A string of events led up to the finals of the Mister USA pageant on August 31. It was a beefcake safari and I was there for it. Turns out the camaraderie amongst the contestants was the biggest surprise: fun and awe-inspiring.
Sunday. Welcome dinner and sashing ceremony.
I met the guys at the iconic Abbey bar in West Hollywood. Would I meet a representative for all 50 states? I was relieved to find out only 20 were actually participating: fewer names to remember…
Dinner was served in a private room in the back of the bar, followed by the sashing ceremony. Sequin jacket clad CEO Jino Cabrera handed sashes to each contestant: one-by-one they took the stage, introduced themselves and danced for the audience.
Playgirl • October 2024.
Monday. Beach day.
The videographer and I were to meet at the tip of Santa Monica Pier at 2pm for a photoshoot. The videographer pieced his camera together while I prepared release forms to be signed, and we awaited the public spectacle we were about to partake in.
At first a couple of hunks, then a few, gorgeous shirtless men in black & gold sashes—and before long a small army of Abercrombie & Fitch-like models descended upon Santa Monica Pier. I introduced myself to each individually and asked them to sign the Playgirl waiver.
As soon as they hit the boardwalk and got all in a row, every tourist in eyesight rushed to take a photo. Ready to seize all Instagramable moments, we had half of the contestants ride the roller coaster—disregarding the official “NO CELLPHONES” signs—and the other half the more relaxing and picturesque Ferris wheel.
We made our way to the beach. Some guys opted to play football in the gentle waves of the ocean (despite the “NO SWIMMING” signs posted all around), while others chose to stay dry and teamed up to play volleyball. Who could resist the charm of Mr. Nebraska’s farm boy smile? The stern into-your-soul gaze of Mr. New York? The clumsy yet adorable effort Mr. Florida put into learning the choreography of Chappel Roan’s “Hot to Go!”
From Santa Monica we piled everyone into a limo-style party bus, making sure no one was left behind. There was talk of food and exhaustion from the afternoon in the sun, so we skipped Malibu, staying local instead with the nearby “home of bodybuilding” Muscle Beach in Venice.
A quick few shots there and it was time to go back to The Biltmore hotel to feast and get some rest for the big week ahead. As we parted ways, I was invited to a pool party they’d attend the next afternoon. How could I resist? “I miss you guys already!”
I pulled up, let myself into a gorgeous Hollywood Hills home, walked into Mr. Texas serenading the other contestants enjoying libations, a taco bar and an infinity pool—more photo ops.
While I wasn’t expecting to experience House of Villains, I wondered if there would be any drama at all. Half-jokingly, I asked Mr. Maryland if he thought anyone would scatter their pearls on the stage for another contestant to trip, but no… they all seemed to be genuinely getting along.
Thursday. Swimwear and fashion show.
I arrived at 8:15pm to Beaches Tropicana (formerly HEART WeHo), greeted by the club’s door host. I told him that I was running late, that I’d cover the event for Playgirl and hurried in. Turns out I did miss the first part of the fashion show—executive realness—but was right on time for the swimwear show. We were back at a gay bar—this time a nightclub with a mankini parade so captivating that I didn’t even notice the news anchor from KTLA and her camera crew.
Photo: Kevin Le @kevinle_photographer
Friday. Rehearsal day.
As I was getting ready to leave my apartment, Mr. USA was on my TV—the KTLA anchor with her coverage of last night’s fashion show in a playful segment. Tickled by this PG-rated display of Playgirl model-esque pageantry on the screen—certainly spicier than most slots given that time of day—I recorded it, assuming that back in their hotel the contestants were unlikely to be huddled around their TVs.
I arrived at The Biltmore early in the afternoon with our videographer, passing the Mr. USA red carpet, and headed straight-away to the Crystal Ballroom where rehearsals were being held. A T-shaped stage with three large standing a/v projection screens were set up with lighting, tech crew and choreography team on hand. But the contestants were all upstairs having lunch in the Presidential Suite and I was welcome to join.
Upon arriving to the beautiful penthouse duplex, I announced the video I’d taken on the morning news and was immediately (but adorably) swarmed for the footage. One contestant couldn’t wait to show his mother.
Back down in the ballroom, the boys trickled in as the house lights and the music levels were being adjusted. I swanned around again, getting everyone to sign yet another release, before they all scurried backstage to practice their dance routine.
Photo: Kevin Le @kevinle_photographer
The choreography they’d been practicing all week was set to the track “My Universe” by Coldplay & BTS, an earworm I’d grown to welcome. Some contestants were clearly more into the group dance routine than others: the more reserved guys fumbled their moves, but it was cute to see them being good sports and taking it for the team.
Saturday. Finals.
Showtime. The enthusiasm displayed by the guys on stage permeated the ballroom and electrified the crowd, with CEO Jino sporting his sequin jacket again as co-MC.
The bravery and brevity of the contestants are worth praising above all—these boys have balls to put themselves out there like this. I thought to myself: can you imagine doing this? I applaud the producers too for their passion* and congratulate the winner who took the crown: Mr. New York, Cormac Murphy —a name some may be familiar with from the first season of Love Island. He’ll go on to represent the USA at the upcoming Mister Universe pageant. Can’t wait.
Watch the backstage video, exclusively on PLAYGIRL+
Photo: Kevin Le @kevinle_photographer
*Since the show, there have been a speckling of allegations brought on by a couple of contestants regarding the handling of finances. None was confirmed. The Biltmore hotel declined to comment.
