In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, we continue our Interview Masterclass series by breaking down some of the tough love and tough questions from Casting Director and judge, Rachel Kroes.

🤳🏼 Find Rachel on Instagram ⁠⁠@kroesnews

🤳🏼 Find us on Instagram ⁠⁠@thepageantmasterclass⁠⁠

✨ Work with Ashley one-on-one:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠pageantmasterclass.com⁠⁠⁠

From political division and generational impact to beauty standards and authentic storytelling, this episode dives into the mindset judges are really looking for when contestants walk into the interview room.

If you’re preparing for Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Teen USA, state pageants, or competitive pageant interviews, this episode offers practical pageant interview coaching, judge-informed strategy, and real insight into how top judges evaluate contestants beyond rehearsed answers.

Chapters:
01:35 - Why overdone makeup and lash extensions can hurt your interview
02:18 - How to get honest feedback and present yourself like the winner
03:08 - The five tough interview questions Rachel Kroes may ask this season
03:38 - How to answer questions about political division and unity
05:16 - What judges want to hear about how you're impacting your community
06:23 - Answering questions about your generation with personality and confidence
07:53 - Why beauty still matters in pageantry and how to talk about it

Whether you’re a first-time contestant or a seasoned titleholder, this episode will help you strengthen your pageant interview skills, improve your stage presence, and understand what separates memorable contestants from forgettable ones.

In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, we continue our Interview Masterclass series by breaking down some of the toughest pageant interview questions being asked by one of the most discerning judges, Lori Fowler.

🔗 Top 10 Political Issues You Should be Familiar With

🤳🏼 Find us on Instagram @thepageantmasterclass

✨ Work with Ashley one-on-one:⁠⁠⁠ pageantmasterclass.com⁠⁠

If you’re preparing for Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Volunteer America, Miss High School America, or any local or national pageant interview, this episode will help you develop stronger communication skills, improve your interview presence, and stand out in the interview room.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:32 – Why interview determines whether you’re ready for the crown

01:01 – Meet Lori Fowler: One of pageantry’s toughest judges

01:49 – The 4 difficult interview questions contestants must answer

02:18 – How to define integrity in interview without sounding rehearsed

03:32 – Using your platform answer to prove you’re crown-ready

05:44 – Turning controversial topics into authentic conversation

06:41 – What to do when you DON’T know the answer

07:46 – The biggest mistake contestants make under pressure

08:17 – Top political issues contestants should be prepared to discuss

In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, we being our Interview Masterclass series by breaking down some of the toughest pageant interview questions being asked by one of the toughest judges, Doug Black. We'll dive into how to answer them with clarity, confidence, and composure.

Find us at:

pageantmasterclass.com

@thepageantmasterclass

If you’re preparing for competition, your interview is where titles are truly won. Judges aren’t just listening for “right” answers; they’re evaluating how you think, how you communicate under pressure, and how you represent yourself in real-world conversations.

We walk through challenging, opinion-based questions on current events, leadership, and the future of pageantry, while teaching you how to respond with grace, even when the topic is uncomfortable or controversial.

This episode will help you develop stronger opinions, deliver them effectively, and stand out as a thoughtful, prepared, and crown-ready candidate.