June 27, 2026 — Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan spent the past week traveling coast to coast in celebration of the Miss America Class of 2027, joining state organizations to recognize the remarkable young women making a difference in communities across the country. In just ten days, Cassie visited Tennessee, Arizona, Virginia, and New York, participating in competition events, community appearances, and performances that showcased the heart of the Miss America Opportunity.
Her journey began in Nashville, Tennessee, where she returned to familiar grounds at Belmont University for an unforgettable week with the Miss Tennessee Organization. Cassie participated in numerous events, including crowning the Tennessee Tri-Stars, attending the Tri-Star Tea Party, and performing and speaking at the Miss Tennessee Changes Lives Gala. During preliminary competition, she captivated audiences with performances of “I Who Have Nothing” and her Miss America-winning talent, “A Darker Shade of Blue.” She also headlined “Back to Belmont: Stories and Songs with Miss America,” accompanied by her longtime vocal coach, professional performer Jo-Lynn Burks. The special performance featured memorable duets with Miss America 1987 Kellye Cash and Miss Virginia 1997 Kelli Quick.
From there, Cassie traveled west to Arizona, where she appeared at the Miss Arizona VIP Gala, met contestants and supporters, signed autographs, and performed for attendees. She also spent time with the Arizona Sweethearts, sharing stories from her year as Miss America, answering questions about the job, and performing her signature talent.
Next, Cassie made her way to Roanoke, Virginia, for the Miss Virginia competition, where she returned to the stage with a performance of “Astonishing”—the talent that helped launch her journey as Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen 2013. Cassie went on to place fourth runner-up at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2014, making the performance a meaningful full-circle moment as Miss America 2026.
The week concluded in Suffern, New York, where Cassie returned to crown Miss New York 2027. The visit marked a full-circle moment, as it was there that she earned the title of Miss New York one year earlier, beginning the journey that ultimately led to becoming Miss America 2026. Cassie is the eighth Miss New York to capture the Miss America crown.
From inspiring future titleholders to celebrating new state representatives, Cassie’s nationwide tour is reflective of the very mission of Miss America: “empowering young women to lead with purpose” through service, scholarship, and personal achievement. As a new class of state ambassadors prepare for the road to Miss America 2027, Cassie continues to champion the next generation of leaders in communities across the nation.