Abbie Stockard, Nursing Student from Alabama, Wins Miss America 2025

The Miss America crown has a new home. On Sunday, January 5, Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student and cheerleader from Auburn University, was crowned Miss America 2025. Stockard, who was previously named Miss Alabama, stood out among 51 other contestants during the pageant held in Orlando, Florida.

Her win marks a significant achievement not only for her but also for the state of Alabama, as she brought charm, talent, and determination to the stage.

A Fierce Competition

The Miss America pageant, which began over a century ago, brought together representatives from every U.S. state, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Stockard triumphed over fierce competitors, including runner-up Annette Addo-Yobo, Miss Texas, who made history as the first foreign-born winner of the Miss Texas title. Rounding out the top five were contestants from Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio.

The event began with all contestants dazzling in gold mini-dresses and black sashes before the field was narrowed to 11 finalists. Over the evening, the finalists competed in a series of segments, including fitness, talent, eveningwear, and interview rounds. Judges included notable figures such as former Olympic athlete Carl Lewis and Netflix’s Cheer star Gabi Butler.

A Night of Talent and Elegance

Talent performances were a highlight of the night, showcasing the diverse skills of the contestants. Miss Texas performed powerful slam poetry, Miss Oklahoma impressed with her clogging routine, and Miss Wisconsin captivated the audience with a jazz dance to Lesley Gore’s hit You Don’t Own Me.

Stockard wowed the judges with a contemporary dance performance to a song by Christian artist Lauren Daigle. Later, she graced the stage in a backless, glittering silver and white gown during the eveningwear segment, earning admiration for her poise and elegance.

In the fitness portion, which replaced the swimwear competition in 2023, contestants wore coordinated red-and-gold athleisure outfits, a modern twist on the traditional pageant format.

Answering the Big Questions

The interview round added depth to the competition, with contestants tackling thought-provoking questions on current issues. When asked about unemployment, Stockard spoke about the importance of addressing the declining labor force participation rate among 25-to-54-year-olds following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I believe we need to encourage those (people) to join the workforce, adapt to new skills and learn to grow in our current workforce and industries we have today,” she said.

Runner-up Addo-Yobo shared her personal story while answering a question about immigration. She described her journey to U.S. citizenship just two years ago, recalling how her parents arrived in the country with “two suitcases, a few hundred dollars, and a little girl, which was me, in a fur coat.” Her heartfelt answer left a lasting impression on the audience.

A Story of Inspiration

In a video aired during the pageant, Stockard shared her personal inspirations, including her mother, who worked multiple jobs, and her best friend, who lives with cystic fibrosis. Stockard’s platform throughout the competition has been focused on raising funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis research, a cause close to her heart.

Following her victory, Stockard expressed her disbelief and gratitude in a video posted to Miss America’s official Instagram account. “This is insane. I don’t know what I did to deserve this,” she said, beaming with excitement.

The Legacy of Miss America

Founded in 1921, Miss America has a rich history of celebrating talent, beauty, and intellect. However, the pageant has undergone significant changes in recent years. The swimwear portion was replaced with a fitness round, and the maximum age for contestants was raised to 28.

While Miss America remains a beloved tradition, its viewership has declined over the years. Once a major televised event on networks like NBC and ABC, it is now streamed on pageant-specific platforms.

Last year, the title was awarded to Madison Marsh, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Marsh made history as the first active-duty military member to win Miss America and used her platform to challenge stereotypes about women in both pageants and the military.

Looking to the Future

As the new Miss America, Abbie Stockard takes on the role of ambassador for the Miss America Organization, earning a $50,000 scholarship to support her education. Stockard’s win is a testament to her talent, dedication, and ability to inspire others.

Beyond the competition, the Miss America pageant continues to evolve, reflecting modern values while maintaining its legacy of empowering women. With Stockard now at the helm, the organization is poised for another year of positive impact and inspiration.

For now, Stockard’s victory is a moment of celebration not only for her but also for everyone who believes in the power of determination and grace to make a difference.