The Controversial Pay-to-Play Model of the National American Miss Pageant

The National American Miss (NAM) pageant has recently garnered national attention, not for its winners, but for its controversial pay-to-play model and the backlash surrounding its latest “Miss Alabama” winner, Sarah Milliken.

The Pageant’s Pay-to-Play Structure

According to the reports, NAM operates on a pay-to-play model, where contestants have to pay additional fees beyond the initial $650 entry fee at the state level to participate in separate contests like Photogenic, Top Model, Talent, and more. These extra fees range from $50 to $300.Critics argue that those who spend more money on the “optional” competitions have a higher chance of winning, with one reviewer on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website stating, “The only girls that win are those that spend tons more on the ‘optional’ competitions.”

Poor Reviews and Accusations of Scams

NAM has a poor 2 out of 5 rating on the BBB website, with other reviewers claiming their daughters were “flooded with scams” and had pageants canceled without refunds. Despite being in business for 30 years, NAM is not BBB-accredited.

The Controversy Surrounding Sarah Milliken’s Win

The controversy surrounding NAM intensified after Sarah Milliken, 23, of Atmore, Alabama, won the “Miss Alabama” title. While NAM defended crowning Milliken based on her “clear communication, poise on stage, and extensive community service,” praising her message of body positivity, many media outlets misrepresented her win, incorrectly labeling her as the “real Miss Alabama.”However, Milliken will not compete in Miss America or Miss USA, as the “Miss Alabama” title is owned by the Miss America Organization.

Defending the NAM Model

While NAM claims to focus on building confidence and self-esteem rather than outward beauty, with a no-makeup policy for elementary-aged contestants, the pay-to-play model has raised concerns about fairness and transparency.Some parents have praised NAM for helping their children grow socially, and the pageant awards winners with scholarships, self-care products, and other prizes. However, preliminary pageants to Miss America and Miss USA offer similar benefits without extra fees.As the debate continues, NAM maintains that not all pageants are the same and that it encourages women to live without limits.