night like you’ve yet to experience! The 2020 Miss Houston Pageant and beyond will be a must-see on the Houston calendar of events and so, we invite you to dress to impress! We recommend anything from business casual to formalwear for both the pageant preliminaries and pageant finals.
I’m confused about the age requirements. Please explain?
To become MISS USA you must be at least 18 and under 28 by January 1, 2021. To become MISS TEEN USA you must be at least 14 and under 19 by January 1, 2021. As an official recruiter for the Miss Texas USA ® pageant, we want to ensure that you will be able to qualify at the uppermost level of competition, hence checking your eligibility according to those.