A 22-year-old Auburn University nursing student and cheerleader has taken home the title of Miss America, beating out 51 other hopefuls from across the US. Abbie Stockard’s victory marks a significant shift for the pageant, which has seen declining viewership in recent years.
Stockard, who was crowned on Sunday, will receive a $50,000 prize and is set to embark on a new role as an ambassador for the Miss America Organization. Her win comes after Madison Marsh made history as the first active-duty military member to claim the title last year.
The pageant featured a range of events, including choreographed dance performances, talent shows, and live interview rounds. Stockard performed a contemporary dance routine and showcased her eveningwear look in a stunning silver and white gown.
When asked about unemployment, Stockard spoke to the declining labor force participation rate among 25-54-year-olds following the Covid-19 pandemic. She emphasized the need for people to join the workforce, adapt to new skills, and learn to grow in their current industries.
Other contestants, including runner-up Annette Addo-Yobo from Texas, spoke to various topics such as immigration and censorship. The pageant also featured a fitness portion, which replaced swimwear in 2023, and saw contestants parade in red-and-gold athleisure wear.
The Miss America Organization has faced significant challenges in recent years, including declining viewership and a lawsuit over its rules disqualifying mothers from competitions. However, Stockard’s win marks a new chapter for the pageant, which is looking to revamp its image and attract a new generation of contestants.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/06/style/miss-america-abbie-stockard-intl-hnk/index.html