Miss Missouri USA 2019 Miriah Jo Ludtke is What the ‘Show Me State’ is All About

Miriah Jo Ludtke will be representing Miss Missouri USA at the upcoming Miss USA pageant. She was preceded by 2018 winner Tori Kruse. A year prior, Miss Missouri USA went to Bayleigh Dayton, who was the first-ever African-American Miss Missouri USA and later went on to be a houseguest on Big Brother 20.

The 25-year-old from St. Louis describes herself as a businesswoman and world traveler. She has most recently visited Europe and Africa.

According to her official bio on the Miss USA website, Miriah Jo plans to use her platform to “advocate for the importance of teen mentorship, particularly through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization” if she brings home the Miss USA crown.

You can follow Miriah Jo and learn more about her journey by clicking follow on Instagram or heading on over to her official Twitter account.

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I wanted to share this transformation post because it shows that self love and true confidence won’t just change you on the inside, it radiates out. Keep in mind, nothing has changed in the last year in regards to my height, weight, or BMI but EVERYTHING has changed in my mentality. . . Last year, as I prepared for the Miss Missouri USA competition I tore myself down EVERY single day. Constantly thinking I’m too tan, not tan enough, too skinny, awkward in front of the camera, too short. You name it, I thought it. When I look at pictures from last year I see that self doubt and constant second guessing all over my face, in my posture, and ultimately in my performance. . . This year I’ve focused my attention on being the best Miriah I can be. That’s it. When I took this picture last night and held it up to last year’s shot I was so proud of how far I’ve come! So excited to share this new self-empowered woman with the world. I have no room for comparison and only room for success. Here’s to continued positivity, with or without a crown.

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Sep 7, 2018 at 10:02am PDT

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Another day of dream chasing in the books! #missusa #missouriproud #renotahoe #shopakira

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Apr 26, 2019 at 3:34pm PDT

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The @missusa adventures continue! I can’t wait to go back to @laketahoeofficial with my family and friends! #renotahoe #missusa #laketahoe

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Apr 26, 2019 at 10:58am PDT

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Miss USA welcome event vibes. #queenswearyellow #missouri #laketahoe #renotahoe #missusa #grandsierraresort #nevadaartmuseum

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Apr 25, 2019 at 6:32am PDT

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Wheels up! Next stop: Miss USA Make sure you are following along on my @missmousa account for major updates throughout the week! #renotahoe #missusa #missteenusa #grandsierraresort #laketahoe

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Apr 20, 2019 at 8:12am PDT

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They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” As I prepare to compete at Miss USA on this Easter Sunday, I am humbled and reminded of the ultimate price my God chose to pay for me. In return, we vow to lay down our crowns and serve unconditionally. How great is our God? #eastersunday #missusa #renotahoe #grandsierraresort

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Apr 21, 2019 at 7:14am PDT

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Living out my emoji dreams. Thank you @fadilberishaphotography @bbcouturenyc & @ellenamakeup for making me feel like the next Miss Universe. #queenswearred #ladyinred #missmissouriusa

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Feb 15, 2019 at 2:35pm PST

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Looking at Monday when you know the beach is Sunday. #sherrihill #vanbrosgirls Photo by: @devinestudios

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Jan 14, 2019 at 3:52pm PST

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Met with my babe @taylorgorton @pinkdoorprep yesterday and left feeling all the butterflies! I'm going to Miss USA. I'm designing a dream gown. I'm sharing my story with the world. What an honor,dream, fairytale…. I can't wait for you to see it all. Missouri is about to bring the heat. Photo by: @devinestudios

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Jan 19, 2019 at 9:13am PST

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Had a great day shooting with my babes @paisleyboutiquestl yesterday! Paisley is a small, female-owned business in the Webster Groves neighborhood of St. Louis. They have a sustainable approach and the quality of their clothing is . Did my best not to buy the whole store. #shopsmall #womeninbusiness

A post shared by Miriah Jo Ludtke (@miriahl) on Sep 12, 2018 at 3:58pm PDT

Miss USA takes place Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. It will be the 68th Miss USA pageant, and the second pageant to be held concurrently with the Miss Teen USA competition. The pageant will air live on FOX. The Miss Universe pageant will take place on a yet-to-be-determined date in South Korea. The reigning Miss Universe is Catriona Gray, who represented the Philippines, while Miss USA going to Nebraska’s Sarah Rose Summers.

The Miss USA competition is one of the premier beauty pageants in both the United States and in the world. First founded in the year 1952, the Miss USA pageant was famously owned b President Donald Trump from 1996 to 2015 before the rights to the pageant were sold to WME/IMG. Previously broadcast by NBC, the Miss USA beauty pageant now resides on Fox.

The pageant is structured the same as any traditional beauty pageant, as it includes swimsuit, gown, and interview competitions.

Each year, the winner of the Miss USA beauty pageant represents the United States of America in the Miss Universe.