Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student and cheerleader from Auburn University, has been crowned Miss America 2025. The event took place on Sunday in Orlando, Florida, where Stockard emerged victorious over 51 contestants representing every U.S. state, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Annette Addo-Yobo, the first foreign-born Miss Texas, secured the runner-up position. Contestants from Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio rounded out the top five in a dazzling evening of competition.
An Evening of Elegance
The night began with contestants in shimmering gold mini dresses and black sashes. After preliminary events earlier in the week, the field was narrowed to 11 finalists. These women competed in live segments judged by notable figures, including Olympic legend Carl Lewis and Netflix's "Cheer" star Gabi Butler.
In a fitness portion introduced in 2023 to replace swimwear, contestants showcased red-and-gold athleisure outfits. The evening also featured talent, eveningwear, and interview rounds, where participants tackled significant topics like immigration, censorship, and unemployment.
Winning Moments
Stockard impressed judges with a contemporary dance performance set to a song by Christian artist Lauren Daigle. For the eveningwear segment, she donned a stunning silver and white backless gown. During her interview, Stockard addressed the declining workforce participation rate among adults aged 25-54. She emphasized the need to encourage reskilling and adaptation to modern industries.
Addo-Yobo, reflecting on her immigration journey, spoke about becoming a U.S. citizen and her parents' perseverance. "They came here with two suitcases, a few hundred dollars, and me, a little girl in a fur coat," she shared.
Inspiration and Legacy
Stockard attributed her motivation to her mother, who worked multiple jobs, and her best friend with cystic fibrosis. Her charity initiative raised funds for cystic fibrosis research, and her best friend was in attendance to celebrate her victory.
In a post-event video, Stockard expressed her disbelief and joy. "This is insane. I don't know what I did to deserve this," she said.
The Evolution of Miss America
Miss America, founded in 1921 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has evolved over the years. Once a staple on major networks like NBC and ABC, its viewership has declined, and it now streams on pageant-specific platforms.
Last year's titleholder, Madison Marsh, broke barriers as the first active-duty military member to win. She served as an ambassador for the Miss America Organization, championing women's empowerment before passing the torch to Stockard.
Expanding Opportunities
The pageant also hosted a teen competition, where Peyton Bolling of Arkansas was crowned Miss America Teen 2024. Teen contestants range from 14 to 18 years old, while the Miss America age limit was extended to 28 in 2023.
Other pageants, like Miss Universe, have gone further by removing age restrictions, allowing participants as old as 80 to compete. This shift reflects the growing inclusivity in pageantry.
Challenges and Controversies
Miss America faces ongoing challenges. In September, a New York mother filed a lawsuit challenging rules disqualifying mothers from competing. Additionally, the organization is embroiled in an ownership dispute between Robin Fleming and Glenn Straub, adding to the complexities of its future.
Despite these hurdles, Miss America remains a platform for empowerment and change. Abbie Stockard's victory highlights the blend of talent, intellect, and compassion that continues to define the iconic competition.
