From Alabama Cheerleader to Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard’s Grateful Journey
Abbie Stockard, a nursing student and cheerleader from Alabama, has been crowned Miss America 2025. Discover her inspiring journey, highlights from the competition, and her plans as the new titleholder.
A new Miss America has been crowned.
On Sunday, Dec. 5, Abbie Stockard, representing Alabama, claimed the title of Miss America after earning the title of Miss Alabama in 2024.
According to CNN, the 22-year-old nursing student and cheerleader from Auburn University in Alabama triumphed at the annual event in Orlando, Florida, surpassing 51 other representatives from across the United States.
In a video shared on Miss America’s official Instagram page, Stockard appeared overwhelmed as she was announced the winner. Dressed in a sparkly silver and white gown, she looked astonished while receiving a congratulatory hug from runner-up Annette Addo-Yobo, representing Texas.
The competition documented her win with a series of Instagram Stories, including a heartfelt moment where an elated Stockard exclaimed, This is insane. I don't know what I did to deserve this. Holy Moly. I'm so excited, I'm so grateful.
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In a heartfelt moment captured on video, Stockard—who also received a $50,000 tuition scholarship as part of her victory—became emotional as she clutched her bouquet of flowers while donning her crown. According to CNN, the runner-up states included Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio.
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The competition featured rounds that included choreographed dances, live segments, and a fitness section where contestants showcased red and gold activewear. These were followed by talent, eveningwear, and interview segments.
According to CNN, the talent round included slam poetry by Miss Texas, a jazz dance routine by Miss Wisconsin, and a contemporary dance performance by Stockard.
During the interview segment, Stockard addressed the declining labor force among 25- to 54-year-olds in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe we need to encourage those individuals to join the workforce, adapt to new skills, and grow within the industries we have today, she said.
Stockard will succeed the 2024 titleholder, Madison Marsh, to begin her 12-month reign as a Miss America advocate, a role that includes traveling the world to represent the organization.
Reflecting on her journey ahead of the final event, Stockard shared her thoughts on Instagram: Tonight, a new Miss America will be crowned. As I step into this evening, I am filled with excitement, honor, and gratitude.
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