The Miss America 2026 pageant, held on September 7, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, was a dazzling showcase of talent, poise, and purpose. With 52 delegates representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the competition was fierce, culminating in the crowning of Miss New York, Cassie Donegan, as Miss America 2026. Here’s a look at the top 10 finalists who captivated audiences with their grace, skills, and commitment to community service.
1. Cassie Donegan (Miss New York) – Miss America 2026
Cassie Donegan, a 27-year-old Virginia native representing New York, took home the crown and a $50,000 scholarship. Her vocal performance of “A Darker Shade of Blue” from the musical Some Like It Hot earned her a talent award, and her community service initiative, “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems,” resonated with judges and audiences alike. Donegan, an accomplished singer and actress, will serve as a global ambassador for the Miss America Opportunity, championing creativity and education.
2. Sadie Schiermeyer (Miss Texas) – First Runner-Up
Sadie Schiermeyer, Miss Texas 2025, secured the first runner-up position with a $10,000 scholarship. Her strong presence across the private interview, fitness, talent, and evening gown categories showcased her versatility and leadership. Schiermeyer’s performance highlighted her dedication to representing Texas with pride.
3. Paris Richardson (Miss Florida) – Second Runner-Up
Jacksonville native Paris Richardson, Miss Florida 2025, earned second runner-up and an $8,000 scholarship, along with a $3,000 Rebel Preliminary Fitness Award. Her initiative, C.R.O.W.N. of Health, focuses on advancing education, wellness, and health equity. Richardson’s poise and passion made her a standout, amplifying her voice for community service.
4. Audrey Kittila (Miss Georgia) – Third Runner-Up
Miss Georgia 2025, Audrey Kittila, claimed third runner-up with a $6,000 scholarship. Her performance across the competition’s five categories—private interview (30%), fitness (20%), talent (20%), evening gown (20%), and on-stage question (10%)—demonstrated her confidence and composure. Kittila’s grace on stage left a lasting impression.
5. Emma Terry (Miss Alabama) – Fourth Runner-Up
Emma Terry, Miss Alabama 2025, shone brightly, earning fourth runner-up and a $5,000 scholarship, plus another $5,000 for placing third in the Quality of Life Award for her initiative, “Stomping Out ALS One Step at a Time.” Her ballet en pointe performance to “What a Feeling” from Flashdance showcased her talent and dedication.
6. Kennedy Holland (Miss Arkansas) – Top 11 Semi-Finalist
Kennedy Holland, a University of Central Arkansas student, made the top 11 with a standout vocal performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” earning top honors in the preliminary talent competition. Her response during the on-stage question about arts education funding underscored her commitment to the arts.
7. Anna Leah Jolly (Miss Mississippi) – Top 11 Semi-Finalist
Anna Leah Jolly, a 23-year-old Ukrainian-born dance studio owner, placed in the top 11. Adopted at age 12, Jolly’s journey from an orphanage to the Miss America stage was inspiring. Her dance performance and community service initiative highlighted her resilience and passion.
8. Zoe Scheiderich (Miss Tennessee) – Top 11 Semi-Finalist
Zoe Scheiderich, Miss Tennessee 2025, earned a spot in the top 11 and a $3,000 scholarship. Her performance reflected the strength of Southern representation in the pageant, showcasing her talent and dedication to community impact.
9. Gabrielle Gramont (Miss Colorado) – Top 11 Semi-Finalist
Gabrielle Gramont, Miss Colorado 2025, also made the top 11, earning a $3,000 scholarship. Her performance in the preliminary rounds, particularly in fitness and talent, highlighted her commitment to health and wellness.
10. Maria Derisavi (Miss Maryland) – Top 11 Semi-Finalist
Maria Derisavi, Miss Maryland 2025, rounded out the top 11. Her participation in the evening gown, fitness, and talent segments showcased her poise and ability to represent the Miss America brand with elegance.
A Celebration of Empowerment
The Miss America 2026 competition, hosted by Nikki Novak and Billy Gilman, was a testament to the organization’s mission of “Empowering Women to Lead.” With over $5 million in tuition scholarships awarded annually, the pageant continues to support young women’s personal and professional growth. The top 10 finalists exemplified the four pillars of Miss America: Style, Service, Scholarship, and Success. Fans can relive the excitement by streaming the replay on PageantVision.com or the official Miss America YouTube channel.
Congratulations to Cassie Donegan and all the remarkable women who shone on the Miss America 2026 stage!
