None Of These Women Are Real; They're What AI Thinks Each State's Miss USA Should Look Like
Every year, at the Miss USA pageant, each state's contestant dresses up in a "state costume" to represent something unique about their home state. Sometimes, they understand the assignment. Other times, they hold up a sign that says "POTATOES."
Which is to say that they REALLY understand the assignment.
So, we asked AI to show us what the perfect "state costume" would be for each of the 50 US states, and it got a little unhinged. Here's what it came up with:
The following images were created using generative AI image models for the sake of entertainment and curiosity. The images also reveal the biases and stereotypes that currently exist within AI models and are not meant to be seen as accurate or full depictions of human experience.
Alabama
Apparently, boiled peanuts are a thing in Alabama?
Alaska
This one kinda makes sense! Alaska = snow. I don't know about the feathers, maybe that's for snowy owls or something.
Arizona
This Grand Canyon-inspired two-piece dress is actually kind of amazing?
Arkansas
So, it turns out that one of the biggest exports out of Arkansas is airplane parts. Hence...this.
California
It's giving silicon chips, for Silicon Valley? Or it's supposed to be a sparkly avocado.
Colorado
The Rocky Mountains are an obvious choice.
Connecticut
Yeah, they are rich over there in Connecticut. Apparently one of the state's "key industries" is investment and asset management.
Delaware
Apparently Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution. They are very proud of this.
Florida
Yeah, this tracks.
Georgia
The Coca-Cola thing makes sense, since the factory is in Atlanta. But I thought oranges were a Florida thing? It's peaches in Georgia, right?
Hawaii
The hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii, so naturally it's the main attraction on this outfit.
Idaho
Of course it was going to be potatoes. Sorry, Idaho. You can't escape the tater.
Illinois
So, apparently Illinois is home to Morton, aka the "pumpkin capitol of the world." Big claim.
Indiana
For the Indianapolis 500, I assume.
Iowa
It's corn!
Kansas
They could've gone Dorothy, but they went Wicked Witch of the West instead, and I respect that.
Kentucky
Kentucky, home of bluegrass music and this banjo-inspired dress.
Louisiana
It's giving lily pad on the bayou. Cute, but I dunno about the pants.
Maine
I would absolutely love to see a Miss USA contestant try to hold a microphone with giant lobster claws on.
Maryland
Crab cakes and football, that's what Maryland does!
Massachusetts
Boston, Revolutionary War, etc. Kinda obvious, but I always love a tricorn hat.
Michigan
Michigan is home to Detroit, aka the Motor City, so...voila.
Minnesota
Did you know Prince is from Minnesota? You do now.
Mississippi
Mississippi is the "home of the blues," and this outfit is home to a literal saxophone.
Missouri
I'm gonna assume that's supposed to be, like, the St. Louis Arch.
Montana
Cattle ranchers, yup.
Nebraska
It's corn! (Again.)
Nevada
This is either supposed to evoke a roulette wheel in Las Vegas, or it's supposed to evoke the burning hot sun during a Nevada summer.
New Hampshire
They're the granite state, and this outfit took that personally.
New Jersey
I guess it's hard to separate the real housewives from the New Jersey.
New Mexico
There's a lot more going on in New Mexico than just Roswell, but the LED lights are cool so I'll allow this.
New York
A bit on-the-nose, but at least it's not a big apple.
North Carolina
North Carolina was where the Wright brothers made their first flight, but honestly this looks a little more Leonardo da Vinci.
North Dakota
It's wheat! (Not corn.)
Ohio
What even is Ohio.
Oklahoma
Okay, tornado-theme? Sure, they get a lot of those.
Oregon
Looks kinda printed-on, but I like the redwood theme.
Pennsylvania
That is definitely not a Philly cheesesteak. You do not put lettuce on a Philly cheesesteak. How dare they.
Rhode Island
Clams, yep, check.
South Carolina
Mmmmm, BBQ ribs.
South Dakota
Did you know the state insect of South Dakota is the honeybee? I did not.
Tennessee
Which Taylor Swift era is this?
Texas
I'm in awe, her hair adds a full two feet to her height.
Utah
Utah is maybe the prettiest state in our country, but it does indeed also have a lot of Mormons.
Vermont
I am once again asking you to remember that Bernie Sanders is from Vermont.
Virginia
It's giving George Washington, I guess?
Washington
Ah, yes, Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks. At least they didn't go with just a giant cup costume.
West Virginia
Honestly, this is a lewk.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin does indeed love beer and cheese.
Wyoming
Apparently there's a lot of skiing in Wyoming, which is great because I need to wear this outfit on the slopes.
What do you think of your state's costume? What should it have been instead? Let us know in the comments!
