Texas’ Regan Hutsell Crowned Miss America 2027

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Regan Hutsell of Texas has been crowned Miss America 2027, taking home the prestigious title during the national pageant held Sunday, Sept. 6, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Hutsell competed against delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her victory makes her the 99th woman to hold the Miss America crown.

Along with the title, Hutsell will receive scholarship money as part of her prize package. She will also take on the responsibilities that come with representing the Miss America organization across the country.

Miss Louisiana Shelby Bordelon was named first runner-up, while Miss Illinois Kate Dimmett finished as second runner-up.

Hutsell was crowned by outgoing Miss America Cassie Donegan, 28, who passed on the crown after a busy year representing the organization.

Donegan won the Miss America title last September after first winning the Miss New York competition. An accomplished singer, she spent much of her year traveling around the country for speaking engagements, charitable work and performances.

One of her memorable appearances came at the Daytona 500, where she performed the national anthem.

In an interview with PEOPLE in April, Donegan said the experience of being Miss America was “different every day,” something she enjoyed despite the demanding schedule.

Her background in the entertainment industry helped her adjust to the constant travel and long workdays.

“I am used to living out of a suitcase or being on a plane all the time,” Donegan told PEOPLE, explaining that her previous experience helped prepare her for life as Miss America.

The busy schedule was not always easy. Donegan admitted that some days left her completely exhausted.

“There are some 10-hour days where I’d get home, and I was like, ‘What are words? I don’t know how to be human right now,’ ” she joked.

Still, she said the exhaustion was worth it because of how rewarding the experience was.

“Your brain just goes to mush, but your heart is so full at the same time, so it’s worth it,” she said.

Donegan also said she began her Miss America year without many expectations. Instead, she focused on making the most of the opportunity and staying open to whatever came her way.

“I decided from the beginning it was going to be an amazing year because I wanted it to be an amazing year,” she told PEOPLE.

Now, that journey has come to an end as Hutsell begins her own year as Miss America 2027, stepping into a role that combines public appearances, service, advocacy and scholarship.