Nationwide — Regan Hutsell, an African American woman from Houston, Texas, has been crowned Miss America 2027 after competing against representatives from across the United States and several U.S. territories. The 25-year-old earned the national title during the Miss America competition on Sunday, Sept. 6, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her victory makes her the 99th woman to hold the Miss America crown, the fourth woman from Texas, and only the 9th Black woman to win the title in the pageant’s 105-year history.
Hutsell competed alongside delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Miss Louisiana Shelby Bordelon finished as the first runner-up, while Miss Illinois Kate Dimmett was named second runner-up. Along with the crown and sash, the new Miss America will receive scholarship money as part of her prize package.
Before entering the pageant world, she built a career as a professional dancer. According to People, Hutsell started dancing professionally at 18 when she joined the Radio City Rockettes. She later performed internationally with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Her experience as a dancer also shaped the cause she now plans to highlight during her year as Miss America.
During her professional career, Hutsell faced an eating disorder. She later turned that experience into the foundation for her community service initiative, “Your Body Is Your Home.” The program encourages people to build positive self-worth, improve their inner dialogue, and recognize that their value does not depend on their appearance. The initiative connects her personal experience as a dancer with her work to support others.
“Miss America has always represented hope and inspiration,” Hutsell said in a statement. “I am incredibly honored to represent an organization that empowers women through scholarships, service, and opportunity. I look forward to encouraging individuals of all generations to walk boldly in their purpose, pursue their wildest dreams, and never give up on themselves.” Her new role will now take her across the country as she represents the organization and its focus on scholarships, service and opportunities for women.
Hutsell succeeds Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan, who crowned her successor during Sunday’s ceremony. Donegan, 28, won the title last September after previously winning the Miss New York competition. During her year as Miss America, the accomplished singer traveled around the country for speaking events, charitable activities, and performances. She even sang the national anthem at the Daytona 500. In a previous interview, she said the job could bring exhausting 10-hour days, but she still viewed the experience as rewarding. Now, Hutsell begins her own year as Miss America 2027.