NEED TO KNOW
- Miss America topped its 2026 winner, 27-year-old contestant Cassie Donegan, who received the state title in New York
- The winner succeeds Miss America 2025, Alabama’s Abbie Stockard, who was on stage to crown Donegan on Sunday, Sept. 7
- Donegan, who additionally took house a expertise award throughout the competitors weekend, will declare a $50,000 tuition scholarship as a part of her victory prize
Miss America has topped its new winner!
On Sunday, Sept. 7, the storied group hosted its nationwide pageant at Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Fla., and topped Cassie Donegan, 27, who represented New York after successful the state pageant this previous July. Along with the crown, sash and title, she’s going to declare a $50,000 tuition scholarship as a part of her victory prize.
Between preliminary rounds and the finals, the competitors befell over the course of two days this previous weekend. Donegan beat over 52 girls representing all 50 states, together with first runner-up, Miss Texas Sadie Schiermeyer, and second runner-up, Miss Florida Paris Richardson. Donegan was topped by the earlier winner, Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard from Alabama.
Throughout one of many final rounds of the pageant, when every remaining contestant is requested to reply a rapid-fire query on stage, Donegan mentioned “genuine self-expressions” as they relate to “skilled requirements.”
“I consider that being true to your self 100% is crucial factor that you are able to do, and if that features your self-expression by way of piercings or tattoos, then 100% do it,” the winner defined. “I believe that nobody has the precise to let you know what you are able to do with your individual physique. That is your vessel, and you need to be capable to stroll round proudly in it.”
Because the topped cheered her on, Donegan continued to consult with her personal ship of favor: “I, myself, stroll round in what my siblings like to name ‘grandma stylish,’ and I believe that is nice,” she mentioned with a vibrant smile.
Donegan is an completed singer, and she or he additionally took house an award for her vocal presents after the Miss America 2026 Expertise Competitors.