Audrey Eckert, representing the state of Nebraska, was crowned Miss USA 2025 at a ceremony held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada on October 24. The 23-year-old University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate, working as a social-media and marketing coordinator, will now represent the United States at the Miss Universe contest in Thailand in November.

The event marked more than a coronation.

It came at the close of a turbulent chapter for the Miss USA organisation, which over the past year has faced multiple leadership changes, resignations of title-holders and allegations of contractual and financial mismanagement.

In September the franchise transitioned to Thom Brodeur as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, who openly declared his ambition to usher in a “new era” of transparency and relevance.

Among the reforms introduced this year under Brodeur’s leadership were the removal of the longstanding selection committee, placing the decision solely in the hands of the judges, and a renewed emphasis on contestants’ voices and purpose.

Eckert, in her answer during the final round, underscored her work teaching youth about online safety and her belief in her generation’s adaptability as she accepted the crown.

Notably absent from the ceremony was outgoing Miss USA 2024, Alma Cooper, who issued a statement via social media earlier that day saying that she would not attend the pageant “to instead stand in honour of my values, work, and resolve.” The departure added to the pageant’s recent organisational narrative of upheaval.

Brodeur said that the event would act as a launchpad for Miss USA to rebuild in the public eye and reaffirm its purpose for the next generation of “It Girls”.

With Eckert beginning her reign under the banner of reform, the pageant now looks ahead to November’s Miss Universe competition and to restoring trust, relevance and brand strength following its recent setbacks.