India, Jan. 6 -- The 97th annual Miss America pageant, held at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, culminated in a thrilling competition, with 2024 titleholder Madison Marsh passing on the crown to Abbie Stockard after a series of intense events.

Stockard, who is a Miss Alabama cheerleader, has been crowned Miss America 2025, triumphing over 10 other finalists to claim the coveted title and a $50,000 tuition scholarship. However, her win was overshadowed as there is a growing sentiment among some that the pageant is no longer what it used to be.

Stockard talked about how her mother inspired her by juggling several jobs to raise her and her friend who is struggling with cystic fibrosis. She also expressed her desire to earn a PhD IN anes...