Competition

[NEW YORK, NY] October 10, 2025 — Cassie Donegan, Miss America 2026, made a special backstage visit during a preview performance of Broadway’s The Queen of Versailles at the St. James Theatre in New York City, where she reunited with star Kristin Chenoweth, whom she first met 12 years ago while serving as Miss Virginia’s Teen. Their reunion celebrated the power of performance, legacy, and women uplifting women.

[NEW YORK CITY, NY] October 4, 2025 — Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan joined hundreds of participants and advocates at the inaugural Best Buddies Challenge: New York, a milestone event that united athletes, community leaders, and supporters to raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies International—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

October 4, 2025 — The Miss America Organization is deeply saddened to share the passing of Beatrice “BeBe” Shopp Waring, Miss America 1948.

Born in Illinois and raised in Hopkins, Minnesota, BeBe made history at age 18 as the first Miss Minnesota to earn the title of Miss America. A gifted vibraharp player, she used her music to inspire others and helped pave the way for future contestants to showcase their unique talents. With her scholarship, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in percussion from the Manhattan School of Music.

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] September 27, 2025 — Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan, attended The Kennedy Center Gala benefiting the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) where she joined civic leaders, arts patrons, and distinguished guests in celebrating the Orchestra’s milestone 95th Anniversary Season.

[NEW YORK, NY] September 17, 2025 — Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan, took in the skyline from the most photographed building in the world: the Empire State Building, which has stood as an iconic symbol of New York since its completion in 1930. From the observation deck, Cassie celebrated the city that has long been a beacon of ambition, artistry, and possibility—a city that holds special meaning for her personally.

[NEW YORK, NY] September 16, 2025 — Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan, turned heads at New York Fashion Week as she attended Frederick Anderson’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway show. Known for his bold, modern designs, Anderson unveiled a collection that expertly embodied sophistication with an edge—perfectly in step with the spirit of NYFW