Miss USA has crowned its 2026 winner.
After a tight race at this year’s annual pageant, Miss Virginia Justus Kelley was bestowed the Miss USA honor on Thursday, Aug. 27, in Miami.
Last year’s Miss USA winner, Nebraska’s Audrey Eckert, passed the crown to Kelley, who celebrated her win with a spin on the pageant stage as she showed off her bouquet and sparkling tiara. Moments before a winner was declared, Eckert concluded her reign with two accidental tumbles on stage, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd.
Miss Florida Aileen Cerchiara was the first runner-up and will take Kelley’s place in the Miss Universe pageant if she is unable to.
Kelley’s win was notably special this year as the Miss USA organization also celebrated its 75th Diamond Anniversary with a corresponding “75 Years of Icons” pageant theme.
“For 75 years, the organization has showcased dynamic, accomplished women who reflect the confidence, diversity and ambition of modern America,” the website reads.
Who is Miss USA 2026?
Kelley, 31, is from Arlington, Virginia. She is the fifth Miss Virginia to win the national crown and will head to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November to compete for Miss Universe title.
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