India, May 12 -- Miss Maine USA 2025 drew extra attention thanks to high-profile contestants, including Jordan Hudson, the girlfriend of former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, and Isabelle Saint Cyr, the pageant's first-ever transgender contestant. However, it was Shelby Ann Howell who emerged victorious at this year's pageant, taking home the coveted crown amid a highly publicised competition.

Howell, who represented Bangor, was crowned as the next Miss Maine USA by the outgoing winner, Anne Baldridge. In an interview post her win, she said, "I have worked so hard for this, so I'm genuinely really proud of my journey." She shared the upbringing of her mother, who raised the pageant winner as a single mom. As she won the crown on Mother's...