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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, defeated 51 other women in the finals contest that took place on Sunday in Orlando.
The event took place across two days at the Walt Disney Theater – January 4 and January 5.
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.
She was crowned by Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh.
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.
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.”
The event was streamed on YouTube, but one critic went so far as to say 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.”
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
Carley Vogel, representing the state of Tennessee, and Casana Fink, Miss Florida 2024, also finished in the runner-up spots.
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.
“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.
