Cassie Donegan has just been crowned Miss America 2026, and she beams with pride over everything that contributed to her triumphant victory. The 28-year-old beauty represented New York at the national pageant after securing the state title this past July. On Sunday, September 7th, Donegan outshone 52 other contestants from all 50 states on the glittering stage of the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida. Last year’s Miss America winner, Abbie Stockard from Alabama, bestowed the crown, sash, and title upon her successor. In addition to the prestigious title, Donegan also received a $50,000 tuition scholarship as part of her victory prize.
Thanks to her training as an accomplished singer, Donegan also clinched an award for her vocal prowess following the Miss America 2026 Talent Competition, adding an extra $3,000 to her tuition scholarship. The majority of people celebrated the pageant queen's success, including some of her closest friends, whose emotional reactions to Donegan's win went viral on TikTok. However, a few less-than-supportive viewers were quick to critique her glamorous choices for the nationals, particularly her makeup during the final round.
In the days following the pageant and the ensuing fanfare, Donegan shared her thoughts with PEOPLE magazine, acknowledging that negativity often befalls those on higher, more exposed platforms. Nevertheless, she emphasized that not everyone in the public eye needs to internalize hurtful remarks. "Often, you just have to pick and choose what you allow yourself to digest," she explained. "I think that's been a really useful tool—really leaning into those who are lifting me up, loving me, and holding me high, and choosing to focus on the positivity that's happening in the moment."
Yet, even with a crown atop her head, a sash draped over her shoulder, and overwhelming support from those around her, Donegan recognizes her humanity. Winning Miss America doesn't render her impervious to harsh judgment. "I'm just a normal person. No, I don't want to hear people ever say anything negative, especially about my appearance," Donegan told PEOPLE. "But I also respect that the internet is a public space and that people have the right to their opinions, to share them, and that no one's going to be everyone's favorite all of the time."
She continued, "I'm just going to do my best to love everyone and care about everyone because, at the end of the day, if even just one person has felt touched in some way or seen or loved through me as Miss America, then I've done my job. And that's the most important thing."
Donegan's commitment to staying true to herself echoes the sentiments she shared during the final rounds of Miss America when each remaining contestant had to answer a rapid-fire question on stage. For her portion of the Q&A, Donegan discussed "authentic self-expressions" as they relate to "professional standards."
"I believe that being true to yourself 100 percent is the most important thing that you can do, and if that includes your self-expression through piercings or tattoos, then 100 percent do it," the winner said on stage. "I think that no one has the right to tell you what you can do with your own body. This is your vessel, and you should be able to walk around proudly in it."
As the crowd cheered her on, Donegan continued to speak about her own sense of style: "I, myself, walk around in what my siblings love to call 'grandma chic,' and I think that's great," she explained with a bright smile.
