Audrey Eckert of Nebraska was crowned Miss USA 2025 on Friday night during a dazzling ceremony at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. The 23-year-old was crowned by current Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, marking the beginning of her reign and a fresh chapter for one of America’s most storied beauty pageants.
Timeline
- Miss Nebraska Audrey Eckert was crowned the new Miss USA in Reno, Nevada, on Friday night.
- She will represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant on November 21.
- Eckert is a social media and marketing coordinator for a handbag brand.
From Cheerleader to Miss USA
Eckert, who holds a degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, was a member of the university’s Husker cheer squad. according to her Miss USA bio. Today, she works as a social media and marketing coordinator for Sapahn, a Thai handbag brand.
Her background in digital marketing, combined with her charisma, poise, and communication skills, made her a standout among the competition.
Representing the U.S. on the Global Stage
As the newly crowned Miss USA, Eckert will go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2025 competition, set to take place in Thailand in November. It’s an exciting opportunity that will see her compete on an international stage, continuing the Miss USA legacy of empowerment, elegance, and advocacy.
A Farewell to Alma Cooper
Eckert succeeds Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper, who chose not to participate in this year’s pageant. Cooper shared her decision on Instagram, explaining that while she wouldn’t compete, she was deeply honored by the tribute paid to her reign during the finale.
Her graceful departure made room for a new wave of competitors ready to redefine the Miss USA brand.
A Revamped Pageant for a New Generation
This year’s Miss USA competition featured 51 contestants from across the nation, competing in swimsuit, evening gown, and interview categories.
But beyond the glittering gowns and stage lights, this year’s pageant marked a turning point for the organization under its new CEO, Thom Brodeur. His leadership promises transparency and fairness in an industry often shadowed by controversy.
Ending the Era of the Selection Committee
In previous years, a private selection committee helped determine the top contestants — a system that drew criticism for lack of transparency. Brodeur told Business Insider in September that he has eliminated the committee entirely.
“Who the judges pick is the winner,” he said. “No other voices or influences will affect the outcome. Every contestant now has a 100% fair shot.”
An Esteemed Panel of Judges
The 2025 Miss USA panel featured a diverse lineup of judges, including Miss USA 2014 and The Valley star Nia Sanchez, Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber, model scout Hannah Edwards, fashion designer Kenneth Barlis, and Bachelor in Paradise alum Jade Roper Tolbert.
Their combined expertise reflected the organization’s renewed focus on professionalism and credibility.
Bringing Back Substance in the Interview Round
Brodeur also reintroduced on-stage interview questions about current events, a practice eliminated under previous leadership. “We’re not just talking about favorite colors or songs,” he told Business Insider.
“These women are smart, informed, and articulate — they deserve a platform to show that.” The shift added depth and relevance to a pageant often known more for beauty than dialogue.
Audrey Eckert’s Winning Answer
Eckert impressed both the judges and the audience with her thoughtful response to the final question: “When people look back on our generation 100 years from now, what do you hope they say about us, and what are you doing to help make that happen?”
“Our generation is adaptable,” she said. “I work in digital media and teach hundreds of athletes how to stay safe online. Learning to grow in a digital world requires adaptability — the same quality Miss USA needs to represent our nation with pride.”
A Pageant Seeking Redemption
The Miss USA organization has faced turbulent years filled with scandals, resignations, and allegations of favoritism. Since 2020, the competition has weathered lawsuits, CEO turnovers, and accusations of rigging.
Brodeur hopes Eckert’s victory will signal a reset — a moment to restore trust and reposition Miss USA as a positive force in American culture.
Looking Ahead to Miss Universe
Eckert’s reign begins immediately with preparations for the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand. Brodeur said her schedule will be “aggressive,” with appearances, interviews, and advocacy events planned across the country.
“Time will prove this new era,” he said. “Our goal is to reestablish Miss USA and Miss Teen USA as America’s It Girls — confident, ambitious, and authentic.”
A New Chapter for Miss USA
Audrey Eckert’s win represents more than a personal triumph — it’s a fresh start for a pageant ready to move beyond controversy and into a new age of transparency and empowerment. As she steps into her role on the global stage, she embodies what modern Miss USA contestants strive to be: intelligent, resilient, and unapologetically real.
