If you don't know (like I didn't not too long ago), Miss USA includes a (non-scored) state costume contest. Often, these costumes are loud, bold, and even wacky. A quick note that the image I used for this post is from a different pageant, but I thought it gave similar vibes. Finally, I have to link out to images of the costumes because those ain't free! With all of that out of the way, here are my 15 favorite state costumes from Miss USA 2026 in state alphabetical order. Miss Alabama, Samantha Havenstrite (clearly a white floral inspiration) Miss Alaska, Holly Huber (a fisherman/crabber inspiration) Miss Connecticut, Jaeden Hamelly (a navy inspiration) Miss Delaware, Julia Hatoum (a chemical engineer--her career--inspiration) Miss Florida, Aileen Cerchiara (a clear flamingo inspiration) Miss Idaho, Katie Tetreault (a salmon in the stream inspiration) Miss Illinois, Vivica Lewandowski (I believe this is a state mineral--which is fluorite--inspiration...
So last night our new Miss USA was crowned. Her name is Justus Kelley and she hails from Virginia. I watched the pageant with friends and was really rooting for her and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" popped into my head even though, yes, it is about West Virginia. But parodies are parodies for a reason! Also, no, the photo is not of Justus Kelley (those aren't free to use!), but I thought the photo captured the hope of a little girl who may one day be crowned. Anyways, I present "Take Me Home, Country Roads" Justus Kelley, Miss Virginia Foster mama, fighting for the kiddos to be cared for, rejoin their fam'lies, Using trash bag luggage, no formalities Pageant crowns, take 'em home Cause you're the gal who will win Miss Virginia, Justus Kelley Take 'em home, pageant crowns Stunning in her space age evening gown Poignant poise, wise with gleaming smile Married sweetheart, thirty one years old Wearing only sponsored, thrifted fashion bold Pageant cr...