The world’s first AI beauty pageant, Miss AI, has been launched to crown AI-generated contestants based on their looks, technical skill, and online pull. The competition is organized by the World AI Creator Awards (WAICA) and has partnered with Fanvue, a subscription-based platform hosting virtual models. The winner of Miss AI will receive a $5,000 cash prize, promotion on the Fanvue platform, and PR support worth over $5,000, with runner-up and third place winners also snagging prizes. The virtual victors will be announced on May 10, with an online awards ceremony scheduled later in the month.
The competition opened online to entrants on Sunday, as AI influencers like Alba Renai are gaining attention and landing paying gigs. Judges of Miss AI include Aitana Lopez and Emily Pellegrini, both AI-generated models with large social media followings. The panel also includes Andrew Bloch, an entrepreneur, and PR adviser, and Sally-Ann Fawcett, a beauty pageant historian. The judges will evaluate the AI creations based on their technical skill, artistic talent, and online presence.
Entrants to Miss AI must be 100% AI-generated per the rules set by the World AI Creator Awards. While there are no restrictions on the tools used to create the AI influencers, the competition expects to receive thousands of entries. The pageant has faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, but the WAICA spokesperson insists that Miss AI is more about recognizing artistry and creative talent than reinforcing cultural beauty standards. Contestants are even asked to answer a question about how they would make the world a better place.
The AI-generated influencers are not limited by personal experiences in answering the questions posed to them during the competition, as they exist within a world of bytes. Fanvue, a partner of WAICA, hosts virtual models, some of which offer adult content, making it a controversial choice as a partner for the beauty pageant. AI models like Alba Renai and Aitana Lopez are already landing gigs representing brands and hosting special segments on television shows.
Miss AI is just the beginning of a series of contests planned by the World AI Creator Awards, with future competitions focusing on fashion, diversity, and computer-generated men. The pageant marks a new frontier in the world of AI-generated content and influencers, as these virtual beings gain traction and employment opportunities in the entertainment industry. Despite criticisms of beauty standards perpetuated by the pageant industry, Miss AI aims to celebrate the artistry and creativity of AI creators and their work.
