Nursing student Abbie Stockard, 22, crowned Miss America

Nursing student Abbie Stockard has been crowned the new Miss America. Abbie was crowned Miss Alabama last June.

Stockard, 22, beat out 51 other contestants—one from each US state, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico—to win the annual pageant in Orlando, Florida. 

Annette Addo-Yobo, the first foreigner to win the Miss Texas title, placed second, with Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio rounding out the top five.

The pageant began with contestants taking the stage in sparkling gold minidresses and black sashes before they were quickly narrowed down to 11 finalists based on results from preliminary events held earlier in the year. 

Throughout the evening, finalists vying for the crown—and a $50,000 prize—competed in a variety of challenges. The event included a fitness segment, which replaced swimsuits in 2023, with contestants wearing red and gold athleisure-style two-pieces, as well as talent, evening gown, and interview rounds.