Miss America 2022

The Miss America 2022 competition was held on December 16, 2021. This was the 94th Miss America competition and was held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, as the Miss America Organization celebrated its 100th anniversary.[1][3] It was the first Miss America since 1954 that was not televised, but it was streamed on Peacock. There were several technical glitches within the stream throughout the show, causing many viewers to complain on social media about the production value.[4]

Miss America 2022
DateDecember 16, 2021
Presenters
VenueMohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut[1]
BroadcasterPeacock
Entrants50
Placements10
WithdrawalsMaine[a]
WinnerEmma Broyles
 Alaska
← 2020
2023 →

Miss America 2020, Camille Schrier of Virginia crowned her successor, Emma Broyles of Alaska, at the end of the event. Broyles is Alaska's first Miss America title in the history of the pageant and the third Asian American to win the Miss America title, following Angela Perez Baraquio in 2001 and Nina Davuluri in 2014 and the first of Korean descent to win the Miss America title.[5]

Background

On April 8, 2021, the Miss America Organization announced a three-year contract with Mohegan Sun to host the national competition which would be held in December.[1]

On November 22, 2021, it was announced that the competition would be exclusively streamed on Peacock.[6]

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the planning of the 2021 event, known as Miss America 2021, which was initially scheduled for December 2020 and was to be hosted at the pageant's headquarters in Atlantic City, New Jersey. That was set to air on NBC but was cancelled on May 8, 2020, due to the onset of the pandemic. The other missing years are because there was no pageant held from 1928 to 1932 or in 1934 because of the Great Depression. Miss America Organization opted to postpone the 94th edition or the 100th anniversary of the pageant to the latter part of 2021.[7][8][9][10]

The state pageant competitions had been planned for April to June 2020. However, they were postponed for a year, rescheduled for April and July 2021 or cancelled outright. The pageant allowed a one-time only grandfather clause on eligibility for state qualifying pageants. The exception was Montana, which held its pageant as planned on July 25, 2020. As with restrictions implemented in all 50 states (including Montana) and District of Columbia, numerous health and safety guidelines have been implemented for contestants, production members, and audiences at state pageants, such as taking a negative COVID-19 test and following social distancing. Additionally, a number of state pageants have had to alter their initial venue choices due to shut-downs implemented by their governors. Some state pageants had to push further a month after they were originally intended to schedule in typical April to June schedule to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Miss USA 2021 state pageants, which were rescheduled into most of 2021 due to the pandemic.

On December 13, 2021, Miss Maine Mariah Larocque tested positive for COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated, and had to withdraw for the remainder of the competition including the final show. As a result, 50 delegates were still able to participate in the final competition as planned.[2]

Overview

Judges

Preliminary Judges

On December 12-13, 2021, the judges for the preliminary competition selected the preliminary winners as well as the finalists for the final night. The panel included co-founder and president of BossBabe, Danielle Canty; performing artist, Kevin Davis; founder and CEO of Rae Model & Talent Agency, LLC, Jessica Rae; fashion designer, Paige Mycoskie; and artist and singer-songwriter, John Gurney.

Final Night Judges

On December 15, the judges for the final competition were announced. For the 100th anniversary, the panel consisted of former Miss Americas. They were Miss America 1990, Debbye Turner Bell; Miss America 2000, Heather French Henry; and Miss America 2009, Katie Stam Irk.

Results

Placements

PlacementContestant
Miss America 2022
1st Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
3rd Runner-Up
4th Runner-Up
Top 10

Order of announcements

Preliminary awards

AwardsCandidates
On Stage Interview (Social Impact Pitch)
Talent

Equity and Justice Scholarship awards

ResultsContestant
Winner
1st runner-up
Finalists

Forever Miss America Scholarship

ResultsContestant
Winner

Jean Bartel Military Awareness Scholarship

ResultsContestant
Winner

Jean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Scholarship

ResultsContestantSocial Impact Pitch
WinnerUNPLUG: The Digital Diet Plan
1st runner-upRISE for Refugees: Refugee Inclusivity, Support, and Education
2nd runner-upPeer Challenge Commit2Character
FinalistsBe a LeadHER: Ignite the Spark Within
Volunteerism: If You See a Need, Take the Lead

South Dakota University STEM Scholarship

ResultsContestant
Winner

STEM Scholarship

ResultsContestant
Winner
1st runner-up
2nd runner-up
Finalists

Top Fundraisers

ResultsContestant
Winner
1st runner-up
2nd runner-up
3rd runner-up
4th runner-up

Women in Business Scholarship

ResultsContestant
Winner
1st runner-up
2nd runner-up
Finalists

Other awards

AwardsContestant(s)
Miss Congeniality
America's Choice
Non-Finalist Talent

Candidates

All 51 state titleholders have been crowned.

