New Miss America Crowned: A Nursing Student from Alabama
Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student at Auburn University and a cheerleader, has been named the new Miss America. Representing Alabama, she was crowned on Sunday during the annual pageant held in Orlando, Florida. This marks a significant achievement for Stockard, who had previously won the title of Miss Alabama in June, just before her senior year.
The competition brought together 52 contestants, one from each U.S. state, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Stockard emerged victorious over a field of talented competitors, with Annette Addo-Yobo, the first foreign-born delegate to win Miss Texas, finishing as the runner-up. Representatives from Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio completed the top five.
The event began with contestants taking the stage in glittering gold mini dresses and black sashes. They were then narrowed down to 11 finalists based on preliminary events earlier in the week. The final round featured choreographed dance performances, talent segments, eveningwear presentations, and interviews. Former Olympic athlete Carl Lewis and cheerleader Gabi Butler from Netflix’s “Cheer” were among the judges.
A New Era for the Pageant
This year’s pageant introduced several changes that reflect evolving standards and values. The traditional swimwear segment was replaced by a fitness portion, where contestants paraded in red-and-gold athleisure two-pieces. This shift highlights a growing emphasis on health and athleticism over conventional beauty standards.
Talent performances showcased a diverse range of skills, including slam poetry by Miss Texas, clogging by Miss Oklahoma, and a jazz dance routine to Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” by Miss Wisconsin. Stockard performed a contemporary dance to a song by Christian musician Lauren Daigle, followed by an elegant eveningwear look in a backless, glittering silver and white gown.
During the interview segment, contestants answered questions on topics such as housing, censorship, and the national debt. Stockard spoke about unemployment, addressing the declining labor force participation rate among 25-to-54-year-olds post-pandemic. She emphasized the importance of encouraging people to re-enter the workforce and adapt to new skills.
Annette Addo-Yobo, the runner-up, discussed her personal experiences with immigration, sharing how her parents arrived in the U.S. with limited resources and a young daughter. Her story resonated with many, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants.
A Legacy of Change and Growth
The Miss America pageant has undergone significant transformations over the years. Founded in 1921 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it once enjoyed widespread popularity as a televised event on major networks like NBC and ABC. However, its viewership declined over time, leading to its current availability primarily on pageant-specific streaming platforms.
Last year’s winner, Madison Marsh, made history as the first active-duty military member to win the title. She served as an ambassador for the Miss America Organization before passing on the torch to Stockard. Marsh’s victory broke stereotypes and inspired women across the globe.
The pageant also features a teen competition, with Peyton Bolling of Arkansas being crowned Miss America Teen. Contestants for this division must be between 14 and 18 years old, while the main Miss America competition is open to those aged 18 to 28. In 2023, the maximum age was increased from 25 to 28, reflecting a broader trend of relaxing eligibility criteria in recent years.
Other pageant organizations have taken even more progressive steps. The Miss Universe Organization eliminated its upper age limit last year, allowing older contestants to compete. This has led to notable participants such as 80-year-old Choi Soon-hwa and 71-year-old Marissa Teijo entering competitions.
Despite these positive developments, the Miss America Organization has faced challenges. A New York mother recently filed a lawsuit against the organization and Miss World Organization for their rules disqualifying mothers from participating. Additionally, the organization has been involved in an ongoing ownership dispute between business partners Robin Fleming and Glenn Straub.
A Vision for the Future
Stockard’s win represents a new chapter for the Miss America pageant. As a nursing student and advocate for cystic fibrosis research, she brings a unique perspective and dedication to her role. Her charity initiative raised funds for cystic fibrosis research, demonstrating her commitment to making a difference beyond the pageant stage.
In a video broadcast during the event, Stockard expressed her disbelief at winning, saying, “This is insane. I don’t know what I did to deserve this.” Her humble reaction reflects the excitement and gratitude of a young woman who has achieved a remarkable milestone.
As the pageant continues to evolve, it remains a platform for empowerment, advocacy, and opportunity. With new winners like Stockard, the future looks bright for the Miss America Organization and the women it represents.
