Cassie Donegan Crowned Miss America 2026
Cassie Donegan, the reigning Miss New York 2025, was crowned Miss America 2026 on Sunday night at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida. The event marked a significant milestone for Donegan, who is not only an actress and singer but also serves as the chief operations officer at Southern Sitters, a childcare booking company. She holds a bachelor’s degree in musical theater from Belmont University in Nashville and has attended AMES Christian University.
As the new Miss America, Donegan will receive $50,000 in scholarship money and embark on a yearlong reign. Her journey to the crown included a powerful performance of “A Darker Shade of Blue” from the musical “Some Like It Hot” during the talent portion of the finals. She also showcased her versatility by answering on-stage questions, walking the runway in an evening gown, and strutting in fitness clothes.
Donegan’s community service initiative, Promoting Arts Education In Our School Systems, reflects her commitment to making a difference beyond the pageant stage. Her win was celebrated with a glittering crown, a bouquet of roses, and a flurry of confetti, as she received hugs from fellow contestants and took her first walk as Miss America 2026.
Abbie Stockard’s Farewell
Abbie Stockard, the outgoing Miss America 2025 from Alabama, crowned her successor at the finals. A Birmingham native, Stockard made a memorable appearance at the ceremony, performing a contemporary dance routine to Celine Dion’s “Flying on My Own.” She also took her final walk as the national titleholder, reflecting on her year of service.
“Tonight, I leave this stage honored, grateful, and still in awe that it all really happened,” Stockard said in a voice-over. “I will forever hold close the people, places and moments that made this year the most meaningful one yet. Thank you, America, for letting me serve you, for trusting me with this title, for embracing me as I am, and for giving me the opportunity of loving you in return.”
The finals were streamed on the Miss America YouTube channel and PageantVision.com, allowing a wide audience to witness the historic event.
Top Five Finalists and Their Achievements
The top five finalists for Miss America 2026 were:
- Miss New York 2025, Cassie Donegan (winner)
- Miss Texas 2025, Sadie Schiermeyer (first runner-up)
- Miss Florida 2025, Paris Richardson (second runner-up)
- Miss Georgia 2025, Audrey Kittila (third runner-up)
- Miss Alabama 2025, Emma Terry (fourth runner-up)
Each runner-up received between $5,000 and $10,000 in scholarship money. Emma Terry, who placed fourth, also won the Miss America Quality of Life Award, earning an additional $5,000. This award recognizes outstanding community service and the ability to make a lasting impact.
Terry’s community service initiative, Stomping Out ALS One Step at a Time, stems from her personal experience caring for her grandfather with ALS. She is determined to raise awareness and support research for the neurodegenerative disease.
Other Notable Contestants
Emma Terry was among the top 11 semi-finalists, which included:
- Miss Alabama 2025, Emma Terry
- Miss Florida 2025, Paris Richardson
- Miss Texas 2025, Sadie Schiermeyer
- Miss Arkansas 2025, Kennedy Holland
- Miss Tennessee 2025, Zoe Scheiderich
- Miss Georgia 2025, Audrey Kittila
- Miss Maryland 2025, Maria Derisavi
- Miss New York 2025, Cassie Donegan
- Miss Mississippi 2025, Anna Leah Jolly
- Miss Kentucky 2025, Ariana Rodriguez
- Miss Illinois 2025, Nitsaniyah Fitch
During the announcement of the top 11, pageant host Billy Gilman gave a special shoutout to Alabama, highlighting its “sweet tea and Roll Tide pride.”
Additional Highlights
A total of 52 women competed in the Miss America finals, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Another contestant with ties to Alabama was Lydia Fisher, who competed as Miss Iowa 2025. Fisher is a graduate of the University of Alabama and had previously competed as a Miss Alabama contestant in 2022 and 2023.
The finals were hosted by model and actress Nikki Novak alongside Billy Gilman, a country singer and 2016 finalist on “The Voice.” The judging panel included notable figures such as Mayan Lopez, Frank Kelleher, Frederick Anderson, Jen Hale, Tawny Godin Welch, and Nick Nanton.
A Busy Week for Miss America
The past week has been busy for the Miss America organization. On Saturday, the Miss America’s Teen, a sister pageant, announced its 2026 winner at the same venue. Tess Ferm, who competed as Miss South Carolina’s Teen, was crowned the winner.
