Who. What. When. Where. and Why ?
Mrs
ARE YOU MARRIED? LIVING IN ILLINOIS? THEN, THIS IS FOR YOU!!
That’s right – YOU could be the next Mrs. Illinois America or Mrs. Illinois American – you compete once and have a chance at TWO state titles!
What are the requirements to enter MRS Illinois America/American?
Contestants interested in competing will need to be:
- Born a female
- 18 years or older
- Currently married and living with their spouse
- A current resident of the state of Illinois
What kind of woman enters the Mrs. Illinois Pageants?
As its following continues to grow every year, Mrs. America attracts increasing numbers of women of all ages, vocations, and backgrounds. There are auto mechanics and airline pilots, doctors and dentists, aspiring models and actresses, as well as wives and mothers. The one thing they all have in common is that they are married and have an eagerness to better themselves and others.
Is there height requirement?
No. There is no height requirement to enter or win. Our state finalists have ranged in heights from 5’2” to 6’2”.
Do I have to have children?
No. Having children is not one of the basic requirements for entry and having children is not a deterrent. Several winners at the local and national levels haven’t had children and others have had many children!
Am I too old to win – Am I too young to win?
The judges are looking for a beautiful, well rounded, articulate woman. They are not asked to focus on age or length of marriage. In the 2006 Mrs. Illinois-America Pageant the state finalists ranged in ages from 19 to 57.
Do I need performing talent?
No. We at the Illinois America Pageants believe that being married is talent enough!
Will I be judged on community service?
No. Realistically most married women are extremely busy with their careers and families; they are contributing to the community by virtue of serving their own families. While community service is encouraged during the Mrs. Illinois-America/American reign there is no emphasis on community service in the actual pageant competition.
What’s included in the prize package?
The winner of the Mrs. Illinois-America/American titles may receive a prize package approximately valued at over $15,000.00. Prizes may include the official Mrs. Illinois-America/American crown, banner and trophy, an all-expense paid trip for an opportunity to compete for the title of Mrs. America/American. 14KT Gold and Diamond Necklace by James & Williams Jewelers, An Elegant Competition Gown designed by Alyce Paris, Official Photoshoot with Dan DuVerney, Gift Certificate compliments of That Girl Boutique, Traveling Cosmetic Organizer by Caboodles, Memories to last a lifetime and more. . .
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. We encourage our city and county titleholders to raise the entry fee in their communities by acquiring “sponsors.” After all, they have been exclusively selected to represent all of the married women in their areas. The entry fee covers the cost of producing the pageant such as renting a theatrical facility, designing sets and music, as well as printing, advertising and other expenses. Space is provided in the official program book to recognize your supporters.
I’ve never entered a pageant before – do I have a chance to win?
Yes. Since our personal involvement starting in 1981, at least 14 women have won the title on their first try. Some have tried a second time while others have competed up to four years to win. It truly depends on the individual. Every one is given a fair opportunity to win!
Miss
ARE YOU CURRENTLY SINGLE? LIVING IN ILLINOIS? THEN, THIS IS FOR YOU!!
The Miss for America Strong competition was added in 2019
and is for currently unattached ladies (not married) including divorced or widowed and with or without children!
Many of the same FAQ’s apply from the Mrs., but some things are different, such as the requirements and judging percentages:
What are the requirements to enter MISS Illinois for America?
Contestants interested in competing for the Miss Illinois for America pageant will need to be:
- Born a female
- 18 years or older
- Single, divorced, or widowed
- A current resident of the state of Illinois
How is it different from Mrs. Illinois-America?
The Mrs. competition is for currently married women, only. The Miss is for those that are NOT currently married.
How will the pageant be held if it’s on the same night as the Mrs pageant?
The Miss contestants will have their competitions between the Mrs. portion, and visa versa, giving each of the groups a chance to change into their next competition wardrobe. They will most likely be on the stage and judged separately, and may only share the stage during awards and crowning.
What are the areas of competition?
50% = Personal Interview – this is the only opportunity the judges will be able to see you up-close and in-person, speak to you, and get to know who you are as an individual. The interview will be with our entire panel of judges and they will ask you a range of questions mostly based off of your judge’s sheet or resume. This could include questions about your community involvement, passions, your career, your purpose for entering the pageant, etc. You are required to wear interview attire, and keep in mind, you will be sitting!
25% = Swimwear – you will be asked to model on stage in a swimsuit. This is a great opportunity to highlight your personal fitness and health as well as your poise and, most importantly, confidence! You don’t need a perfect body to do well in swimwear – confidence and attitude is key!
25% = Evening Wear – you will be modeling a floor-length evening gown of your choice and the judges will be looking at your poise, composure, and sense of style. It does NOT matter the price of the gown, it’s about the woman wearing it!
**Other non-judged portions may be added such as State Costume and/or On-Stage question. More details to come!**
Is there height requirement?
No. There is no height requirement to enter or win. Our state finalists for Mrs. Illinois-America have ranged in heights from 5’2” to 6’2”.
Can I have children?
Yes. Having children is not one of the basic requirements for entry but it does not disqualify you for the Miss Illinois for America competition, either.
Am I too old to win – Am I too young to win?
The judges are looking for a beautiful, well rounded, articulate woman. They are not asked to focus on age.
Do I need performing talent?
No, there will not be a talent portion in this pageant.
Will I be judged on community service?
No. We are very understanding that many women are extremely busy with their careers and families; While community service is encouraged during the Miss Illinois for America reign, there is no emphasis on community service in the actual pageant competition.
What’s included in the prize package?
TBA – winning at the state pageant automatically qualifies you to compete at the national Miss for America Strong competition provided you meet all of the qualifications.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Entry fees cover production costs for the pageant and much more. We encourage our city and county titleholders to raise the entry fee in their communities by acquiring “sponsors.” After all, they have been exclusively selected to represent all of the married women in their areas. The entry fee covers the cost of producing the pageant such as renting a theatrical facility, designing sets and music, as well as printing, advertising and other expenses. Space is provided in the official program book to recognize your supporters.
I’ve never entered a pageant before; do I have a chance to win?
Yes. Since our personal involvement starting in 1981, at least 14 women have won the title of Mrs. Illinois-America on their first try, and we are sure the same could be true for the Miss Illinois for America title. It truly depends on the individual. Every one is given a fair opportunity to win!
Hear what people are saying…
Being Mrs. Illinois-America was such an incredible experience. The Acetos are truly family and have been the reason I have remained involved in the pageant since my first time entering in 2014! The opportunities, experiences, and friendships are worth every penny.
— Nicole Cook, Mrs. Illinois 2018 and Mrs. America 2019
Illinois America Pageants 