A new Miss USA has been crowned.
Audrey Eckert of Nebraska won the 74th Miss USA pageant on Friday at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. She was crowned by the current Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
Alma Cooper, Miss USA 2024, announced via Instagram that she would not compete in the 2025 pageant, though her reign was honored during the finals.
Eckert earned a business administration degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she was part of the cheer squad. Currently, she works as a social media and marketing coordinator for the Thai handbag company, Sapahn. At 23, she will represent the U.S. at the Miss Universe pageant in November.
Changes in the Miss USA Pageant
This year, 51 contestants competed for the title, participating in swimsuit, evening gown, and interview segments earlier in the week. In a notable change, new CEO Thom Brodeur announced he would be removing the selection committee traditionally involved in choosing the top contestants, aiming for a more transparent process in the competition.
Brodeur explained that for years, the selection process included influence from the leadership team, but he seeks to ensure that the judges’ decisions exclusively determine the winners. This allows for a more equitable competition for all participants.
The Final Question
Brodeur reinstated interview questions on current affairs, which had previously been eliminated. He emphasized the importance of showcasing the intelligence of the competitors. During the finals, contestants addressed topics like artificial intelligence and barriers to women building wealth.
Eckert’s final question was about her hopes for her generation’s legacy in a century. She emphasized adaptability as a defining trait, illustrating her experience in digital media and online safety education.
A New Era for Miss USA
The Miss USA pageant has faced controversies since 2020, including accusations of rigging and other scandals. Brodeur aims to inaugurate a new chapter with the newly crowned Miss USA, who will soon head to Thailand for the Miss Universe competition on November 21. He anticipates a busy schedule ahead for her, hoping to reestablish Miss USA and Miss Teen USA as prominent figures in American culture.
Let the reign of the new Miss USA commence!
