Non-finalist Miss CA USA 2019, Semi-finalist 2018, Non-finalist 2016, Non-finalist 2013
A Californian who resided in Missoula, Merissa Underwood was crowned Miss Montana USA on 15 September 2019 and represented Montana at the Miss USA 2020 pageant in Memphis, Tennessee. She is an Animal Rights Activist and Environmentalist – which caused a degree of friction with local farmers during her reign.
“Merissa is a Political Science and Journalism major. She has spent her entire life horseback riding competitively in 3-Day Eventing which led her to become an Animal Rights Activist & Environmentalist, volunteering with various animal rights & environmental organizations. She is passionate about raising awareness about the correlation between Factory Farming and Climate Change. Music has long been a love in her life as she is a poet, songwriter, music producer, and DJ in her spare time.”
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Merissa’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
There’s nothing better than watching a contestant progress from year to year! Here’s a look back at Merissa’s previous pageant photos from her years competing in California.
All beautiful things must come to an end, no matter how bittersweet. See Merissa’s farewell walk and other candids from the weekend she crowned her successor Jami Forseth as Miss Montana USA 2021.
Winning a state title is a sisterhood for life. Here are Merissa’s “after the crown” photos.
