Hello everyone! Today, we’re diving into a heated controversy that’s been stirring up the pageant community and sparking debates online. The focus is on Sara Milliken, who recently won the title of Miss National American Alabama 2024. However, her victory has led to a whirlwind of confusion and backlash, all thanks to what seems to be a case of media disinformation.

First, let’s set the stage. Over Memorial Day weekend, Sara Milliken, a plus-sized beauty pageant contestant, celebrated her big win. She was ecstatic, as anyone would be, but things quickly got complicated. The media started referring to Milliken as “Miss Alabama,” which caused quite a stir. If you search “Miss Alabama” online, Milliken’s name pops up, adding to the confusion.

NEW: 23-year-old Sara Milliken crowned Miss Alabama in the National American Miss pageant.

Milliken, who said her goal was to just make the top 10, has inspirational words for young women after her win.

“No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you… pic.twitter.com/7nxEoTbvf3

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 6, 2024

Former Miss Alabama winners were quick to point out the error. Amie Beth Shaver, a previous titleholder, expressed her confusion and frustration. She explained that there are only two recognized Miss Alabama titles: one that leads to the Miss America competition and another that leads to the Miss USA pageant. Shaver noted that the Miss America pageant is over a century old, and Miss USA leads to the Miss Universe contest, making them the most prestigious titles. However, Shaver had never heard of the National American Miss pageant that Milliken won.

Shaver noted that the Miss America organization owns the rights to the “Miss Alabama” title, making it incorrect to use that title for a different pageant. This mislabeling by the media has caused significant confusion and led to an unfortunate backlash against Milliken.

Diane Westhoven, the rightful Miss Alabama USA 2024, has been overshadowed by this media mix-up. Westhoven’s achievement is significant, as she will represent Alabama in the Miss USA pageant, potentially moving on to Miss Universe. Unfortunately, due to the media’s error, her milestone is not getting the recognition it deserves.

 

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Sara Milliken’s joy over winning the National American Miss pageant was quickly tempered by negative comments and online backlash. In an interview with WKRG, she spoke about the impact of these comments, emphasizing that even words typed on a screen can have a lasting effect on people.

So what drove the controversy? The mainstream media trying to use Milliken’s win to go after the right. As of the writing of this post if you search “Diane Westhoven” she will not come up as Miss Alabama. News stories surrounding the controversy will instead discussing Milliken.

To clear things up, let’s break down the different pageants. Miss USA is a well-known competition that sends its national winner to Miss Universe. This pageant includes traditional elements like swimsuit and sportswear contests. On the other hand, Miss America, a separate entity, focuses on interviews, evening gowns, onstage questions, talent shows, and physical fitness presentations, without a swimsuit category. Miss America does not send contestants to Miss Universe.

As of June 12, below is what happens when you search: “Miss Alabama”

Milliken’s title, Miss National American Alabama, comes from the National American Miss (NAM) contest, which is distinct from both Miss USA and Miss America. NAM features categories like talent, spokesmodel, fun fitness model, runway modeling, and top model. The essential categories for winning NAM are formal wear, personal introduction, interviews, and community service.

Think of it this way: Milliken winning NAM is like a Minor League Baseball team claiming a World Series victory. It’s a fantastic achievement but not on the same level as winning Miss America or Miss USA. Sara Milliken’s accomplishment deserves applause, and it’s essential to recognize her victory for what it is without overshadowing other titleholders.