Abbie Stockard, a cheerleader and nursing student from Auburn University, made headlines as she claimed the title of Miss America 2025.
Beating 10 other finalists, she earned the prestigious crown and a $50,000 tuition scholarship.
The 97th annual Miss America pageant, held at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, concluded with Stockard being crowned by last year’s winner, Madison Marsh.
The victory marked the culmination of months of preparation since Stockard was named Miss Alabama in June 2024.
Streaming Woes Overshadow the Event
While Stockard celebrated her win, the event itself faced harsh criticism from fans due to its shift from major television networks to streaming platforms.
For the first time, the competition was broadcast on YouTube and PageantVision.com instead of traditional outlets like NBC or ABC.
Viewers were frustrated by the change, with many taking to social media to vent their disappointment. “Looked like it had been filmed with an iPhone.
Just awful production,” one user wrote.
Others called the new format “cringeworthy” and “low-end production,” lamenting the loss of prestige the event once held.
A Long Road to Victory
The competition started with 52 contestants representing all U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
After intense preliminary rounds, the field narrowed to 11 finalists who faced one final evening of interviews, dance routines, and talent showcases.
Stockard shone in her performance, dancing to Lauren Daigle’s hit song “You Say.”
During the interview segment, she impressed judges with her insights on unemployment, advocating for vocational training and skill development to strengthen the labor force.
A Personal and Professional Vision
Stockard, 22, spoke passionately about her dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse anesthetist and earning a PhD.
Inspired by her mother’s resilience and a close friend with cystic fibrosis, she hopes to make a difference in children’s lives.
“This is insane,” Stockard said, overcome with emotion after her win.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve this.”
As a member of Auburn’s Tiger Paws Dance Team, she has balanced academics and competitive dance, showcasing her dedication and talent on multiple fronts.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Officials
While Stockard received widespread praise for her achievement, fans criticized the event’s production quality.
Many bemoaned the decline in Miss America’s prestige, with some calling for an overhaul of the organization.
One Twitter user wrote, “Miss America used to be a prime TV event.
Now I have to search through YouTube to find it.”
Another noted, “The significant reduction in production quality does a disservice to these great women.”
Criticism wasn’t limited to the broadcast itself.
The emcees faced backlash for what viewers described as “awkward” and “uncomfortable” hosting.
“The Miss America hosts this year are absolutely cringeworthy,” one user commented.
Celebrations and Congratulations
Despite the controversies, Stockard’s achievement did not go unnoticed.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey congratulated her on social media, praising her as an “outstanding young woman” and calling her victory well-deserved.
Fans and supporters celebrated Stockard’s win as a proud moment for Alabama, hailing her hard work and ambition.
As Stockard moves forward, her focus remains on her studies, career aspirations, and continuing to inspire others.
The future of Miss America may be under scrutiny, but for Abbie Stockard, this victory marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
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