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.