MISS TENNESSEE US 2026
The Volunteer State's most iconic celebration of beauty with purpose. 42 finalists. $98,000 in scholarships. One crown. Experience three nights of fashion, talent and Tennessee soul — from Memphis blues to Smoky Mountain glam.
As seen: Nashville Scene • Volunteer TV • Music City Spotlight
More Than A Crown. A Calling.
Miss Tennessee US is Tennessee's official preliminary to the national Miss USA system — empowering young women from Memphis to Mountain City through leadership, service and style.
Founded in 1953 in Knoxville and now headquartered in Nashville, we award more college scholarships than any other pageant in the state. Our titleholders serve 300+ appearances per year: children's hospitals, music education, flood relief in East Tennessee, and entrepreneurship mentorship.
Style • Service • Scholarship • Sisterhood. Every contestant gets interview coaching, runway training and community project funding.
68% of our 2025 semifinalists had never competed before. Height, size and background — all Volunteer women welcome.
First Miss Tennessee US crowned at Tennessee Theatre. Prize: $500 and a trip to Long Beach.
Moves to Music City. Dolly Parton performs at finals. TV ratings record.
Organization surpasses $1M in total scholarships awarded.
Fisher Center for Performing Arts, 3 nights, live orchestra, national broadcast.
“Tennessee taught me to lead with kindness and walk with confidence.”
— Hailey Brooks, Miss Tennessee US 2024, Top 5 Miss USA, now pediatric nurse at Vanderbilt
72 Years of Tennessee Icons
From country stars to surgeons, senators to CEOs — our alumni network of 2,400+ women leads Tennessee. The Volunteer Crown, redesigned in 2022 with Tennessee freshwater pearls and Smoky quartz, is valued at $48,000.
- 👑 Hall of Fame: 1978 Linda Thompson — actress, songwriter, Memphis legend
- 🎤 Talent record: 2023 finals opened with 42-voice choir + Nashville Symphony
- 💎 The Crown Tour: See the crown in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis this spring
- 📚 Scholars program: Every finalist gets $1,000 minimum + UT tuition interview
42 Finalists. One Stage.
Avery Collins
Music therapy graduate, Vanderbilt. Platform: Music for Memory — Alzheimer's care.
Jasmine Reyes
St. Jude volunteer, future PA. Platform: Childhood cancer family support.
Madison Blake
UT Law, entrepreneur. Platform: Women in business grants for East TN.
Chloe Dawson
Chatt State nursing, flood relief hero. Platform: Disaster-ready communities.
Sophia Grant
Belmont singer-songwriter. Platform: Music education in rural schools.
Taylor Simmons
Army veteran, Austin Peay MBA. Platform: Female veterans employment.
3 Nights in Music City
Preliminaries
Interview + Swimsuit + Red carpet at Fisher Center. Doors 6PM.
Talent & Gala
Evening gown + talent + charity auction for St. Jude. Black tie.
Finals Live
Top 12, final question, crowning moment. Live orchestra + fireworks.
Get Tickets
VIP front row + afterparty + vote 5x. Student rush $29. Groups 10+ save 20%.
Book Now →Latest From The Crown
Interviews, casting calls, results and backstage stories.
No news yet — check back for 2026 casting announcements!
Follow the journey to Miss USA.
Questions? Answered.
Who can compete for Miss Tennessee US 2026?
Any woman 18-28 who lives, works or studies in Tennessee, US citizen, unmarried and without children. No height requirement, all backgrounds welcome. Local titles available in all 95 counties.
What are the competition categories?
Private interview (30%), swimsuit / activewear (20%), evening gown (30%), on-stage question + talent showcase (20%). Coaching provided for beginners.
How much does it cost to enter?
Early entry $295 includes orientation, photoshoot and workshops. Fundraising toolkit helps most contestants compete for free via sponsors. Finalists receive wardrobe stipend.
Where and when are finals?
July 24-26, 2026 at Fisher Center, Nashville. Rehearsals start July 20. Hotel block at Music City Center Marriott.
What does the winner receive?
$15,000 cash scholarship, $48K crown, wardrobe, travel to Miss USA, apartment in Nashville for the year, and appearance contract.
Ready to wear the sash?
Applications close May 1, 2026. Free info Zoom every Sunday.