A NURSING student and cheerleader landed this year’s Miss America gong – but critics have claimed the event has been destroyed.
Miss Alabama winner Abbie Stockard, 22, staved off competition from 51 other women to land the prestigious gong.
The event took place on January 4 and 5 at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando.
Beauty queens from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were all hoping to add their names to the history books.
The 52 stars were whittled down to 11 for the final.
Stockard, a college student in Birmingham, competed in the evening gown, talent, fitness, and Hot Topic competitions and received a $50,000 prize for her win.
For the talent category, she performed a dance routine to Lauren Daigle’s 2018 hit You Say.
Stockard revealed she was inspired by her mom, who juggled several jobs, and her best pal, who suffers from cystic fibrosis.
She was crowned by Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh as she was showered in gold.
Stockard is the fourth Miss Alabama to win the national title.
Following her victory, Stockard said she felt like the most celebrated girl in the world, but viewers were less than impressed by the production.
She appeared in an Instagram clip on the official Miss America account and broke her silence following her win.
“This is insane,” she said.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve this.”
Stockard wants to pursue a career in pediatrics.
The event was streamed on YouTube, but one critic said the show had been destroyed.
“Miss America used to be a prime TV event,” one blasted.
“Now I have to search through YouTube to find it.”
The pageant used to be aired on NBC and ABC and was broadcast on Peacock in 2022.
This year’s contest could be watched on PageantVision.com or the Miss America YouTube channel.
Stockard was congratulated online, but some claimed her win was predictable.
Some wondered why Miss Texas Annette Addo-Yobo, who came second, didn’t emerge victorious.
This is insane.
Abbie Stockard Miss America, 2025
Carley Vogel, representing the state of Tennessee, and Casana Fink, Miss Florida 2024, also finished in the runner-up spots.
Fink received a $3,000 scholarship for her efforts, as reported by the ABC affiliate WCJB-TV.
Stephanie Finoti, Miss Ohio 2024, rounded off the top five.
But, the contest’s production team came under fire.
“It’s time for my annual they destroyed Miss America post,” another fumed.
“This isn’t directed at the girls; they are all incredible and talented.
“But off the bat, this production is awful and, honestly, cringe.”
Viewers lashed out at the contest’s organizers, calling for a huge overhaul.
‘CRINGEWORTHY’
“Congrats, Miss Alabama, for winning Miss America,” a viewer said.
“But I cannot keep repeating how this organization is broken and needs an overhaul.
“The significant reduction in production quality does a disservice to these great women.”
Some claimed this year’s contest was “cringeworthy” and uncomfortable to watch.
This year’s Miss America was the 97th edition of the contest.
Stockard succeeds Marsh, and the contest paid tribute to last year’s triumphant pageant queen.
Marsh was the first active duty Air Force Officer to land the title.
“Your incredible achievements go beyond beauty and grace,” a contest’s X account post said.
“You are a symbol of what’s possible when courage, determination, and service come together.”