Former Mutya ng Pilipinas accepts Miss USA title after winner’s resignation

Savannah Gankiewicz is the new Miss USA./MISS USA FACEBOOK PHOTO

Former Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities Savannah Gankiewicz has accepted the Miss USA title after 2023 winner Noelia Voigt’s resignation several days ago, the national pageant organization and the Hawaii-based Filipino American model herself have confirmed on social media.

“We are proud to crown Savannah Miss USA 2023, a true representation of vision, intelligence, and compassion,” Miss USA Organization CEO and Pres. Laylah Rose was quoted in a Facebook post on May 10.

Voigt rescinded her throne on May 6, saying, “I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health.” She won the Miss USA crown in September last year.

Gankiewicz, who placed first runner-up to Voigt in the national pageant, said, “Please know that my decision to accept the Miss USA crown was not one that was made lightly. I stand with Noelia, it was the honor of a lifetime to share the stage with you during your crowning moment and I wish you all the best in your next chapter.”

The Venezuelan American Voigt, who finished in the Top 20 of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador in November, reminded people to “prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain.”

The new queen expressed her gratitude to her home state, her family and friends, and said, “It is a privilege to accept this title on behalf of you. I hope to make you all proud.” Gankiewicz represented the Filipino community of Hawaii in the 2017 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant.

“With the little time I have as Miss USA, it is my intention to bring attention and focus on to the building of Lahaina on my island of Maui. I also look forward to helping the 2024 delegates transition into a new era of Miss USA and supporting them on their own journeys towards the crown.

On May 8, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also announced that she was stepping down, following Voigt’s resignation. The 17-year-old Mexican Indian-American 11th grader from New Jersey said, “My personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”

Voigt told People Magazine that the teen queen’s decision took her by surprise. “I actually didn’t know that she was going to do that…We were at an event together last night, and were both feeling incredibly optimistic about the future and what that holds for us individually and together,” she said.

Rose took over the leadership of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants in August last year, after former president Crystle Stewart stepped down following a series of controversies which also involved her husband.

Stewart became the national director of both pageants in 2020. She was suspended in October 2022 following accusations of rigging the competition in favor of Filipino American Texan queen R’Bonney Gabriel, who eventually won Miss Universe. The accusations have been proven false, but the pageant head did not retain her position.

Gankiewicz will not participate in any international competition as Miss USA. She is set to crown her successor in August, and the new queen will represent the United States in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year.

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