On September 7, 2025, the grandeur and tradition of the Miss America pageant culminated in Orlando, Florida, at the Walt Disney Theater within the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Cassie Donegan, representing New York, emerged victorious, becoming the 98th Miss America .
Cassie Donegan, 27, continued New York’s legacy by becoming the eighth woman from the state to claim the title .
She succeeds Abbie Stockard of Alabama, Miss America 2025, who officially passed the crown .
Scholarship Award: Donegan received a $50,000 tuition scholarship, part of an overall total of $70,000 awarded through the Miss America program .
Talent & Message: Her captivating vocal performance—particularly her rendition of “A Darker Shade of Blue” from Some Like It Hot—secured her the preliminary talent award and played a decisive role in her win .
Empowerment Through Authenticity: In her on-stage Q&A segment, Donegan delivered a powerful message advocating for personal expression:
> “I believe that being true to yourself … if that includes your self-expression through piercings or tattoos, then 100 percent do it.” She also embraced her unique style with humor, calling it “grandma chic” .
Cassie Donegan brings a strong background in both the arts and entrepreneurship:
Arts Education & Performance: A seasoned performer, she’s a member of Actors’ Equity Association and has focused extensively on youth theatre and arts education advocacy .
Business Leadership: She serves as COO of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare company she helped expand across multiple states, emphasizing flexible work for women .
Brand Ambassador Role: As Miss America 2026, Donegan will serve as a national ambassador, promoting arts education, scholarship, and community service initiatives across the country .
Competition Structure: The final was preceded by preliminary rounds including talent, evening gown, fitness, and interviews—reflecting the Miss America scoring breakdown of interview (30%), fitness (20%), talent (20%), evening gown (20%), and on-stage question (10%) .
Viewership Challenges: Despite the win, the pageant faced backlash due to scheduling conflicts (clashing with NFL Sunday and the VMAs) and a lack of traditional television broadcast, which many viewers criticized as “poor planning” and likened the streaming experience to low-quality footage .
Cassie Donegan’s coronation as Miss America 2026 embodies the intersection of tradition, talent, and modern ideals. From her artistic prowess to her business acumen and advocacy for authenticity, she exemplifies the evolving role of Miss America—not merely as a pageant title, but as a platform for empowerment, scholarship, and service.
