Miss USA fans slam judge panel’s ‘criminal’ move for crowning Michigan’s Alma Cooper instead of fan-favorite

Many Miss USA watchers weren’t thrilled when they saw Alma Cooper be crowned with the coveted title at this year’s beauty competition as they took to social media rave over who they thought should’ve won

Alma Cooper

Miss Michigan Alma Cooper won the Miss USA title on Sunday (Image: Variety via Getty Images)

Miss Michigan Alma Cooper took home the title of Miss USA, and some critics of the pageant were less than enthusiastic about it.

The pageant winner burst into tears of joy upon being crowned at this year’s competitive beauty contest on Sunday. Alma is now heading to Mexico to represent the United States of America in the 2024 Miss Universe pageant. Although Alma’s victory was well-earned, many shared online that they preferred another beauty queen in the competition to have the Miss USA title.

More than one took to X, formerly Twitter, to make it known that Miss Texas, Aarieanna Ware, should’ve walked away as the winner.

Miss USA
Many didn’t think that Alma was deserving of the honor ( Image: Variety via Getty Images)
“USA just lost a queen Texas #MissUSA,” one viewer wrote on the social media platform.

“[Miss Texas] is miss universe caliber. they wasted her. #MissUSA,” another agreed, including a clip of Aarieanna competing in Miss USA’s Evening Gown category.

A third commented, “Look at real queen #MissUsa what you did is a…crime,” reposting the same aforementioned clip. Even before Alma won the number one spot, viewers were upset about Aarieanna, Miss Texas, not being placed in the Top 5.

Aarieanna Ware
On X, formerly Twitter, several thought Miss Texas, Aarieanna Ware, should’ve won Miss USA ( Image: Getty Images)
“Congratulations to the Top 5! Super shocked Miss Texas isn’t in the top 5. Her stage presence was everything,” one X user expressed.

Meanwhile, someone else posted: “Texas not being in the Top 5 is honestly mind-boggling because am I watching the same show?? Lol, let me know if I’m missing something?”

As another wrote, “I’m so shocked that TX didn’t make the Top 5.” Comments that weren’t uplifting Aarieanna over Alma, were questioning why the latter even won.

“Michigan…. Why??? I don’t get it. How’d she win?” one viewer shaded on X. “The worst miss USA ever!!! So disappointed,” a second complained. “We’re definitely not winning Miss Universe,” a third mentioned. A fourth X user vented, “Michigan had the most rehearsed answer I’ve ever heard.”

Among those who weren’t happy to have Alma as the new Miss USA, some were.

“I’m so happy for Michigan! I can’t wait to see her year! Well, until next year everyone,” an X user took the time to post. “Fellow Michigander, proud of you miss,” another praised. Someone else congratulated, “Way to go, Miss Michigan!” a third user wrote.”

Alma is a 22-year-old Michigan native and an Army officer and data scientist working on a master’s degree in statistics at Stanford. Alma also graduated from the United States Military Academy West Point with honors before attending Stanford.