My daughter does pageants, so I have some in-site on this subject. You are right, the girls are judged on how beautiful they are. Along with, their pose and grace, how well they model, how the look in a swimsuit ,in a beauty dress, how well they do in interview, how confident they are and if they are that all-american girl, who can kiss babies & shake hands, as well as someone who can compete and place in Miss Universe (a Miss USA has never been Miss Universe). It is a total package pageant. Everything is judged, from how well they walk , to how well they smile. All in all, you can be the prettiest girl on the stage, but if the girl next to you holds herself better and looks more confident, the crown will go to her. There is more that goes into it, than just being pretty. :)