  •   Declared as winner
  •   Ended as a runner-up
  •   Ended as a finalist or semi-finalist
StateNameAge[b]HometownTalent"Social Impact Initiative"PlacementSpecial awardsNotes
AlabamaLauren Bradford[11]21Gulf ShoresViolin, "Symphony No. 5, in C minor" by Ludwig van BeethovenUNPLUG: The Digital Diet Plan[11]1st runner-upJean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Winner

South Dakota University STEM ScholarshipTop Fundraiser 2nd PlaceWomen in Business Finalist

Previously Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen 2017[c][12]
AlaskaEmma Broyles[13]20AnchorageVocal, “Let Me Be Your Star” from TV show SmashBuilding Community Through Special OlympicsMiss America 2022Preliminary Social Impact Pitch AwardPreviously Miss Alaska's Outstanding Teen 2017[14]
ArizonaAmber Barto[15]23ScottsdaleContemporary Dance, Dream Chasers By Future World MusicLeadership through Service: Awareness, Action, ResultsPreviously Miss Arizona's Outstanding Teen 2014[16]
ArkansasWhitney Williams[17]23ConwayBaton Twirling, Conga by Miami Sound MachineHeart for the Arts[18]
CaliforniaJazmin Avalos[19]24Garden GroveVocal, "Astonishing" from Little WomenEnding Substance Abuse
ColoradoMaura Spence-Carroll[20]21Fort CarsonVocal “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman#EndTheStigma Surrounding Military Mental Healthcare[citation needed]First active-duty soldier to become Miss Colorado[20]
ConnecticutSapna Raghavan[21]22EllingtonIndian Classical DanceOvercoming Adversity: Embracing Diversity[21]Previously Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen 2015[22]
DelawareSophie Phillips[23]25BearPianoEnvironmental JusticeEquity and Justice Finalist
District of ColumbiaAndolyn Medina[24]25Chesapeake, VAVocal, "Summertime" By The Paul Smith QuartetDemand an End: Stop Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking[citation needed]Top 10Jean Bartel Military Awareness Scholarship

Top Fundraiser 5th Place

Previously Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen 2012[25]

Previously District of Columbia Sweetheart 2019Is an officer in the United States Navy

FloridaLeah Roddenberry[26]22BradentonDanceBe a LeadHER: Ignite the Spark WithinTop 10Equity and Justice Finalist

Jean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Finalist

Previously Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen 2013[d][27] and 2015[28]
GeorgiaKarson Pennington[29]23AugustaTap DanceROAR: Reach Out and ReadEquity and Justice Scholarship 1st runner-up
HawaiiCourtney Choy[30]25Ewa BeachHula AuanaFemale Empowerment Through Partnership[30]
IdahoAyriss Torres[31]21PocatelloBallet en PointeThe Equity ProjectCivil Affairs Specialist in the United States Army[31]
IllinoisIsabelle Hanson[32]25Glen EllynViolinThe Media Literacy MovementTop 10Preliminary Talent AwardPreviously Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen 2013[33]
IndianaBraxton Hiser[34]24IndianapolisVocalLove Thy Neighbor[35]
IowaGrace Lynn Keller[36]23Island Lake, ILBallet en PointeRead to Succeed: Promoting Literacy in Grades K-3[36]Eligible as a student and recent graduate of the University of Iowa[36]
KansasTaylor Clark[37]21St. JohnDrumsBand Together: Music Education for AllPreviously Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen 2017[38]
KentuckyHaley Wheeler[39]23Clay CityVocalA Stitch of Hope: Alzheimer's Awareness
LouisianaJulia Claire Williams[40]22MonroeDanceFind your FREDDY: Fostering Rewarding Engagements with Disabled and Disadvantaged YouthSTEM Scholarship 1st runner-upPreviously Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen 2015[41]
MaineMariah Larocque25PortlandVocalA Survivors Purpose: End Child Sexual AbuseWithdrew prior to the final competition after tested positive from COVID-19Miss Congeniality
MarylandLydia Sohn25HanoverCelloArtworks: Promoting Arts Integration in Education and Engagement in Communities
MassachusettsElizabeth Pierre23North CambridgeDanceWe Hear You: Empowering Youth Voices2nd runner-up
MichiganVivian Zhong[42]24NorthvillePianoGolden Warriors of Pediatric Cancer - Fight Like a KidSTEM Scholarship Winner

