Miss America Cassie Donegan Responds to Pageant Makeup Criticism

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Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan knows true beauty is not skin-deep.

Due to the online criticism regarding her makeup at the recent national pageant where she represented New York, the 28-year-old is choosing to disregard it.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I openly admit that I’m just like any other individual. However, it’s always disheartening to hear unfavorable comments, particularly regarding my physical appearance. Yet, I recognize the internet as a public platform where everyone has the freedom to express their opinions. After all, no one can please everyone all the time.

Instead, Cassie is “just going to do my best to love everyone and care about everyone.”

If someone, anywhere, has been moved or appreciated by me in my role as Miss America, then I feel I have succeeded in my mission. That’s what truly matters to me.

Cassie, who works as both a singer and an actress during her spare time, has also been leaning on her network of support as she navigates her rising fame.

She pointed out that sometimes it’s necessary to selectively filter the information from online discussions. A helpful strategy, she added, is to pay attention to those who support, appreciate, and encourage you, while focusing on the positive aspects present in the current situation.

And that includes her family.

“My family is my rock,” Cassie shared on her official website. “My pups are my joy.”

In simple terms, she expressed, “Essentially, I’m a jovial soul who finds joy in laughter, gives love wholeheartedly without reservations, and am incredibly fortunate to make a living by playing and narrating tales!

To discover comprehensive details about the Miss America pageant, encompassing guidelines for both its winners and contestants, continue perusing this information.

In the long-standing tradition of the Miss America pageant, which started as a beachside beauty contest in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1921, participants for the 2026 event must not be older than 28 years old on September 30, 2026. On the contrary, they should not be younger than 18 years old on September 1, 2026, a day before the initial events begin.

For individuals turning 18 during the year, they experience what’s known as a “transition year,” where they have the option to compete in either the Teen or Miss division, depending on their preference. The age criteria for the Teen division are: candidates must be at least 14 by September 1, 2026; and no older than 18 by September 30.

After making their choice for the adventure, the teens are unable to switch departments until the following application period begins.

3. The phrase is, “Here comes Miss America!” However, contestants are unmarried during the competition, though they may have been previously married or divorced. Additionally, they must confirm that they are not expecting a child or have any offspring.

4. All state titleholders should maintain their respective areas, metaphorically speaking. To be eligible to contest for a state title, participants need to furnish evidence demonstrating that they have resided in the state for at least 120 uninterrupted days prior to their appearance on stage.

Another way of expressing this is: They must have worked in the state for a minimum of 120 days, putting in at least 40 hours each week, OR be currently enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university that has been accredited by the state.

5. The contestants indeed possess talent, as their 90-second performances during the talent segment demonstrate. This segment may include singing, musical instruments, and dance routines, but it’s noteworthy that Alayna Westcom gave a chemistry lesson and Kira Kazantsev played the cups in the style of ‘Pitch Perfect’. Each round’s scoring takes this 20 percent talent portion into account.

Not a part of the tally: The swimsuit competition, which was washed away in 2018. 

6. Contestants are well-versed in keeping track of points. During both the preliminary rounds and the finals, participants are evaluated for the
– Their private interview contributes to 30% of their total score.
– The fitness category accounts for 20%.
– The talent section also earns them 20%.
– The evening wear segment is based on confidence and composure, making up another 20%.
– Lastly, the stage question round contributes 10% to their overall evaluation.

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2025-09-10 02:47