Cassie Donegan Crowned Miss America 2026; Social Media Criticizes Her Pageant Makeup

Cassie Donegan of New York was crowned Miss America 2026 on September 7, 2025, and will serve a one-year term as the organization’s national brand ambassador.

Donegan, 27, was crowned Miss America after two evenings of competition, earning a diamond tiara and more than $50,000 in scholarships from the Miss America organization. She becomes the eighth winner from New York in the pageant’s 104-year history. The runners-up were Miss Texas — Sadie Schiermeyer, Miss Florida — Paris Richardson, Miss Georgia — Audrey Kittila, and Miss Alabama — Emma Terry.

At the coronation, Donegan wore a one-shoulder white silk gown with a mermaid-style skirt and an updo hairstyle. A TikTok video that went viral showed a transition from a different backless gown with a glittery silver bodice into her white Miss America win gown while holding her bouquet and wearing the crown.

After her win, Donegan said in a press release she will apply the scholarship money toward finishing her bachelor’s degree and pursuing graduate study. She characterized the pageant as a force that helps “ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality.” She also said she feels privileged to represent an organization that offers scholarships, support and a leadership platform, and is grateful for the opportunity to advance that mission. After winning the Miss New York crown in July, Donegan said she was “so deeply proud to represent” the state.

Following the circulation of photos and videos from the crowning, some social media users criticized Donegan’s stage makeup, alleging it did not match her skin tone or was otherwise poorly applied. Comments posted by users included criticisms such as concerns about concealer tone and broader judgments about her appearance; some defended her. Several commenters explicitly directed criticism at the makeup artist.

As Miss America, Donegan will travel across the country promoting the Miss America Opportunity and its scholarship mission until the next competition.

Source: Bored panda