Ava Perez
Though she was barely old enough to know what pageants were back in the day, Ava Perez and her enthusiastic dad David were in love with the pageant life — including everything from costume designing and routine choreographing to hair and makeup. "To some people, I probably seemed a bit over the top. But to my dad, I was his princess," Perez told PEOPLE in 2021.

Perez's interests stretch beyond pageants, but she's grateful for the lessons she's learned throughout the years. "I had learned about confidence from a young age," she said. "My dad also taught me you get out of life what you put into it. That is why I'm always dedicated and determined in everything I do, whether it's my music or my academics."

Danielle Kirby
"Back when I was younger, I was FULL of myself," Kirby told PEOPLE in 2021. "Confidence is great! But I was definitely arrogant. I will say, though, I was a beautiful child, but I shouldn't have expressed it the way I did. Now I am a strong, independent, incredible woman. I know that may sound a little conceited, but it's true! I have done a lot for my community with my Be Bigger Organization, helping my bipolar community with my blog and apparel line. I love the woman I am today and I owe it all to the pageants!"

Kirby worked to become Miss Nevada USA 2021, but she did not win the pageant. She was also enrolled at Post University to earn a degree in psychology with the intention of becoming a therapist.

Eden Wood
"I would describe myself as happy-go-lucky, definitely a performer, very funny, and a country girl with big dreams from a small town," Wood told PEOPLE in 2021 of her younger self.

"I think the way that I see myself now is very self-motivated," added Wood, who at the time was busy making original music and working on a makeup line. "Whether it's a test I have to prepare for to keep that 4.0 GPA, a cheer stunt that I have to overcome the fear of doing, or an audition that takes me out of my comfort zone, whatever it is I'll do it to the best of my ability. I'm also a very creative type — I love drawing or painting, and I especially love playing the drums and composing music. At the end of the day, I'm a conqueror, no dream or obstacle is too big and no task too hard IF you're willing to put the work in! I guess I'm a 'gotta make it happen' kind of girl."

Wood said she wanted to go to college (Harvard!) but also wanted to continue pursuing music and acting, and "most importantly, encourage girls and boys around the world to reach for the stars and never give up no matter how big their dreams might be or where they come from!"

Bella Barrett
"I loved the stage, and performing to me was like putting on a play with a live audience," recalled Barrett while speaking to PEOPLE in 2021. "I was always in 'go' mode but I feel like that confidence and fearlessness I had back then has helped me so much in my teens with academics, public speaking even being Cheer captain. That being said, let's be honest — I was one big meme."

"I am way more calm and reserved now, but still have my silly side," she added. "I have a busy home life and between being cheer captain, 4-wheeling, jet-skiing, modeling and running my brands, I always have something exciting going on."

After the series ended, Barrett launched a successful career as an influencer.

Liana Pirraglia
As a young girl, Liana Pirraglia was always considered the "underdog."

"In the third grade, I was ambitious and open to trying new things," Pirraglia told PEOPLE in 2021. "I was so excited for the opportunity to be featured on Toddlers & Tiaras, I wanted to participate right away. It was cringey to be portrayed as the underdog of the pageant. I am always a winner in my own way."

"I am the same ambitious person that I was back then," she continued. "I am hard-working, dedicated, confident, and resilient. Through the years I've enjoyed improving my abilities as an actress, singer, dancer, and model. It is something that I plan to continue doing forever. I always strive for the best!"

At the time, Pirraglia said that her goal was to become a star, adding, "I would love to also be on Broadway, in a sitcom, and in TV series. In addition to my acting career, I want to share music with the world that people can connect with and enjoy."

Pirraglia attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan. She has starred in some short films and made her feature debut in the 2021 movie Lock Down Love was a 2022 Hooters International Calendar Girl and

Madison Berg
Berg was known by her pageant stage name, "Tootie" — and you might also remember her high-pitched voice. "I cringe when I hear my voice from when I was on Toddlers & Tiaras," she admitted to PEOPLE in 2021.

At the time, Berg told PEOPLE that her biggest focus was on her happiness. "My biggest dream in life is to be genuinely happy and to enjoy what I do every single day," she told PEOPLE.

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