Audrey Eckert from Nebraska Crowned Miss USA 2025

Audrey Eckert, a 22-year-old from Nebraska and advocate for digital safety, was crowned Miss USA 2025 on Friday night, marking a fresh chapter for the long-running competition following months of controversy and leadership upheaval, according to CNN style.

Eckert triumphed over 50 contestants at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, with New Jersey’s Ivy Harrington and Oregon’s Chantéa McIntyre named first and second runners-up. Her win came amid renewed optimism from the pageant’s new management, who hailed a “new era” after a turbulent period that saw the resignation of former titleholders and legal battles over ownership rights.

The crowning moment was emotional, as Eckert fell to her knees in tears amid gold confetti. In a symbolic departure from tradition, reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned Eckert instead of last year’s winner, Alma Cooper of Michigan, who did not attend. Former Miss USA Noelia Voigt made a surprise return as co-host for the online broadcast, months after her own resignation sparked a public scandal.

The Miss USA organization was thrown into disarray in 2023 when Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned within days of each other. Voigt’s cryptic letter, which allegedly spelled “I am silenced,” led to widespread speculation about non-disclosure agreements and mistreatment. Her later statements accused former Miss USA president Laylah Rose of fostering a “toxic” environment and failing to provide adequate support.

In September, businessman Thom Brodeur announced he had acquired the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA licenses from the Miss Universe Organization, assuming the role of president and CEO. The transfer was initially disputed by Rose, but Miss Universe’s parent company JKN Global Group confirmed Brodeur’s leadership and later sued Rose’s firm, alleging contract breaches and reputational damage.

This year’s pageant emphasized inclusivity and modernization. For the first time, women over 28, as well as married women and mothers, were eligible to compete. Forty-four-year-old Miss Delaware, Tetra Shockley, became the oldest contestant in Miss USA history, while Miss New Hampshire, MonaLesa Brackett, made history as the first to compete wearing a hijab.

Held entirely online for the first time since 1963, the event concluded with Eckert preparing to represent the U.S. at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, where she hopes to bring the crown home once again.