'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAHxAAAgIBBAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAAFBhExEiNB/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQP/xAAaEQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgAhAwSh/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDJn3dt+N4I62ltXqISphRR7EPPZBBPf05JzXNKeaRhTnAZiePIYxlsew6UO3BlBuf/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Cassie Donegan's 15 minutes of fame on September 7 in Orlando's Walt Disney Theater was one that none of us will ever forget. Representing New York, she impressed everybody with her singing voice and composure, winning the Miss America 2026 title.
Alongside the crown and sash, she also received a $50,000 tuition scholarship, a first in her life at 27 years of age. And in all this, her win was that of self-acceptance and uniqueness, something which has captivated the country. She was born with a cleft palate.
It wasn't just Donegan's ability that made her stand out, though her message did. During the last round, she freely discussed being different and how choices like tattoos, piercings, or appearance are intensely personal and need to be celebrated. Her comments were strong and sincere, proving Miss America doesn't necessarily have to be a title of propriety; she can be a voice for the empowerment of individuals to be themselves.
Cassie Donegan's Moment in the Spotlight
Donegan's victory made waves online in a rush, with supporters praising her talent and personality. She edged out over 50 other women from across the U.S., including first runner-up Miss Texas Sadie Schiermeyer and second runner-up Miss Florida Paris Richardson. Besides her voice, what drew fans was her relatability and charm. She described her own style as "grandma chic," an offbeat touch that added relatability to her without diminishing her confidence.
Trending
Having also won Miss America gives Cassie Donegan a voice to effect positive change. She can now stand on the stage and at times in daily life and vocalize arts education concerns and women's leadership issues. Some have criticized the timing and venue of the pageant, but her message of authenticity caught on and showed that authenticity is worth more than conformity.
Cassie Donegan's win reminds us that talent, character, and individuality can shine hand in hand. Her message, her showmanship, and her approachable personality make this coronation feel current and real. It's not just a pageant win; her coronation is a celebration of her and the example she sets for others to embrace their own individuality.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!
Reply
