In this episode of The Pageant Buzz, Kristen and Rebekah take listeners behind the scenes of her experience at America’s Most Beautiful Pageant after placing 1st Runner-Up last year and now returning to the national stage as AMB Mrs. Ohio.

Kristen recaps what pageant week was really like from the very beginning, starting with orientation, where contestants had the chance to meet one another, get settled, and step into the full AMB experience. From there, the week was filled with unforgettable moments, including the opportunity to participate in five photo shoots with SMOR Studio, creating beautiful content and memories throughout the competition.

She also talks about the glamour and excitement of the Awards Gala, and the energy of optional competitions. Kristen shares what she loved, what surprised her, what she learned, and how each part of the competition helped prepare her for finals.

Now, as she prepares for the 2026 America’s Most Beautiful Pageant as AMB Mrs. Ohio, Kristen reflects on how last year shaped her preparation, mindset, and purpose. This episode is a look back at an incredible pageant week and a look ahead at the next chapter.