The nation has finally found its newest Miss America! On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Donegan from New York was crowned with the acclaimed Miss America title. After a show-stopping performance at the Walt Disney Theatre in Orlando, Florida, the 28-year-old performer became the eighth Miss New York to win the crown, dazzling audiences with her powerful vocals and heartfelt presence.
Donegan was crowned the newest Miss America by last year’s winner, Abbie Stockard of Alabama. But wait, there’s more! Cassie didn’t just walk away with a sparkling tiara and sash – she also bagged a life-changing prize from the Miss America Program, which she plans to use for her undergraduate education and master’s degree.
So, who is this New Yorker beauty who captivated judges, audiences, and fellow participants with her charm? Here’s everything to know about the new Miss America.
Who is Cassie Donegan?
Cassandra Donegan (born September 5, 1997) originally hails from Smithfield, Virginia, a small town known more for its ham than pageant queens. Ever since her big win, locals have been celebrating her, with the town’s Facebook page cheering:
“Guess where the 2026 Miss America is originally from? Congrats to Cassie Donegan for making Smithfield proud!”
As per the ‘About Me’ section on her official website, Cassie describes herself as a ‘typical southern girl’ who grew up singing in the choir of her local church. According to the Smithfield Times, the 27-year-old spent much of her teen years performing in musicals at the Smithfield Little Theatre, after beginning her professional journey in regional theatre at just nine years old.
For Cassie, the Smithfield Little Theatre truly became a second home. Over the years, she took on standout roles, including ‘Peter Pan’ at age 12, ‘Penny Pingleton’ in Hairspray at 15, and the iconic ‘Wednesday Addams’ in a production of The Addams Family at 17.
Donegan later moved to Nashville for higher studies, where she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in musical theatre at Belmont University. Post-college, she toured the country performing in notable musicals such as Grease, Waitress, and Legally Blonde. Hungry for bigger opportunities, Cassie eventually relocated to New York City.
Cassie’s journey to the national stage
Cassie Donegan’s formal journey into beauty pageantry, particularly as the future Miss America, began as Miss Five Boroughs (a regional title in the Miss New York system). Her blend of theatrical allure and advocacy for arts education quickly set her apart. In July 2025, the Virginia-based actress secured the Miss New York title, competing against contestants aged between 18 and 28 years.
Her winning moment
After two nights of competition that featured 52 delegates from across the U.S., D.C., and Puerto Rico, Donegan was crowned Miss America 2026. But what was the exact moment that the nation knew it had found its next winner?
Cassie’s years of musical journey finally paid off in the best way possible. Her rendition of A Darker Shade of Blue from the Some Like It Hot musical in the talent portion of the competition left the judges and her fellow delegates stunned. This was the ultimate winning moment that made her stand out; her stunning vocals even earned her an extra USD 3,000 scholarship, according to The U.S. Sun.
Cassie Donegan becomes the 98th Miss America
On the final night of the competition, Cassie outshone the 52 contestants to secure the iconic Miss America title. She was followed by Miss Texas, Sadie Schiermeyer, who became the first runner-up, and Miss Florida, Paris Richardson, as the second runner-up.
As her successor, Abbie Stockard, put the encrusted crown on the new Miss America, Donegan could not control her tears. Her emotional reactions while receiving her crown, sash, and title as confetti rained down on Miss America 2026 have since gone viral on social media. Post-win, Donegan said in a statement:
“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality. I am honoured to represent an organisation that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead—and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to bring that mission to life.”
In addition to the prestigious title, Donegan earned scholarships worth more than USD 70,000, which she plans to use for her undergraduate and postgraduate education.
What’s next for Donegan?
All the glitters and glam aside, Cassandra will play a vital role in arts education as Miss America 2026. She will serve as the national ambassador for ‘Miss America Opportunity’, a year-round programme of ‘Style, Service, Scholarship and Success’, the four pillars of Miss America and Miss America’s Teen crown. She will travel worldwide to advocate for arts education, scholarship, and service.
As the COO of Southern Sitter LLC, a woman-led childcare company, and a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association, Donegan is particularly interested in her community service initiative, Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems.
With her crown in place and her platform ahead, Cassy Donegan is ready to inspire the next generation of pageantry aspirants and small-town girls who dare to dream big, just as she did!
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