The Miss South Carolina competition is back in Columbia for its 15th year, and it's a spectacle worth watching. This year's event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, beauty, and charisma, with 39 women competing for the title of Miss SC and 26 for Miss Teen. The competition is not just about looks; it's a comprehensive evaluation of the contestants' skills and personalities, with a particular focus on talent. A new panel of judges, including experts from diverse fields such as choreography, Broadway, and screenwriting, will be evaluating the talent competitions, mirroring the approach taken at Miss America. This year's judges are a diverse and impressive group, including Jeremy Hudson, Miki Abraham, Yili Fan, Morihiko Nakahara, and Corey Ward. The judges for the main competition are equally impressive, with Melanie R. Bridgeforth, Jacob Young, Lisa Seagroves Nulph, Eddie Rabon, and Lacey Whitt bringing their unique expertise to the table. The events are spread out over several days, with the preliminary rounds, talent competitions, and finals providing a comprehensive evaluation of the contestants. The Miss South Carolina competition is not just about the title; it's a platform for personal growth and development. The contestants are judged on a private interview, health and fitness, talent, onstage conversation, and red carpet/evening wear. The winner, Sarah Kay Wrenn, won the 2025 Miss South Carolina competition with a platform encouraging CPR training, showcasing the competition's impact beyond the runway. This year marks the 89th year for the Miss South Carolina competition, and it's a testament to the enduring appeal of pageantry. The new Miss South Carolina will go on to represent the state in the Miss America Opportunity, now named Miss America Opportunity, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. The reigning Miss America titleholder is Cassie Donegan, formerly Miss New York. The Miss SC Teen 2025 is LilyKate Barbare of Greer, who was appointed on September 18 after Tess Ferm won Miss America’s Teen 2026. The Miss America’s Teen competition will be held in West Palm Beach on September 5. The Miss South Carolina competition is a celebration of beauty, talent, and personal growth, and it's an event that should not be missed. The judges' expertise and the contestants' dedication make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of pageantry.
