The New Miss USA Is Miss Nebraska Audrey Eckert – Business Insider
Audrey Eckert from Nebraska won the Miss USA 2025 title on Friday, marking a new chapter for the long-running beauty pageant. The 22-year-old digital safety advocate triumphed over 50 contestants at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. Ivy Harrington from New Jersey and Chantéa McIntyre from Oregon placed as first and second runners-up.
The event came after nearly 18 months of internal conflict and leadership changes. Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt of Utah, resigned last year, alleging mistreatment and a toxic work environment. Her departure, along with Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava’s resignation, led to widespread criticism of the pageant’s management.
Eckert, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate and former cheerleader, fell to her knees in tears as gold streamers filled the stage. She was crowned by reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, in the absence of last year’s winner, Alma Cooper. Voigt made a surprise return as host of the official online broadcast.
Leadership shake-up
The Miss USA organization recently changed ownership. American businessman Thom Brodeur acquired both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA from the Miss Universe Organization. He now serves as president and CEO. His 10-year agreement followed legal disputes involving the previous president, Laylah Rose, whose company VVV Global still claims contractual rights.
The Miss Universe Organization, owned by Thailand’s JKN Global Group, confirmed Brodeur’s acquisition, calling it a “new chapter.” JKN has since filed a lawsuit against Rose’s firm, accusing it of breaching contracts and damaging the brand’s reputation. Rose has denied all allegations and filed a countersuit seeking $116 million in damages.
Brodeur has promised transparency and fair treatment for future contestants. He stated that past restrictive non-disclosure agreements, which prevented Voigt and Srivastava from speaking freely, would be removed.
A changing pageant
Founded in 1952, Miss USA has experienced several ownership transitions. Donald Trump owned the pageant from 1996 to 2015 before selling it to WME-IMG. JKN Global Group acquired it in 2022. Recent scandals involving favoritism and alleged rigging prompted further reforms.
This year’s event introduced new inclusivity rules. Women over 28, as well as married contestants and mothers, were allowed to compete for the first time. Miss Delaware, 44-year-old Tetra Shockley, became the oldest contestant in Miss USA history. Miss New Hampshire, MonaLesa Brackett, made history as the first participant to compete wearing a hijab.
The contest began Monday with the “state costume” competition, won by Miss Missouri, Shae Smith. It included eveningwear rounds, swimwear showcases, and interviews. The final featured 20 contestants, four of whom advanced through public voting.
For the first time since 1963, the event was streamed online instead of being broadcast on television. Judges, including 2014 Miss USA Nia Sanchez, asked finalists questions about social issues, representation, and artificial intelligence.
Looking ahead
Eckert will represent the United States at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand next month. The U.S. has won the Miss Universe crown nine times, the most in the competition’s 73-year history.
Miss Teen USA 2025 was also crowned this week. Missouri’s Mailyn Marsh, a high school student and aspiring dermatologist, claimed the title for contestants aged 14 to 19.
With Eckert’s win, the Miss USA organization seeks to rebuild its reputation and promote inclusivity, safety, and empowerment among young women nationwide.
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