Eat new Miss USA in the city.
Miss Nebraska Audrey Eckert was named the winner of the 74th annual Miss USA pageant Friday night at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. She was crowned by the current Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig.
Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper shared a photo. Instagram wrote on Friday that she had withdrawn from the 2025 competition, although they paid tribute to her reign during the finals.
Eckert studied business administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she was a member of the Husker cheerleaders, according to her Miss USA biography. She is now the social media and marketing coordinator for Thai handbag brand Sapahn.
The 23-year-old will represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in November.
Miss USA pageant update.
Miss Nebraska 2025 Audrey Eckert. Courtesy of Miss USA
51 women competed for the Miss USA crown.taking part in swimsuit, evening gown and interviews during prelims earlier this week in Reno.
In past years at Miss USA, the selection committee has selected the top 15 to 20 contestants. new CEO Tom Broder, told Business Insider in September that it was eliminating the committee to make competition more transparent.
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“For many, many years, young women have come into this organization competing with the rule — it's very clearly stated, you know what you're signing up for in your competition contract — that the leadership team, management and others can be part of the selection process,” Brodeur said. “As such, the selection process for the new Miss USA and Miss Teen USA is not left to the discretion of the judges. This is how it happened historically.”
“Part of what my team and I intend to do is remove this selection committee rule from the participants’ contracts,” he added. “In simple terms, this means that the judges will select the winner of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. And what that means for the participants—the young women who compete in this sport—is that they will have a 100% fair chance where someone else's voice or influence will not affect their ability to compete.”
This year's judges included Miss USA 2014 and current “The Valley” star Nia Sanchez, “Dancing with the Stars” pro Sasha Farber, former “Bachelor in Paradise” star Jade Roper Tolbert, model scout Hannah Edwards and fashion designer Kenneth Barlis.
Last question
Brodeur also brought back interview questions about current events that were prohibited under former Miss USA CEO Leila Rose.
“We're not just talking about our favorite colors or movies or songs,” Brodeur told Business Insider in September. “So I think it’s important that we allow the intelligence of women in the Miss USA and Teen USA communities to shine through.”
During the final round of questions, participants were asked questions about artificial intelligence, barriers women may face in creating sustainable wealth, and more.
Miss Nebraska's question was, “When people look back at our generation in 100 years, what do you think they will say about us, and what are you doing to make that happen?”
“Our generation is undoubtedly adaptable,” Eckert said. “We have learned to grow and change through many things.”
“I work in digital media every single day and teach 500 athletes every week how to stay safe online and be safe online. Learning to grow in a digital world requires being adaptable, just like being Miss USA,” she continued. “She's going to Miss Universe very soon and she needs to adapt, she needs to roll with the punches and lead our great nation with pride.”
New winner of a new era
Miss Nebraska Audrey Eckert at the state costume competition. Reza Venegas
Miss USA hasn't had a scandal-free year since 2020. falsification of chargessexual harassment allegations, three different CEOs, two humble queensAnd one high-profile lawsuit.
Brodeur hopes to usher in a new era with the new Miss USA, who will begin her reign by flying to Thailand for the week-long Miss Universe 2025 pageant. The finale will be televised on November 21.
Brodeur told Business Insider in September that the new Miss USA would have a “pretty aggressive look” when she returns.
“Time will prove it and we have to work hard to prove it, but my goal is to restore Miss USA and Miss Teen USA as America's It Girls,” he said.
Let the reign begin.
