Winning Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan delighted audiences with her captivating musical show that earned her a $50,000 award.
Cassie Donegan, a 28-year-old musical theater star from Virginia, has been crowned Miss America 2026. The annual event, known for its scholarship competition and non-profit status, saw Donegan receive a glittering crown and a $50,000 scholarship as part of her victory.
Donegan, who serves as the chief operations officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a woman-led childcare company, impressed the judges with her talent performance of A Darker Shade of Blue from Some Like It Hot. She also won a talent award of $3,000 during the preliminary competition.
The Miss America pageant saw several other semi-finalists this year. Zoe Scheiderich, Miss Tennessee 2025, and Anna Leah Jolly, Miss Mississippi 2025, were among those who made it to the final round. Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky 2025, and Kennedy Holland, Miss Arkansas 2025, also competed fiercely but did not make it to the final three.
The final three contestants were Sadie Schiermeyer, Miss Texas 2025, who was the first runner-up, Paris Richardson, Miss Florida 2025, who was the second runner-up, and Donegan, who took the crown. Emma Terry, Miss Alabama 2025, was the fourth runner-up, while Audrey Kittila, Miss Georgia 2025, was the third runner-up.
Interestingly, Donegan is the eighth Miss New York to win the Miss America crown. She follows in the footsteps of other notable Miss Americas, such as Bess Myerson, who was the first Jewish Miss America in 1945, and Vanessa Williams, who was the first African American Miss America in 1983.
As Miss America 2026, Donegan will use her platform to promote various causes and initiatives. She will also continue her undergraduate education at Belmont University, where her scholarship money has funded her studies.
In addition to her role at Southern Sitter LLC, Donegan also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Girls on the Run International. She is passionate about empowering young girls and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard, crowned Donegan the winner of the pageant, marking the end of a successful year for the organisation and the beginning of a new one for Donegan. As she takes on her new role, Donegan is poised to make a significant impact and inspire others with her talent, intelligence, and dedication.
Other semi-finalists included Maria Derisavi, Miss Maryland 2025, and Nitsaniyah Fitch, Miss Illinois 2025. Despite not making it to the final three, these contestants demonstrated their talent, grace, and commitment to the Miss America organisation and its mission.
The Miss America pageant continues to be a platform for women to showcase their talents, advocate for important causes, and pursue their dreams. With Donegan as Miss America 2026, the organisation is in good hands, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in the coming year.
