The Miss Universe Organization has enlisted not one, but two Bravolebrities for their next pageant competitions.
The Real Housewives of Potomac alum Candiace Dillard Bassett has been tapped to judge Miss Teen USA 2025. Candiace confirmed her involvement in an October 21 Instagram post in which she described the opportunity as a “full-circle moment.”
“Once a contestant, always a believer,” she wrote. “The Miss USA organization helped mold the woman I am today — and now I have the honor of helping shape the next generation as a Miss Teen USA judge. There’s something truly special about this new era of leadership — it feels like a renaissance, and the future is bright.”
Candiace’s fellow judges will be former Miss Georgia Teen USA Jena Sims, 2013 Miss Teen USA Cassidy Wolf, actress/singer Madisyn Shipman, and actor Josh Randall.
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Candiace Dillard Bassett reveals what she’s looking for in a pageant winner
Candiace is no stranger to the pageant realm. The mother of one has not only provided consulting services for contestants, but she’s also competed for numerous titles, including Miss Maryland USA, Miss District of Columbia USA, and Miss United States, which she won in 2013 while representing Washington, D.C.
Candiace spoke about her judging role in a recent interview with Us Weekly, explaining what she was looking for in the next Miss Teen USA.
“Authenticity. Confidence that’s quiet and steady — not performative,” she said. “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.”
Nia Sanchez Booko to judge Miss USA: “It’s an honor to come back”
Miss Teen USA 2025 will go down on October 23 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. A day after the event, the resort will host the Miss USA pageant with The Valley’s Nia Sanchez Booko serving on the judges’ panel. She will be joined by reality TV personality Jade Roper Tolbert, professional dancer Sasha Farber, model scout Hannah Edwards, and fashion designer Kenneth Barlis.
The event will take place more than a decade after Nia was crowned Miss USA while representing Nevada. She went on to compete at Miss Universe, where she finished as first runner-up to Miss Colombia’s Paulina Vega.
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“It’s an honor to come back home and celebrate a new generation of young women,” Nia told Us. “I am looking forward to hearing what makes each of these women unique and to get to know what they are passionate about. Miss USA is a huge responsibility, and I want to know that the women selected will be ready to take on that role.”
Look back on Candiace’s and Nia’s respective careers.
