In the Beginning
European festivals dating back to the medieval era provide the most direct lineage for beauty pageants. For example, English May Day … See more

Major international contests for women include the yearly Miss World competition (founded by Eric Morley in 1951), Miss Universe (founded … See more

Critics of beauty pageants argue that such contests reinforce the idea that girls and women should be valued primarily for their physical appearance, … See more

There have been numerous scandals in the beauty pageant industry and they continue to emerge as beauty pageants become more known … See more

Dethronements and resignations are rare for the Big Four pageant winners, but when it does occur, it creates media attention. See more

Diversity of contestants and winners have both increased since the inception of beauty pageants. In 1945, Bess Myerson, an American politician, model and, television actress became the first Jewish person to win the Miss America title in the Atlantic city and to … See more

• List of beauty pageants
• List of beauty queen-politicians
• Swimsuit competition
• Child beauty pageant
• Miss Captivity Pageant See more