Appointed titles, or at-large titles, are becoming more common. I can guide you through the process. An appointed title means you are selected as a titleholder without competing at an in-person event. This typically happens if an event is not held or canceled. There are different pros and cons to receiving an appointed, or at-large, title in pageantry. Let’s discuss.

How to become appointed

Appointed pageant titleholders must meet pageant eligibility rules and apply for the title. Every pageant system has a different application process for appointed titles. It’s common for applicants to submit materials like a resume, headshot, video submission, or participate in a phone interview. In recent years, pageants like Miss World America have incorporated online fan votes. Ultimately, it is up to the discretion of an organization to select their representative.

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The cost of appointed title

If you would like to apply for an appointed title, you should expect to pay an application fee. After being selected as an appointed titleholder, it is common to pay a sponsorship fee to compete with your title, at the next level of competition. Some pageants require contestants to place a deposit on their sponsorship fee. If, for some reason, you cannot fulfill your duties as a titleholder, it’s common for pageants to ask you to return your crown and sash to them.

Appointed titleholder appearances

Believe it or not, most pageants don’t require their titleholders to make appearances. Attending appearances benefits pageant organizations and titleholders. Whether you are an appointed titleholder or not, I always encourage contestants to make the most of the opportunity. Attend as many appearances as possible. Making public appearances, or volunteering for causes close to your heart can improve your communication skills, style, confidence and help you build valuable relationships within your community.

Why pageants appoint titleholders

There’s a number of reasons why a pageant will appoint a titleholder. Recently, Carmen Isabel Jaramilo was appointed as Miss Universe Panama 2020. The Miss Universe Organization is allowing countries to send their 2019 first runner up to Miss Universe 2020. It is common for new pageant systems to appoint state or regional titleholders for their national competition. In 2013, Olivia Jordan won an appointed title and represented the United States at Miss World. A pageant may choose to appoint a new queen if the reigning one is unable to fulfill her duties. This happened in 2012 when Olivia Culpo won Miss Universe. Nana Meriweather was appointed as Miss USA 2012.

What judges think of appointed titles

Do judges care if your title is appointed? The short answer is no. Frankly it doesn’t matter how you get to the stage; just get there. The majority of queens who win an in-person pageant do not have an appointed title. This is not something to worry about. Queens who won their title in-person have the advantage of stage experience. This is why they tend to place higher than a titleholder who was selected through an appointed program.