Audrey Eckert of Nebraska has officially been crowned Miss USA 2025, marking a new beginning for the long-running competition after months of controversy and leadership shakeups.
The 22-year-old digital safety advocate took home the crown Friday night at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, triumphing over 50 other hopefuls. Ivy Harrington of New Jersey and Chantéa McIntyre of Oregon were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
The pageant’s return comes after nearly a year and a half of turmoil, following the resignation of Miss USA 2023, Utah’s Noelia Voigt, whose exit brought allegations of misconduct and a “toxic work environment” to light. Promising a “new era” for the competition, the five-day event featured swimsuit and evening gown showcases, along with a Q&A portion that led up to Friday night’s finale.
Eckert, a former cheerleader and University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate, was visibly emotional when her win was announced, collapsing to her knees amid a cascade of gold confetti.
In a notable departure from pageant tradition, she was crowned by reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, instead of the previous Miss USA winner, Alma Cooper of Michigan, who did not attend the event. Meanwhile, Voigt made a surprise appearance as a co-host for the online broadcast, having helped present one of the preliminary competitions earlier in the week.
The Miss USA organization has been engulfed in controversy since May 2024, when both Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava stepped down within days of each other. Voigt initially cited mental health struggles but later drew attention when fans realized her resignation post secretly spelled out “I am silenced.”
In a letter later obtained by CNN, Voigt alleged a “toxic work environment” that she described as “at best, poor management and, at worst, bullying and harassment.” She further claimed the organization failed to provide her with proper security, which allegedly led to an incident of sexual harassment during a Christmas parade in Florida. Laylah Rose, Miss USA’s then-president, denied all wrongdoing.
Last month, businessman Thom Brodeur announced that he had purchased the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA franchises from the Miss Universe Organization, taking over as president and CEO under a 10-year agreement. However, Rose disputed the sale in a now-deleted social media post, claiming she had not received any “new contracts regarding any transfer of ownership.”
The Miss Universe Organization later confirmed Brodeur’s acquisition, calling it a “new chapter” for the brand. Its co-owner, JKN Global Group, has since filed a lawsuit against Rose’s company, VVV Global, accusing it of contract breaches, reputational harm, and mistreatment of contestants and staff — echoing earlier claims made by Voigt.
As the newly crowned Miss USA, Audrey Eckert will now represent the country at the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand next month. The U.S. remains the most successful nation in Miss Universe history, with nine titleholders to date.