Cassie Donegan Crowned Miss America 2026

Cassie Donegan of New York claimed the Miss America 2026 title on Sunday, September 7, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, succeeding Abbie Stockard after a two-night competition.

Nut Graf: The 27-year-old singer and actress outperformed 51 delegates, earning a $50,000 scholarship and national ambassadorship. Her victory underscores the organization’s commitment to talent, service and scholarship at a marquee event for women’s empowerment.

Pageant Highlights

• Venue: Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Orlando, Florida
• Competition rounds: Private interview, on-stage question, talent, fitness and evening gown
• Talent award: Shared preliminary talent win with Kennedy Holland (Arkansas) and Jordyn Bristol (Utah)

Runners-Up and Scholarships

• 1st Runner-Up: Sadie Schiermeyer (Texas)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Paris Richardson (Florida)
• 3rd Runner-Up: Audrey Kittila (Georgia)
• 4th Runner-Up: Emma Terry (Alabama)

Top 11 Finalists

Kennedy Holland (Arkansas), Zoe Scheiderich (Tennessee), Maria Derisavi (Maryland), Anna Leah Jolly (Mississippi), Ariana Rodriguez (Kentucky), Nitsaniyah Fitch (Illinois)

What’s Next

As Miss America 2026, Donegan will embark on a year-long reign promoting arts education and community service, traveling nationwide as the official ambassador of the Miss America Organization.