Alabama Nursing Student and Cheerleader Crowned Miss America 2025: 'So Grateful'

A new Miss America is in town.

On Sunday, Dec. 5, Abbie Stockard, representing Alabama, was crowned Miss America after earning Miss Alabama in 2024.

According to CNN, the 22-year-old nursing student is an undergraduate and cheerleader at Auburn University in Alabama. She won at the annual event in Orlando, Florida, triumphing over 51 other US state representatives.

In a video shared on Miss America’s Instagram page, Stockard appeared flabbergasted as she was crowned the victor. Sporting a sparkly silver and white gown, she looked shocked as runner-up Annette Addo-Yobo, who represented Texas, hugged her.

The competition shared the aftermath of her victory with a series of Instagram Stories posts, one of which shows an overjoyed Stockard saying, “This is insane. I don’t know what I did to deserve this. Holy Moly. I’m so excited, I’m so grateful.”

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In another video, Stockard — who also scoops a $50,000 tuition scholarship as part of her victory — became emotional as she held onto her bouquet of flowers while wearing her crown. Per CNN, the runner-up states included Tennessee, Florida and Ohio. 

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Rounds in the competition included choreographed dances and live segments. The pageant also included a fitness section, with contenders sporting red and gold activewear. This was followed by talent, eveningwear and interview segments.

CNN reported that the talent round showcased slam poetry by Miss Texas, a jazz dance routine by Miss Wisconsin and a contemporary dance by Stockard.

Stockard also spoke about the decreasing labor force among 25 to 54-year-olds following the COVID-19 pandemic during the competition. “I believe we need to encourage those (people) to join the workforce, adapt to new skills and learn to grow in our current workforce and industries we have today,” she said.

Stockard will take over from 2024 winner, Madison Marsh, to begin her 12-month reign as a Miss America advocate and will have the opportunity to travel the world in her new position.

Ahead of the final, Stockard reflected on her journey to the competition via Instagram. “Tonight, a new Miss America will be crowned. As I step into this evening, I am filled with excitement, honor, and gratitude,” she said.