The Miss USA 2026 Winner Is Miss Virginia Justus Kelley
Business Insider • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Justus Kelley of Virginia was crowned Miss USA 2024, becoming the first winner from Virginia since 1970 and making history as the first married woman, mother, and contestant in her 30s to win the title.
- Kelley, a foster mom, nonprofit founder, and children's book author, will represent the U.S. at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico this November.
- The 75th Miss USA pageant introduced a new "commercial appeal" judging category to evaluate contestants' potential for sponsorships, and for the first time, fans were allowed to vote to influence the top 10 finalists.
- The pageant faced recent challenges, including leadership changes and broadcast disruptions, with the final show moved from The CW network to the Queen Beauty Network streaming service due to unresolved contractual issues.
- Kelley emphasized breaking traditional barriers, advocating that women no longer need to choose between careers, family, and dreams, and highlighted her thrifting fashion approach as a statement on sustainability and accessibility.
