Cassie Donegan Crowned Miss America 2026

It was an unforgettable evening in Orlando as Cassie Donegan, Miss New York, was crowned Miss America 2026. With powerhouse vocals, grace under pressure, and inspiring words about women’s empowerment, Cassie stood out on the national stage and earned the $50,000 Miss America scholarship award.

A Night to Remember

The show was hosted by country music star Billy Gilman and TV personality Nikki Novak. From Billy’s moving performances to Nikki’s polished presence, the duo kept the energy high as 52 delegates competed for the crown.

The judging panel brought star power and expertise, including actress and writer Mayan Lopez, Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher, fashion designer Frederick Anderson, Emmy Award–winning sports reporter Jen Hale, and Miss America 1976 Tawny Godin Welch.

Miss America’s Teen 2026, Tess Ferm, opened the evening with a beautiful performance of the national anthem, setting the tone for an inspiring competition.

Highlights from the Competition

The preliminary competitions earlier in the week awarded $3,000 scholarships in talent, evening gown, and fitness. Notable winners included Cassie Donegan of New York, Kennedy Holland of Arkansas, Jordyn Bristol of Utah, Nitsaniyah Fitch of Illinois, Maria Derisavi of Maryland, and Katie Wadman of the District of Columbia. Rebel Athletic also presented preliminary fitness awards to Zoe Scheiderich of Tennessee, Gabrielle Gramont of Colorado, and Paris Richardson of Florida.

During the live broadcast, viewers saw each phase of competition:

• Fitness: Delegates modeled sparkling custom Rebel Athletic looks in a high-energy showcase. The finalists displayed personality, confidence, and stage presence as they brought fitness to life in a fast-paced runway format.

• Talent: From vocals to ballet en pointe, violin, and even a personal storytelling performance, talent was a true highlight of the evening. Cassie Donegan impressed with her vocal performance, while other standouts included Kennedy Holland of Arkansas and Maria Derisavi of Maryland.

• On-Stage Question: Delegates answered thought-provoking questions based on real “man on the street” interviews filmed in New York City. Cassie spoke passionately about gender equality, saying, “We can literally be anything we want to be.”

• Evening Gown: Each finalist shared her personal statement while walking the stage in breathtaking gowns. Cassie appeared in a sleek white one-shoulder gown, pairing elegance with confidence in her message about believing in yourself.

Scholarships and Awards

The Miss America Opportunity celebrated more than just the crown. Robin Fleming, CEO of Miss America, welcomed Leman Porter, President of Frontline Insurance, to the stage. The Porter family made a generous donation ensuring that every non-finalist received a $3,000 scholarship.

Additional honors included:

• Miss America Scholarship Foundation & Go Red for Women Leadership Award: South Carolina’s Sarah Kay Wrenn ($3,300)

• Quality of Life Community Service Awards:

  • 3rd Place: Alabama’s Emma Terry ($5,000)

  • 2nd Place: South Carolina’s Sarah Kay Wrenn ($7,500)

  • 1st Place: Florida’s Paris Richardson ($10,000)

The Final Results

After narrowing the field from the Top 11 to the Top 5, the competition came down to:

• 4th Runner-Up: Emma Terry, Alabama ($5,000)

• 3rd Runner-Up: Audrey Kittila, Georgia ($6,000)

• 2nd Runner-Up: Paris Richardson, Florida ($8,000)

• 1st Runner-Up: Sadie Schiermeyer, Texas ($10,000)

• Miss America 2026: Cassie Donegan, New York ($50,000)

A New Chapter Begins

Cassie Donegan now begins her year as Miss America 2026, serving as a national ambassador and advocate while pursuing her dreams. Her win continues the legacy of Miss America as the nation’s leading provider of scholarships for women, celebrating intelligence, leadership, and talent.

As the spotlight shines on Cassie, she steps forward ready to inspire a generation with her voice, her vision, and her message that women can write their own stories.