Miss USA 2024: Meet the judges who will decide this year's queen
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 73rd edition of the Miss USA Pageant is currently underway, with this year's festivities being hosted by the well-known personalities Garcelle Beauvais from 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills', and Keltie Knight from E! News.
The glamorous event was held at the prestigious Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and was aired live on The CW at 8 pm ET on August 4, 2024.
The panel of judges for this year's pageant was diverse and included a range of notable individuals. Among them were reality TV personality Scheana Shay from 'Vanderpump Rules', Anastasia Soare, the CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills, and singer Gavin DeGraw.
Additionally, former Miss USA Carole Gist, motivational speaker Natasha Graziano, APL managing partner NJ Falk, and former Miss USA Lu Parker also lent their expertise to the judging panel.
Who are the judges for Miss USA 2024?
Scheana Shay
Scheana Shay whose birth name is Scheana Marie Davies, was born on May 7, 1985. She is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for herself as a television personality, actress, and singer. One of her most notable roles is as a cast member on the popular Bravo reality TV show 'Vanderpump Rules', a role she has held since 2013.
Throughout her career, Scheana has proven herself to be a versatile and talented performer, captivating audiences with her charm, wit, and undeniable talent. Her journey in the entertainment industry continues to evolve, and she remains a prominent figure in the world of reality television.
Anastasia Soare
Anastasia Soare, born Anastasia Bălămaci on December 28, 1957, is a prominent Romanian-American entrepreneur who is widely recognized as the "Eyebrow Queen." She is the CEO and founder of the highly successful beauty brand, Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Anastasia's innovative techniques and products have revolutionized the beauty industry, particularly in the realm of eyebrow shaping and grooming. Her dedication to empowering individuals to enhance their natural beauty has garnered her a loyal following of customers and fans around the world. Her passion for beauty and entrepreneurship continues to inspire aspiring business owners and beauty enthusiasts alike.
Gavin DeGraw
Gavin Shane DeGraw, a talented American musician and songwriter, gained widespread recognition for his hit track 'I Don't Want to Be' featured on his first studio album, 'Chariot.' This song went on to become the iconic theme song for the popular television series 'One Tree Hill', broadcasted on The WB/CW network. Alongside this chart topping single, DeGraw also found success with other notable tracks from his debut album, such as the title track and 'Follow Through.'
Carole Gist
Carole Anne-Marie Gist, a popular American television personality, model, and beauty queen, made history in 1990 when she became the first African American woman to be crowned Miss USA.
Carole initially captured the title of Miss Michigan USA before going on to clinch the coveted Miss USA crown on March 2, 1990, at the national pageant held in Wichita, Kansas. Her groundbreaking win not only showcased her beauty and poise but also shattered barriers and paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the pageant world.
Natasha Graziano
Natasha Graziano, a highly successful author, has been recognized as the top female motivational speaker under the age of 40 by Forbes Magazine. She is renowned for her expertise in mindset coaching, leading a community of over 10 million individuals.
Natasha's online presence has garnered over 1 billion views, and she has been prominently featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, BBC, Business Insider, Vogue, and USA Today. Currently calling North Vancouver, British Columbia home, Natasha continues to inspire and empower audiences worldwide with her transformative message.
NJ Falk
NJ Falk is a highly accomplished individual with a strong background in creative entrepreneurship, particularly in the fields of emerging luxury, fashion, lifestyle, and direct-to-consumer brands. Currently, she holds the positions of Managing Partner at Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL), Co-Founder and Chief Mentorpreneur at The Forward Female, and talk show host. She is also a member of the Vogue Vanguard, a brand ambassador for Net-A-Porter, and has affiliations with the IAVA and IADAS.
Additionally, NJ is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning fashion blog, The Blonde and The Brunette, and serves as an angel investor and advisor for female-focused luxury and consumer brands. With her extensive experience at companies like American Express, MGM, and Universal Studios, she is able to offer valuable insights on the challenges women encounter in both their professional and personal lives.
Lu Parker
Frances Louise Parker, also known by her professional name Lu Parker, is a well-known journalist, animal rights activist, motivational speaker, and former beauty pageant winner. Born on April 16, 1968, she gained fame by winning the title of Miss USA in 1994 and went on to represent the United States at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant that same year, where she achieved a remarkable Top 6 placement.
Throughout her career, Lu Parker has used her platform to advocate for important causes, including animal welfare, and continues to inspire others through her speaking engagements. Her diverse talents and accomplishments have solidified her status as a respected figure in the media and beauty industry.
