The Miss Teen USA 2025 pageant has announced its host and judging panel ahead of this year’s competition taking place in Nevada.
“Big Brother” season 24 winner Taylor Hale will serve as host for the upcoming beauty pageant. She is expected to bring her extensive television experience to the annual event.
Us Weekly has revealed the complete lineup of hosts and judges for both Miss Teen USA 2025 and Miss USA 2025. The events will take place at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada.
The announcement marks a return to the pageant world for several familiar faces who have connections to the competition circuit.
Miss USA president, chairman, and CEO Thom Brodeur explained the thinking behind the hosting selections for this year’s events.
Strategic Host Selection
“I thought for hosts for our Miss USA and Miss Teen USA this year, it was important to have familiar faces in the pageant world and familiar faces for the girls competing,” Brodeur told Us Weekly. “And everybody remembers America’s favorite houseguest!”
Hale made history as the only houseguest to win both the “Big Brother” competition and the America’s Favorite Houseguest prize when she won season 24 in 2022. A couple of months after her victory, she announced a relationship with fellow houseguest Joseph Abdin. However, they broke up in April 2023.
She returned to “Big Brother” a year later for “Reindeer Games,” finishing as runner-up. Since July 2025, she’s hosted “Big Brother: Unlocked” alongside Derrick Levasseur.
More recently, Hale made headlines when she and Season 23 contestant Kyland Young officially confirmed their relationship by competing together as boyfriend and girlfriend on “The Amazing Race” Season 38. The announcement came after months of speculation about their relationship status.
Star-Studded Judging Panel
Joining Hale for Miss Teen USA 2025 will be an accomplished panel of judges. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Jena Sims will serve alongside model Cassidy Wolf, “Real Housewives of Potomac’s” Candiace Dillard Bassett, singer Madisyn Shipman, and actor Josh Randall, according to Us Weekly.
Sims, 36, shared the personal significance behind her decision to participate. “In a way, it’s healing. I was Miss Georgia Teen USA in 2007, and my experience didn’t end the way I had wanted so I’m excited to be back and see this through fresh eyes,” she told the outlet.
Bassett, 38, expressed immediate excitement about the opportunity. She said she “squealed” when she received the call to participate in Miss Teen USA 2025. She then quickly began preparing for her role as a judge.
“Authenticity. Confidence that’s quiet and steady — not performative,” she told Us Weekly when asked what she’s looking for. “I want to see a woman who knows exactly who she is and walks in that truth, whether she’s in a swimsuit or speaking from the heart. As someone who’s lived the pageant experience, I know how much pressure comes with those lights, that stage and the place. The women who can rise above the nerves and connect — really connect — are the ones who leave a lasting impression.”
For Miss USA 2025, Emmanuel Acho and Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan will serve as hosts, according to the publication.
The Miss USA 2025 judging panel will feature “The Valley’s” Nia Sanchez, Bachelor Nation’s Jade Roper Tolbert, “Dancing With the Stars” pro Sasha Farber, fashion designer Kenneth Barlis, and Hannah Edwards.
Farber, 41, shared his enthusiasm about participating. “I’m thrilled to be judging Miss USA because it celebrates incredible talent, confidence and the unique stories of these amazing women. It’s inspiring to witness their journey and to be part of such a prestigious event,” he told Us Weekly.
Fans can watch from home as Miss Teen USA 2025 takes place Thursday, October 23, at 5 p.m. PST, with Miss USA 2025 occurring one day later on Friday, October 24, at 5 p.m. PST.
