A New Queen Crowned
On January 5, 2025, the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, lit up with glitz and glamour as Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student from Auburn University, was crowned Miss America 2025. Beating out 51 other contestants from across the United States, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, Stockard’s victory marked a historic moment for Alabama, making her the fourth woman from the state to claim the prestigious title. Her journey from a small-town cheerleader to a national icon is a story of determination, talent, and heart.
Who Is Abbie Stockard?
Abbie Stockard, hailing from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, is more than just a beauty queen. A senior nursing student at Auburn University, she balances her academic rigor with her role as a cheerleader, showcasing her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with grace. Stockard’s win as Miss Alabama in June 2024 set the stage for her national triumph, but her path to the crown was paved with hard work, community service, and a deep commitment to her values.
A Hometown Hero
Growing up in Vestavia Hills, Stockard was surrounded by a tight-knit community that fostered her love for service. “I love the community in Vestavia,” she shared in an interview with AL.com, reflecting on her high school years at Vestavia Hills High School, where she seized every opportunity to make a difference. Her twin brother, Bradley, and younger sister, Lilly, also attend Auburn, creating a family legacy of academic and personal excellence.
A Passion for Nursing
Stockard’s choice of nursing as a career reflects her desire to serve others. She aims to earn a doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice, specializing in pediatrics. Her dedication to healthcare extends beyond the classroom, as she’s actively involved in promoting women’s heart health, earning her the AHA Go Red for Women Leadership Award at the Miss America pageant.
The Miss America 2025 Pageant: A Night to Remember
The 104th Miss America pageant was a dazzling affair, blending tradition with modern flair. Held at the Walt Disney Theater, the event saw contestants compete in fitness, talent, evening gown, and “Hot Topics” segments, judged by luminaries like Olympic medalist Carl Lewis and Netflix’s “Cheer” star Gabi Butler. Stockard’s performance stood out, earning her the crown and a $50,000 scholarship to support her education.
The Road to the Crown
The competition began with contestants strutting in glittering gold mini dresses, setting a vibrant tone. After preliminary events narrowed the field to 11 finalists, Stockard shone in every round. Her contemporary dance to Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” captivated the audience, while her poised response to a question on unemployment showcased her intellect.
A Standout Performance
Stockard’s talent segment was a highlight, blending grace and emotion in a contemporary dance that reflected her personal faith. Her eveningwear look—a backless, glittering silver and white gown—exuded elegance. When asked about unemployment, she addressed the declining labor force participation rate among 25-to-54-year-olds post-COVID, advocating for skill development and workforce engagement.
Alabama’s Proud Legacy in Miss America
Stockard’s victory adds to Alabama’s storied history in the Miss America pageant. She joins the ranks of Yolande Betbeze (1951), Heather Whitestone (1995), and Deidre Downs (2005) as the fourth Alabamian to win the title. Each of these women brought something unique to the crown, from Betbeze’s refusal to pose in a swimsuit to Whitestone’s historic win as the first deaf Miss America.
Comparison: Alabama’s Miss America Winners
| Winner | Year | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Yolande Betbeze | 1951 | Refused to pose in a swimsuit, sparking the creation of Miss USA |
| Heather Whitestone | 1995 | First deaf Miss America, advocate for disability rights |
| Deidre Downs | 2005 | Promoted medical research and education |
| Abbie Stockard | 2025 | Advocated for women’s heart health and workforce participation |
Stockard’s win, 20 years after Downs, underscores Alabama’s enduring influence in the pageant world. Her focus on healthcare and community service aligns with the state’s tradition of producing well-rounded, impactful winners.
The Evolution of Miss America
Founded in 1921 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the Miss America pageant has evolved from a “bathing beauty revue” to a platform celebrating intelligence, talent, and social impact. Once a television staple on NBC and ABC, its viewership has waned, leading to a shift to pageant-specific streaming platforms like PageantVision.com. The 2025 pageant reflected modern values, replacing the swimsuit portion with a fitness segment and emphasizing issues like health and empowerment.
A Modern Pageant
The 2025 competition showcased diverse talents, from slam poetry by Miss Texas to clogging by Miss Oklahoma. Stockard’s contemporary dance and thoughtful answers on topical issues like unemployment highlighted the pageant’s shift toward substance over style. The inclusion of a teen competition, won by Peyton Bolling of Arkansas, further emphasizes its commitment to empowering young women.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its legacy, Miss America faces challenges. A 2023 lawsuit by a New York mother highlighted restrictive eligibility rules barring mothers, while an ownership dispute between Robin Fleming and Glenn Straub has raised questions about the organization’s future. Still, Stockard’s win signals a bright path forward, blending tradition with progress.
Abbie Stockard’s Mission: Heart Health and Beyond
Stockard’s platform as Miss America centers on women’s heart health, inspired by her involvement with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women over 20, and Stockard’s advocacy aims to raise awareness and promote wellness. Her charity initiative during the pageant also supported cystic fibrosis research, inspired by her best friend’s battle with the disease.
Why Heart Health Matters
- Prevalence: Heart disease accounts for 1 in 5 female deaths in the U.S.
- Awareness Gap: Many women underestimate their risk, delaying preventive care.
- Stockard’s Impact: As a nursing student, she’s uniquely positioned to educate and inspire.
Her work with the AHA Go Red for Women Leadership Award highlights her commitment to making a tangible difference. By leveraging her platform, Stockard aims to empower women to prioritize their health.
