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Introducing The New Miss America, Cassie Donegan!
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The 98th annual Miss America competition wrapped up on September 7, and the 2026 crown has officially gone to Miss New York, Cassie Donegan. The Broadway performer and former Miss New York runner-up made history in an unforgettable night of competition.
The pageant, held before a packed crowd in Orlando, featured contestants from across the country competing in talent, evening gown, fitness, and interview rounds. Donegan stood out with her powerhouse vocals, delivering a show-stopping musical performance that reflected her Broadway training. Judges praised her stage presence, charisma, and ability to connect with the audience.
Donegan’s path to the crown was unconventional. She was initially the first runner-up in the Miss New York competition but assumed the title later in the season. What started as a twist of fate ended in triumph, as she rose to the national stage and seized the Miss America title.
Her journey began far from New York City. Raised in a small Virginia town, Donegan first discovered her voice singing in church. She later pursued her passion at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, studying in the school’s award-winning BFA Musical Theatre program. Today, she calls New York home, performing on Broadway while now balancing her new duties as Miss America 2025.
@cassiedonegan Last night was nothing short of magical. ✨ Songs of Promise has always been more than just a concert—it’s a love letter to the power of the arts and the importance of making that power accessible to every child. This year’s event brought in over $1,000 for the Lydia Fray Music Scholarship and Kay Sykes Arts Scholarship, and I’m still overwhelmed with gratitude for every person who showed up, performed, donated, and cheered us on. To those who came out - your presence meant more than I can put into words. Watching each performer take the stage with such authenticity and passion is a testament to exactly why I founded these scholarships years ago: because art changes lives. And every child deserves access to that. Millions of students—especially in under-resourced areas—are being denied creative outlets that build confidence, expression, and opportunity. This is why these scholarships and nights like this matter. This concert is typically our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s also the most personal. It’s about community. About legacy. About ensuring the next generation of artists, musicians, and dreamers have the chance to explore who they are through creativity. ? Thank you for believing in this mission—and thank you for singing along with me in more ways than one. Please enjoy a little compilation of the songs I got to sing in last night’s show! @Emma @Emily Kate @Claudia Michelle @Chris M @Dan-y'all *belting* #fyp#foryou#artseducation#broadway#waitress#sideshow#singing♬ original sound - Cassie Donegan
As the newly crowned titleholder, Donegan will spend the next year traveling nationwide as an ambassador for the Miss America Organization, promoting her social impact initiative and championing causes close to her heart. From her southern roots to the bright lights of Broadway and now the Miss America stage, Cassie Donegan’s story is one of resilience, artistry, and the power of unexpected opportunity.