America's Choice

MinnesotaGabrielle (Elle) Louise Mark[43]25Red WingVocal, Things Are Hard on Dreamers” from stage version of AmelieThe Campaign to Change DirectionSTEM Finalist
MississippiHolly Brand[44]21MeridianVocalVolunteerism: If You See a Need, Take the LeadJean Bartel Social Impact Initiative FinalistPreviously Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen 2017[45]
MissouriCallie Cox[46]21MexicoVocalPeople First
MontanaJessica Criss[47]24BozemanClassical VocalA Sense of Defense[citation needed]
NebraskaMorgan Hope Holen[48]23OmahaDance, Climb Ev'ry Mountain from The Sound of MusicLead With Your Strengths: The Power of Strengths-based Mentoring[48]Women in Business Scholarship 1st runner-upDaughter of Miss Nebraska 1988, Jodi Sue Miller Holen[49]

Previously Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen 2014[49]

Previously Distinguished Young Woman of Nebraska 2016[50]
Top 10 at Distinguished Young Woman 2016[50]
NevadaMacie Tuell[51]24GardnervilleVocalMemories Matter: Alzheimer's Awareness
New HampshireAshley Marsh[52]26LaconiaTap DanceFit for Life![citation needed]
New JerseyAlyssa Marie Sullivan[53]25Cape May Court HouseVocalPeer Challenge Commit2CharacterJean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Scholarship 2nd runner-upPreviously Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen 2013[citation needed]
New MexicoSienna Mascareñas[citation needed]20AlbuquerqueDanceGirls Get Math: Breaking Gender Stereotypes in STEM[citation needed]Previously Miss New Mexico's Outstanding Teen 2017[54]
New YorkSydney Park[55]25South BronxOriginal Poetic Prose, "Sit Like a Lady"You Go Girl! Power Through Sports[citation needed]3rd runner-upPreliminary Talent Award
North CarolinaCarli Batson[56]21WilmingtonDanceCarolina Cares[56]Top Fundraiser 3rd Place
North DakotaReyna Bergstrom[57]25FargoVocalThe Influencer Era: Impact Beyond the Screen[57]
OhioLora Current[58]20RosewoodJazz Dance, “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie TylerReadOn: Empowering Literacy, Learning, and LeadershipPreviously Ohio Fair's Queen 2019
OklahomaAshleigh Robinson[59]23Oklahoma CityVocal, “Ev'ry Night at Seven” from 1951 MGM film Royal WeddingInclusion for all Abilities[59]
OregonAbigail Hayes[60]20DamascusVocal and Piano, If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia KeysGeneration Youth: Tomorrow's Leaders4th runner-up
PennsylvaniaMeghan Sinisi[61]26AltoonaBaton Twirling, "River Deep, Mountain High" by Ike & Tina TurnerAutism Awareness and AcceptanceEquity and Justice Finalist


Women in Business Scholarship Winner

Rhode IslandLeigh Payne[62]21BarringtonPianoSupporting Small Business: Empowering Women through Ownership and Entrepreneurship[citation needed]
South CarolinaJulia Herrin[63]20ManningPiano#RealNotPerfectTop Fundraiser 1st Place
South DakotaKaitlin O'Neill[64]24GrotonBalletBloom: Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy You[64]
TennesseeTally Bevis[65]24SpringfieldVocalVote With a VisionForever Miss America Scholarship

Top Fundraiser 4th PlaceWomen in Business Scholarship 2nd runner-up

TexasMallory Fuller[66]23FairfieldFiddleThe Happy Heart ProjectTop 10Preliminary Social Impact Pitch AwardYounger sister of Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen 2010 and Miss Texas 2018, Madison Fuller[67]
UtahSasha Sloan[68]23North Salt LakeVocal, "That's Life" By Frank SinatraRISE for Refugees: Refugee Inclusivity, Support, and Education[68]Top 10Equity and Justice Scholarship Winner

Jean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Scholarship 1st runner-upWomen in Business Finalist

VermontDanielle Morse[69]22New HavenSpeed PaintingChampioning for the UVM Children's Hospital[69]STEM Finalist
VirginiaTatum Sheppard[70]22Milan, TNVocal, "Don't Forget Me" By Katherine McPhee. From "Smash".Mentoring MattersDaughter of Miss America 1987 Kellye Cash[70]
WashingtonMaddie Louder[71]23SeattleDanceFeeding Hope: Eating Disorder Awareness
West VirginiaJaelyn Wratchford[72]20MartinsburgOriginal MonologueInvesting in Our Future: The Impact of Youth Empowerment[72]
WisconsinJennifer Marie Schmidt[73]25Mount PleasantJazz Dance, "Hit Me with a Hot Note and Watch Me Bounce" from the Duke Ellington-based revue Sophisticated LadiesDiabetes, You Have the ControlSTEM Scholarship 2nd runner-up
WyomingMikkayla DeBolt[74]21SheridanOriginal MonologueKids Unplugged: Encouraging Our Youth to Explore Their World Without Technology

Notes

References