The Personal Side of Abbie Stockard
Stockard’s journey is deeply personal. In a video aired during the pageant, she spoke of her mother, who worked multiple jobs to support the family, and her best friend with cystic fibrosis, who attended the event to cheer her on. “This is insane. I don’t know what I did to deserve this,” Stockard exclaimed in a heartfelt moment captured on Miss America’s Instagram, reflecting her humility and gratitude.
A Family Affair
Stockard’s twin brother, Bradley, and sister, Lilly, share her Auburn pride, shouting “War Eagle!” alongside her. Their support has been a cornerstone of her success, grounding her as she navigates the spotlight. Her faith also plays a central role, as seen in her choice of a Lauren Daigle song for her talent performance and a Bible quote shared on social media.
What’s Next for Miss America 2025?
As Miss America, Stockard embarks on a yearlong reign as a global ambassador, traveling the world to promote her platform and represent the organization. She’ll take a break from Auburn to fulfill her duties but plans to return to complete her nursing degree. Her $50,000 scholarship will support her goal of becoming a pediatric nurse anesthetist, blending her pageant success with her professional aspirations.
Opportunities and Challenges
Pros:
- Global platform to advocate for women’s health.
- Scholarship funding for advanced education.
- Networking with influential figures in healthcare and philanthropy.
Cons:
- Time away from studies may delay graduation.
- Intense public scrutiny and demanding schedule.
- Balancing advocacy with personal goals.
Stockard’s ability to manage her cheerleading, studies, and Miss Alabama duties suggests she’s well-equipped to handle these challenges with poise.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Who won Miss America 2025?
Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student from Auburn University, was crowned Miss America 2025 on January 5, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. She represented Alabama and won a $50,000 scholarship.
What is the difference between Miss America and Miss USA?
Miss America focuses on talent, education, and social impact, offering scholarships and emphasizing advocacy. Miss USA, a separate pageant, prioritizes beauty and poise, with winners advancing to Miss Universe. Miss America eliminated its swimsuit portion in 2023, while Miss USA retains it.
How can I watch the Miss America pageant?
The 2025 Miss America pageant streamed on PageantVision.com and the Miss America YouTube channel. Unlike its past broadcasts on NBC or ABC, it’s now available on pageant-specific platforms. Check the official Miss America website for future streaming details.
What are the eligibility criteria for Miss America?
Contestants must be U.S. citizens, aged 18–28, and have won a state title. Mothers are currently ineligible, though this rule faces legal challenges. Miss America raised its age limit from 25 to 28 in 2023.
How does Miss America support education?
Miss America awards scholarships to winners and finalists, with Stockard receiving $50,000 for her education. The Miss America Scholarship Foundation supports academic and professional growth, particularly in fields like healthcare and public service.
The Impact of Stockard’s Win
Stockard’s victory resonates beyond the pageant stage. As a nursing student, she represents a new generation of women breaking stereotypes in both healthcare and pageantry. Her predecessor, Madison Marsh, the first active-duty military member to win in 2024, paved the way for such trailblazers. Stockard’s focus on heart health and cystic fibrosis research positions her as a role model for aspiring nurses and advocates.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For young women watching, Stockard’s story is a reminder that ambition and compassion can coexist. Her journey from Vestavia Hills to the national stage shows that small-town roots can lead to big dreams. By sharing her platform with causes like heart health, she encourages others to pursue their passions with purpose.
How to Support Miss America’s Mission
- Get Involved: Volunteer with the Miss America Organization or local pageants to support young women’s growth.
- Donate: Contribute to the Miss America Scholarship Foundation to fund education for future leaders.
- Spread Awareness: Follow Stockard’s advocacy on social media and share her message about women’s health.
Visit the Miss America website for more ways to engage, or check out the American Heart Association to support Stockard’s heart health initiatives.
FAQ
What did Abbie Stockard do to win Miss America 2025?
Stockard excelled in fitness, talent, evening gown, and “Hot Topics” segments, performing a contemporary dance and addressing unemployment with poise. Her community service and heart health advocacy also impressed judges.
How does Miss America select its winners?
Contestants are judged on talent, fitness, eveningwear, and interview segments, with preliminary events narrowing the field. Judges evaluate poise, intellect, and social impact, awarding points based on performance and advocacy.
What is Abbie Stockard’s platform as Miss America?
Stockard’s platform focuses on women’s heart health, partnering with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative. She also supports cystic fibrosis research, inspired by her best friend.
Can mothers compete in Miss America?
Currently, mothers are ineligible, a rule challenged by a 2023 lawsuit. Miss America raised its age limit to 28 but maintains stricter criteria than Miss USA, which eliminated its age cap.
Where can I learn more about Abbie Stockard?
Follow Stockard on the Miss America Instagram or check AL.com for interviews detailing her journey. Auburn University’s website also highlights her achievements as a student and cheerleader.
A Bright Future Ahead
Abbie Stockard’s crowning as Miss America 2025 is more than a moment of glamour—it’s a testament to her resilience, intellect, and heart. From her roots in Vestavia Hills to her advocacy for women’s health, she embodies the modern Miss America: a woman who balances ambition with compassion. As she steps into her yearlong reign, Stockard is poised to inspire countless others, proving that with grit and grace, anything is possible. War Eagle, indeed.
