Overview
- Regan Hutsell of Texas was crowned the 99th Miss America after the final night of competition in West Palm Beach, advancing through preliminary rounds and a Top 5 that included delegates from 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
- Hutsell received the $50,000 winner's scholarship and has earned nearly $90,000 in Miss America scholarships overall from preliminary and placement awards.
- She won preliminary talent and fitness awards for a jazz dance routine and used her professional dance background as a former Radio City Rockette and member of the Birmingham Royal Ballet in the competition.
- Hutsell's win is notable for representation: she is among the Black women who have held the title and is reported as the first woman of color to win Miss America while wearing her natural hair.
- The Miss America Organization highlights scholarships and service; Hutsell says she will spend her year promoting body positivity and mental and physical wellness through her platform, and her victory returns the national crown to Texas for the first time in over 50 years.