Noelia Voigt, the Venezuelan-American who made Miss USA history in 2023 and shocked the world when she gave it all up, made a comeback more than a year after surrendering her crown. Voigt made a stunning return to the Miss USA stage, this time not as a contestant, but as a co-host of the 2025 preliminary round alongside presenter Sean Michael Rae.
Her presence brought the pageant community to a standstill. After all, she wasn’t supposed to return, not after becoming the first Miss USA in 72 years to step down from the throne.
© Getty ImagesFrom Triumph to Turning Point
Crowned Miss USA on September 29, 2023, representing Utah, Voigt made history as the first Venezuelan-American to wear the crown. She carried the title with elegance, representing the U.S. at Miss Universe and landing in the Top 20.
Then came May 6, 2024. In an emotional Instagram post, she announced her resignation, writing, “Never compromise your physical or mental well-being. Our health is our wealth.” Her words resonated far beyond pageantry as they became a rallying cry for mental health awareness in an industry built on perfection.
© Getty ImagesHer departure set off an earthquake. Miss Teen USA 2023, UmaSofia Srivastava, soon followed in her footsteps, and suddenly, the Miss USA organization was under heavy scrutiny. Allegations of harassment, a toxic environment, and oppressive contracts surfaced.
© GettyImagesVoigt’s mother later revealed troubling details about her daughter’s experience, pushing the conversation into national headlines. Noelia had chosen her peace over prestige. And that choice inspired thousands.
In their official statement, shared via email to HOLA! USA, the Miss USA Organization, expressed: “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time. The organization is currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be coming soon.”
© Getty ImagesMiss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, also shared her reasons for stepping down, citing a misalignment of her “personal values” as they “no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.” The high school student from New Jersey, who won the Miss Teen USA crown in September, expressed gratitude for the opportunity but ultimately felt she had to follow her conscience.
When the new Miss USA executive director, Thom Brodeur, took over, one of his first moves was reform. Out went the controversial confidentiality clauses that had long silenced winners. Transparency, mental health, and respect were suddenly part of the new Miss USA vocabulary.
And at the heart of it all was the woman who had walked away.
The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming
So when Noelia stepped back onto that stage this week, co-hosting the preliminary show, the reaction was electric. After everything, she chose to face the very stage that once broke her.
© Getty ImagesBorn in Sarasota, Florida, to a Venezuelan mother and an American father, Noelia Voigt embodies cultural duality, a woman who celebrates both her Latin roots and her American story. Before Miss USA, she was already a community advocate, championing causes like anti-bullying, immigration awareness, and mental health.
That authenticity is exactly what connected her to audiences around the world. Even after resigning, her following grew. She became a voice for self-care in high-pressure spaces, reminding women everywhere that stepping away doesn’t mean stepping down.
