Abbie Stockard Crowned Miss America 2023
ORLANDO — The highly anticipated Miss America pageant crowned its new queen, Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student and cheerleader from Auburn University. Stockard, who was previously named Miss Alabama, beat out 51 other contestants to claim the coveted title at the annual event held in Orlando, Florida.
Competing against representatives from every US state, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, Stockard emerged victorious in a dazzling display of talent, beauty, and intelligence. Annette Addo-Yobo, the first foreign-born delegate to win Miss Texas, was named the runner-up, with top five placements also going to delegates from Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio.
The pageant kicked off with contestants showcasing their glamour in gold mini dresses and black sashes before being narrowed down to the final 11 based on preliminary events earlier in the week. The finalists then took the stage for various competitions, including a fitness segment that replaced the traditional swimwear round.
Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to choreographed dance performances, live judging segments featuring former Olympic athlete Carl Lewis and cheerleader Gabi Butler, and impressive talent displays ranging from slam poetry to clogging. Stockard wowed the crowd with a contemporary dance routine and a thoughtful response to a question about unemployment.
In a touching moment during the pageant, Stockard shared her inspiration from her hardworking mother and best friend who battles cystic fibrosis. Her charity initiative for the pageant raised funds for cystic fibrosis research, showcasing her commitment to making a difference.
As the new Miss America, Stockard expressed her gratitude and disbelief at her victory, stating, “This is insane. I don’t know what I did to deserve this.” This milestone moment marks a new chapter in the history of the iconic pageant, which has evolved over the years to embrace diversity and empowerment.
Miss America also crowned its teen winner, Peyton Bolling of Arkansas, in a separate competition on Saturday night. With recent changes to age eligibility criteria and ongoing controversies within the pageant world, Miss America continues to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of beauty pageants.
Despite challenges and controversies, Miss America remains a symbol of grace, talent, and empowerment for women across the nation. As Abbie Stockard begins her reign, she carries the legacy of past queens while paving the way for a new generation of empowered women to shine on the Miss America stage.
