Now that you’ve read this, you’re probably wondering… Who is Sarah Milliken? The 23-year-old plus-size beauty pageant contestant Miss America Milliken won the Alabama title in May of this year, and since then, her story and voice have proven to be some of the most admirable to date, garnering attention around the world for Milliken’s name.
With image acceptance as its core message, the National American Miss program targets young women ages 4-24 with a focus on building self-confidence, practical skills and mentorship.
Shortly after her controversial win, the committee wrote about their experience working with Milliken: “For decades, Miss National Am has proudly celebrated all young women. This year in Alabama, Sarah captivated the selection committee with her clear communication, poise in the state and extensive community service. Her message of body positivity and emphasis on never giving up on your goals is inspiring.”
Who is Sarah Milliken – and what’s her newfound fame like?
The Atmore, Alabama native received an open letter from Miss USA at the tender age of 15 and immediately knew it was something she wanted to try for. But after two failed attempts, a defeated Milliken had to hope that third time would be a charm, and that was exactly what happened: the self-love activist rose to the “Top Five” and ultimately took home the crown in 2024.
“I [potential contestants will] “Learn that no matter what your body type is or where you come from, you can do anything if you put your mind to it,” she said. translation“I never thought a plus-size girl could win. I never thought a girl from a small town in Alabama could win.”
Milliken said she spent 365 days preparing for the prestigious competition, so it was a shock for the Southern belle to even make it this far.
In an Instagram post, she wrote, “I nearly fainted after making the Top 10. I had never placed at a NAM State competition before. I was overwhelmed with emotions because I knew that no matter what happened I could be better than my last performance. Somewhere between the Top 10 and Top 5, I was shocked to hear the outgoing queens sing ‘A Moment like This’ as their farewell song. I had truly been waiting for this moment my whole life.”
The controversy behind Sarah Milliken’s barrier-breaking win
After Milliken’s win, critics accused National American Miss of “celebrating obesity.” The backlash came after an interview with a mental health advocate aired. translation And other publications picked up on this groundbreaking article.
“After she was crowned, the pageant called her a ‘pioneer’ and a ‘gorgeous legend.’ Let’s be honest, we all know Milliken is no pioneer or innovator,” writer Gillian Thorpe wrote scathingly in a Medium piece. “You can’t call someone a pioneer simply for being obese when a significant percentage of the population is obese.”
“Let’s be honest,” Facebook critic Scott Eccles wrote in WKRG’s comments section, “she is extremely unhealthy and this is an insult to the young women who work so hard and diet to become beauty queens.”
Despite the odds, the rising model continues to thrive. Though the nasty comments initially bothered Milliken, she quickly grew tired of them.
What is the Queen of NAM up to now?
Milliken’s interview with the publication reportedly garnered her over 2,000 followers (combined) and numerous sponsorship offers for NAM’s national competition in Orlando later this year, for which she is currently gearing up for the competition, which will be held during Thanksgiving week.
Additionally, Milliken has changed the title of the podcast to “ A girl needs to shinewith the new name: Watch Me OrganizationHer Instagram profile says the purpose of her digital creations is to “promote body positivity and self-expression.”
She also co-founded the initiative ” Buddy System.
Who is Sarah Milliken to you? Share your thoughts below about this beautiful star’s win.