At Nevada’s Grand Sierra Resort on October 24, Miss USA organization announced Nebraska’s Audrey Eckert  as its 2025 winner. This was the state’s second victory in the national competition, following Sarah Rose Summers’ victory in 2018. Eckert will fly to Thailand in November to compete for the prestigious title of Miss Universe 2025 after winning.

During the pageant, which was co-hosted by Olivia Jordan and Emmanuel Acho, the 23-year-old beauty faced off against 50 other contestants from each state for the crown. Before judges Nia Sanchez, Jade Tolbert, Sasha Farber, Kenneth Barlis, and Hannah Edwards awarded her the highest overall score and the coveted crown, she competed against the other ladies in the state costume segment, preliminary stage, and final round.

There was one noteworthy change this year for the winner’s ceremony, despite the fact that 73 previous beauty finalists have worn the famous tiara.

Audrey Eckert crowned Miss USA — Instagram 

Alma Cooper, the winner of Miss USA 2024, said hours before the finale that she would not be going to the final event to give up the sash and crown as it has been done in prior years.

“After much consideration, I’ve made the extremely difficult decision not to attend this year’s Miss USA pageant and crowning ceremony,” the former Miss Michigan wrote on Instagram Oct. 24. “As I close this chapter, I do so with the knowledge that I finished what I started with integrity and my self-worth held high, just like the crown I was honored to wear.”

The announcement was made two days afterThom Brodeur, CEO and President of Miss USA, revealed that Cooper had not yet confirmed her attendance at the 2025 competition.

MISS USA Audrey Eckert — Instagram

“Our dream was to warmly welcome Alma to participate in the 2025 competition in whatever capacity she was most comfortable,” he wrote on Instagram Stories Oct. 22. “Our invitation still stands and we hope to provide her the dignified end to her reign that she deserves.”

Cooper may have finally decided against going back on stage, but Brodeur maintained that it wouldn’t change her status in the pageant’s annals.

“We honor you, Alma,” the CEO said. “You are a queen. You are our queen even if we didn’t start this journey with you. And, you are forever our Miss USA 2024.”

Audrey Eckert’s triumph is a new beginning for Nebraska and a proud time for Miss USA as she gets ready to represent the country on the world stage. The 23-year-old beauty queen goes into the limelight with grace and drive, ready to showcase her strength, purpose, and pride at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand.

don’t miss: Rose Byrne Arrived in Classic Black at the 2025 Rome Film Festival