Miss America 2026 is Cassie Donegan of New York


Miss New York, Cassandra Donegan, was crowned Miss America 2026 on Sunday, September 7 at the Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida.

The 27-year-old talented singer and actress bested 51 other contestants to win the coveted national title. She succeeds Abbie Stockard of Alabama.

Sadie Schiermeyer of Texas was named first runner-up while Paris Richardson of Florida, Audrey Kittila of Georgia, and Emma Terry of Alabama were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively.

Completing the Top 11 were Kennedy Holland of Arkansas, Zoe Scheiderich of Tennessee, Maria Derisavi of Maryland, Anna Leah Jolly of Mississippi, Ariana Rodriguez of Kentucky, and Nitsaniyah Fitch of Illinois.

The new Miss America was born and raised Virginia and moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Belmont University to pursue her bachelor's degree in musical theater. She is currently working for childcare booking company in New York City.

Apart from the crown, she was also awarded as one of the three winners of the preliminary talent competition alongside Kennedy Holland of Arkansas and Jordyn Bristol of Utah.

Cassie will take home a scholarship worth $50,000 for her prize and begin a year-long reign as an ambassador for the Miss America organization.

Photos: Houston M Photography / Miss America

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