Cassie Donegan wins Miss America 2026 title

Miss New York 2025 Cassie Donegan was declared Miss America 2026 Sunday night on September, 07, 2025, at Orlando’s Walt Disney Theater.

The Virginia-born performer and childcare executive earned a $50,000 scholarship and will begin her yearlong reign immediately.

Donegan impressed judges with her musical theater performance and advocacy for arts education.

The competition featured 52 contestants representing all states and territories.

The top five finalists 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)

Miss Alabama 2025 Emma Terry who secured fourth runner-up position, received a $5,000 scholarship for her top-five finish while runner ups scholarship money package stands at $5,000 to $10,000 for each.

The Leeds native additionally won third place in the Quality of Life Award for her ALS advocacy, inspired by caring for her grandfather.

Terry performed an en pointe ballet routine to Flashdance during the talent competition.

Outgoing Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard of Alabama passed the crown after performing her final dance routine as title-holder.