The gold confetti has barely settled, but one thing is clear: Audrey Eckert just flipped the Miss USA story. On Friday night, the 22-year-old from Nebraska was crowned Miss USA 2025 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, marking not only her personal triumph but a turning point for a pageant eager for a clean slate.
Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Audrey Eckert’s story feels straight out of a Midwest success playlist: small-town roots, big-league energy. She graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, specializing in marketing, while leading the Husker Cheer Squad as captain.
© Miss USA/ Audrey EckertBefore the crown, Eckert was already blending brains and branding, working as a social media and marketing coordinator for the Thai handbag label Sapahn. And if her face looked familiar, it’s because she’s been around the pageant scene for a while. She won Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2020 and placed as third runner-up at Miss Teen USA the same year.
When she returned to compete in 2025, she wasn’t the same teenager in rhinestones; she was a woman on a mission. By the time she was crowned Miss Nebraska USA 2025, it was clear she was heading for something bigger.
The Moment That Stole the Show
Fast forward to Reno. The lights dimmed, the music swelled, and the top five stood frozen. When the host called her name, Audrey crumbled in disbelief as gold streamers rained down.
© Miss USA/ Audrey EckertHer reaction said it all; it was genuine shock. With that, Audrey Eckert became only the second woman from Nebraska to win the Miss USA crown, following Sarah Rose Summers in 2018.
This year’s Miss USA was a comeback story. The competition returned under new ownership, hoping to restore credibility after recent controversies and leadership exits. In many ways, Audrey’s win symbolizes a fresh start.
Her focus is on digital safety and empowerment. She’s not just posing for photos, but teaching athletes and students how to stay safe online, turning her pageant platform into a real-world impact project.
© Miss USA/ Audrey EckertDuring the final question round, she spoke confidently about adaptability in the digital age, explaining how her work helps others protect themselves online.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Her
What sets Audrey apart is her ability to connect. She represents a new generation of titleholders who blend confidence with compassion, influence with authenticity. She’s relatable. She’s grounded. She’s that girl who could cheer you on at a game one day and lead a national initiative the next.
From her preliminary Best in Swimsuit award to her thoughtful interviews, Audrey proved that you can be strong, stylish, and socially conscious all at once.
© Miss USA/ Audrey EckertWhat’s Next for Audrey
Her next stop is Miss Universe 2025, where she’ll represent the United States on one of the biggest stages in the world. The competition will take place in Thailand, bringing her journey full circle from Nebraska’s heartland to an international arena.
© Miss USA/ Audrey EckertExpect her to use that platform to push her advocacy for digital well-being, especially for young women navigating the pressure-cooker world of social media.
