MISS New York Cassie Donegan has been crowned Miss America 2026 after her show-stopping performance at the pageant finals.
Donegan, 27, is walking away from Sunday’s victory with $70,000 in scholarship money to help her get her master’s degree.
Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan[/caption]
The Virginia native, a musical theater star, sang A Darker Shade of Blue from the musical Some Like It Hot in the talent portion of the competition at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida.
Just a few hours later, she sobbed as Miss America 2025, Alabama’s Abbie Stockard, crowned her the winner of the iconic pageant.
Donegan received a glittering crown as confetti flew on the stage at the annual event, which sparked backlash after it didn’t air on TV this year.
On top of the crown, sash, and title, Donegan will claim her massive tuition scholarship of more than $70,000, the Miss America Organization said in a press release.
The amount is a step up from the $50,000 awarded in previous years. Miss America didn’t immediately return The U.S. Sun’s request for clarification on the prize.
Miss America stands out from other beauty pageants because it’s known as a scholarship competition and operates largely as a nonprofit organization.
“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Donegan shared after her win.
“I am honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead—and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to bring that mission to life.”
Donegan beat out first runner-up Sadie Schiermeyer, Miss Texas 2025, for the reigning title.
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