ATA Pageant-2026 Guidelines

The 19th ATA Conference team is delighted to announce that 2026 "ATA Pageant" preliminary (local) competitions will be held across several cities in the United States of America from January 2026 through May 2026. The team will be collaborating with many TV channels to promote and telecast the competitions held throughout the United States.

The top local finalists (Winner & First Runner-up) from each category in each state will get an opportunity to compete in the National level ATA Pageant competition held in Baltimore during the 19th ATA Conference and Youth Convention happening on July 31st, August 1st & 2nd 2026.

Below are the age groups for the competition:

1. Miss. Teen ATA – 13 to 16 years
2. Miss. ATA – 17 and above years
3. Mrs. ATA – 21 and above
4. Mr. Teen – 13 to 16 years
5. Mr. ATA – 17 and above (married/unmarried)

July 15th is the cutoff date to determine the age of participants in their respective categories.

The winners will enter the finals in Baltimore with a Free 19th ATA Conference ticket (free ticket is for the winner and 1st Runner only). If winners cannot make it to finals in the Convention in Baltimore for any reason, then the following highest scoring contestant can enter the finals.

Note: ATA Conference ticket is only for the top finalist (not for other family members/siblings).

Few cities can conduct some categories as online competition (as per organizers decision).

Rounds:

• First round- Ethnic Wear Round: First round will be a Ethnic wear round followed by quick introductions (Introduction in Telugu or English). Telugu speaking can have extra brownie points. All the contestants should brief their introductions in 1 minutes talking about who they are, what they do (passion, strengths etc. anything that judges should know about them)
• Second Round - Talent Round: The second round will be a Talent round. Timing for this round will be maximum up to 2 minutes (examples: singing, dancing, standup comedy or any other please mention to the organizers). This round can be online/video based on registrations.
• Third Round- Evening Gown Round: Third round will be an Evening gown followed by Q &A from judges.

Registration

• All performers must register for the Competition.
• Registration Fee for Contestant: ATA Member $30, Non-ATA members: $50
• Please reach the contacts in the flier for registration questions or concerns.

Few Key points:

• Please send your introduction reel not exceeding 1 minute.
• ** Already who registered and participated in city semis participants cannot participate again in the virtual pageant.
• Need to send a copy of age proof (for all contestants).
• Organizers' decisions will be final in all aspects of selection.
• Dress appropriate without too much revealing to avoid last-minute disqualifications.
• All performances will be judged live during the competitions based on appearance, sense of confidence, personality, extemporaneous response to an on-stage question and talent. Talent will be judged during finals.
• Applicants must agree to abide by all the rules and must be flexible with changing schedules which are beyond control.
• Applicants must agree to abide by all the rules and must be flexible with changing schedules which are beyond control.
• The organizers are not responsible for any delays or non-receipt of applications on any account and for any reason whatsoever.
• The final round expenses (travel and stay) will have to be borne by the contestant only.
• The applicant will have to participate in a disciplined and diligent manner throughout the competition.
• The organizers are not responsible for any loss or physical injury that occurs to the contestant because of their participation in the event. The applicants will participate at their own risk and can have no claim against ATA.
• Incorrect information will result in disqualifications, whether discovered prior to, during or after participation.
• The decision of the judges is final in all cases.
• Only the contestants will be allowed near the main stage area.
• The schedule of events and qualification rounds are subject to change at the discretion of the organizers.
• The organizers are not responsible for the non-completion/non- occurrence of the event.
• Finals are scheduled during the ATA conference - July 31st, August 1st & 2nd 2026 in Baltimore MD
• The top finalists from each category in each state will get a chance to compete for nationals during the 19th ATA conference.