In June 2017, I had the pleasure of catching up with Olivia Jordan on Scoop B Radio. At the time, she was transitioning from her high-profile reign as Miss USA 2015 (and 2nd Runner-Up at Miss Universe) into a blossoming career as an actress and advocate. Today, in 2025—as the Miss Universe organization has undergone radical changes in eligibility and leadership—Olivia’s “buttoned-up” reflections on the platform’s power and the necessity of “more than a pretty face” remain ahead of their time.
Reflecting on our session today, Olivia didn’t just see the crown as a trophy; she saw it as a megaphone for modern womanhood.
Redefining the “Miss Universe” Mold
One of the key themes of our 2017 conversation was the shifting perception of pageantry. Olivia was a vocal advocate for the idea that these women were athletes, scholars, and activists first.
“People have this old-school idea of what a pageant girl is,” Olivia told me. “But the women I competed with were future doctors, lawyers, and changemakers. We were using that stage to build businesses and launch foundations. It’s about having a voice and a purpose.”
In 2025, Olivia’s perspective has become the organizational standard. Miss Universe has since removed age limits and marital status restrictions, moving closer to the inclusive, “voice-first” platform Olivia championed during her tenure. She was a pioneer of the “relatable” titleholder, using social media to show the hard work behind the glamour.
The Resilience of the “Mistake” Heard ‘Round the World
We couldn’t talk about the 2015 Miss Universe pageant without mentioning the infamous Steve Harvey announcement error. Olivia, who was standing on stage during that viral moment, shared her “buttoned-up” take on the importance of grace under pressure.
“It was a wild moment, but it taught us all about resilience,” she remarked. “In life, things aren’t always going to go perfectly. It’s about how you handle the curveballs. I think everyone involved handled it with as much class as they possibly could.”
Looking back from 2025, that moment is a case study in crisis management and public poise. Olivia’s ability to remain professional and supportive of both Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines showed the true “Universe” spirit that she carried throughout her career.
The Transition to Hollywood and Beyond
By 2017, Olivia was making waves in film and television, appearing in projects like Hot Tub Time Machine 2 and Murder in the First. She spoke to me about the “grind” of the entertainment industry and how her pageant background prepared her for the rejection and persistence required in Hollywood.
“Pageantry gives you a thick skin and teaches you how to interview and present yourself,” Olivia noted. “When I go into a room for an audition now, I’m not just an actress; I’m a woman who knows who she is and what she brings to the table.”
In 2025, Olivia has solidified her place as a versatile talent and a respected influencer in the wellness space. Her 2017 session on Scoop B Radio was a reminder that the crown is just the beginning—it’s the work you do after the sash is put away that defines your legacy.
2025 Snapshot: The Advocate and the Icon
Today, Olivia Jordan continues to be a leading voice in body positivity and mental health awareness. Her 2017 interview served as a bridge between her life as a titleholder and her life as a multi-hyphenate mogul.
As Olivia said to me:
“It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.”
That “presence” is why she remains one of the most beloved Miss USA winners of the modern era. She proved that you can wear the crown and still keep your feet firmly on the ground.
