Miss USA 2026 is crowned. See who became the pageant's 75th winner - USA Today
Justus Kelley, a mother and married woman from Virginia, was crowned Miss USA 2026 during the pageant's 75th anniversary event. Her win marks a historic shift for the organization following recent rule changes regarding eligibility.
Why it matters
The event reflects evolving cultural standards and inclusivity policies within traditional beauty pageants.
Hear this story 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. Kelley makes history as the first-ever mother and married woman to hold the Miss USA title, following the organization's 2023 rule changes allowing married women and mothers to compete.
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.
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