[ORLANDO, FL] September 4, 2025 — The Miss America Organization is proud to announce its esteemed panel of celebrity judges for the 2026 Miss America Competition, taking place Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida.
The judges will select the next Miss America—the 98th woman to wear the crown—from among 52 remarkable delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The newly crowned Miss America will receive a $50,000 scholarship and serve as a global ambassador for the Miss America Opportunity.
This year’s celebrity judges include:
- Mayan Lopez — Actress, Producer, Writer
- Frank Kelleher — President, Daytona International Speedway
- Frederick Anderson — Acclaimed International Fashion Designer
- Jen Hale — Emmy Award–Winning Multi-Sport Reporter, NFL Sideline Reporter
- Tawny Godin Welch — Emmy Award–Winning Journalist, Miss America 1976
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About Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. (MASF):
Miss America is the nation’s leading empowerment and service platform for young women, supporting their personal and professional growth while inspiring them to serve as positive role models in their communities. Since 1921, Miss America has been dedicated to its mission of
“Empowering Women to Lead,” engaging thousands of young women nationwide, ages 14-28, as local and state brand ambassadors committed to community service.
Through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3), the program awards the largest amount of scholarships to women in America.