A new Miss America has been crowned. Abbie Stockard, representing Alabama, was named Miss America after winning the title of Miss Alabama in 2024. The 22-year-old nursing student, who is an undergraduate and cheerleader at Auburn University in Alabama, achieved this feat at the annual event held in Orlando, Florida, where she prevailed over 51 other state representatives from the US.
In a video shared on Miss America’s official Instagram page, Stockard appeared visibly stunned as she was declared the winner. Dressed in a stunning silver and white gown, she expressed her surprise as the runner-up, Annette Addo-Yobo of Texas, embraced her. The excitement of Stockard’s victory was captured in a series of Instagram Stories posts, where she can be seen exclaiming, “This is insane. I don’t know what I did to deserve this. Holy Moly. I’m so excited, I’m so grateful.”
Following her win, Stockard, who also received a $50,000 tuition scholarship, was seen becoming emotional while holding onto her bouquet of flowers and wearing her crown. According to CNN, the runner-up positions were secured by representatives from Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio.
The competition featured various rounds, including choreographed dances, live segments, and a fitness section with participants donning red and gold activewear. Subsequent segments comprised talent displays, eveningwear showcases, and interview sessions. The talent round highlighted slam poetry by Miss Texas, a jazz dance routine by Miss Wisconsin, and a contemporary dance performance by Stockard.
During the competition, Stockard addressed the issue of declining labor force participation among 25 to 54-year-olds post the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized the importance of encouraging individuals to join the workforce, acquire new skills, and adapt to the changing demands of current industries.
With her victory, Stockard will succeed the 2024 Miss America, Madison Marsh, and commence her 12-month tenure as a Miss America advocate. This role will afford her the opportunity to travel internationally and represent the Miss America organization.
In anticipation of the final competition, Stockard shared her reflections on the journey leading up to the event on her Instagram account. She expressed her excitement, honor, and gratitude as she prepared to compete for the coveted title of Miss America.
This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for Abbie Stockard, the newly crowned Miss America 2025, as she embarks on her responsibilities as an ambassador for the prestigious Miss America pageant.
