Miss Nebraska Audrey Eckert Wins Miss USA 2025 Title
The Miss USA 2025 crown has officially gone to Miss Nebraska, Audrey Eckert, following a dazzling finale at Nevada’s Grand Sierra Resort on October 24, 2025. The 23-year-old beauty queen triumphed over 50 contestants from across the United States, earning the prestigious national title and becoming Nebraska’s second Miss USA winner since Sarah Rose Summers in 2018.
The event was co-hosted by Emmanuel Acho and Olivia Jordan, featuring rounds in state costume, preliminary competition, and final judging. Eckert stood out in every segment, impressing both the audience and the panel of judges with her grace, confidence, and poise.
Judges Crown Audrey Eckert After Tough Competition
The judging panel included Nia Sanchez, Jade Tolbert, Sasha Farber, Kenneth Barlis, and Hannah Edwards. After three intense rounds of competition, the judges awarded Eckert the highest overall score, securing her place as the nation’s new Miss USA.
The newly crowned winner is now set to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, scheduled to take place in Thailand in November.
“I’m beyond honored to wear this crown and represent the values of strength, intelligence, and compassion,” Eckert shared moments after being crowned. Her statement resonated with fans across social media, where #MissUSA2025 quickly began trending.
Alma Cooper’s Absence Sparks Attention
While the night celebrated a new queen, the absence of Miss USA 2024, Alma Cooper, drew widespread attention. Traditionally, the outgoing titleholder crowns her successor during the final ceremony — but this year, Cooper chose not to attend the event.
Just hours before the finale, Cooper posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, announcing her decision:
“After much consideration, I’ve made the extremely difficult decision not to attend this year’s Miss USA pageant and crowning ceremony. I close this chapter with integrity and pride, just like the crown I was honored to wear.”
Her absence marked a rare break in Miss USA tradition and followed days of speculation regarding her participation.
Miss USA Organization Responds with Support
Miss USA CEO and President Thom Brodeur had previously revealed that Cooper had not confirmed her attendance ahead of the competition. In an Instagram post on October 22, Brodeur expressed his desire for Cooper to participate “in whatever capacity she was most comfortable.”
He added, “Our dream was to warmly welcome Alma to the 2025 competition and to honor her with the dignified farewell she deserves. That invitation still stands.”
Following Cooper’s announcement, Brodeur reaffirmed the organization’s respect for her decision, writing, “We honor you, Alma. You are a queen, and you will forever be our Miss USA 2024.”
Despite the absence of a traditional handover, pageant organizers ensured that the ceremony remained an elegant celebration of empowerment and achievement.
A New Chapter for Miss USA and Audrey Eckert
Audrey Eckert’s victory symbolizes a fresh chapter for the Miss USA organization, which continues to evolve with modern ideals of inclusivity, education, and advocacy. The 2025 competition spotlighted themes of women’s empowerment, leadership, and community service, encouraging contestants to use their platforms for social good.
Eckert, a graduate of the University of Nebraska, has been active in community outreach programs, particularly those supporting youth education and mental health awareness. Her commitment to public service, combined with her eloquence and confidence, made her a standout contestant throughout the competition.
“This crown isn’t just a symbol of beauty; it’s a reminder that strength and compassion define true leadership,” Eckert said during her post-crowning interview.
Miss USA’s Legacy and What Lies Ahead
The Miss USA pageant, founded in 1952, continues to be one of America’s most-watched beauty and personality competitions. With 74 titleholders to date, the event has launched careers in modeling, entertainment, and public service.
Audrey Eckert now joins a legacy of influential women who have used their titles to inspire positive change. Her upcoming journey to Miss Universe 2025 is eagerly anticipated by fans, who are hopeful that she can bring the global crown back to the United States.
Meanwhile, Alma Cooper’s graceful exit serves as a reminder of the emotional depth behind the glitz and glamour of the pageant world. Both women, in their own ways, have highlighted what the Miss USA organization calls “beauty with purpose.”
The Road to Miss Universe 2025
As preparations begin for the Miss Universe competition in Thailand, Eckert’s victory has already captured international attention. Fashion designers, sponsors, and fans are rallying behind her as she prepares to represent the United States on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The Miss USA 2025 competition will be remembered not just for its elegance and pageantry, but for its message of resilience, unity, and empowerment — values that Audrey Eckert now carries forward with pride.
