Miss Arizona USA is the official beauty pageant that selects the representative for the state of Arizona in the Miss USA pageant. The competition is held annually and is one of the preliminary competitions leading to the national Miss USA pageant.
The winner of Miss Arizona USA goes on to compete at the Miss USA pageant, an event that has been held since 1952. Contestants in the Miss Arizona USA pageant are judged in three main areas: interview, evening gown, and swimsuit. The winner is expected to embody beauty, intelligence, and grace, and to serve as an ambassador for the state of Arizona during her reign.
The Miss Arizona USA pageant is part of the broader Miss USA organization, which was formerly owned by Donald Trump and later by IMG. As of 2023, the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants are owned by The CW Network. The state pageant in Arizona is currently directed by Future Productions, which also directs several other state pageants within the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA system.
Arizona has had a moderate level of success at the Miss USA pageant, with several semi-finalists and finalists over the years, though the state has yet to win the national title. Notable placements include:
- Alicia-Monique Blanco (2009) – 1st Runner-Up
- Lisa Lynn Hurley (1980) – 2nd Runner-Up
- Sindy Forrest (1983) – 2nd Runner-Up
- Diane Martin (1985) – 2nd Runner-Up
- Lori Hakola (1982) – 4th Runner-Up
Many former Miss Arizona USA titleholders have gone on to careers in modeling, television, and public service. The pageant also awards the title of Miss Arizona Teen USA to a younger contestant, who then competes in the Miss Teen USA national pageant.