Who Is Miss USA 2025? Get to Know Audrey Eckert From Nebraska

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I’m absolutely thrilled to share that Audrey Eckert from Nebraska is our new Miss USA 2025! I was so excited to see her win at the competition in Reno, Nevada on October 24th. She immediately shared her joy online, posting, “NEBRASKA, WE DID IT!” and saying it all felt like a dream. It’s amazing to think she’ll be heading to Bangkok, Thailand in November to compete for the Miss Universe title! It was a little different this year, though. Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the current Miss Universe, actually did the crowning because Alma Cooper, last year’s Miss USA, wasn’t able to be there in person. Alma shared that it was a tough decision, but she was leaving her reign with her head held high and proud of everything she accomplished. I can’t wait to see what Audrey does as Miss USA!

This was the first pageant held since Miss USA and Miss Teen USA revealed new leadership in September. Thom Brodeur is the new president and CEO.

A little over a year after Noelia Voigt, Miss USA 2023, announced she would be stepping down in May 2024, there’s been a change in leadership. In her resignation letter, Voigt cited a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization, describing it as either poor management or bullying and harassment. Laylah Rose, the former CEO and President, disputed these claims.

Shortly after Voigt resigned, UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, also decided to give up her title, stating that her personal values no longer matched the organization’s direction.

However, after a new leader, Brodeur, took over, Voigt – who returned as a co-host for this year’s competition – expressed optimism, feeling like a fresh start was underway. In September, she encouraged anyone hesitant to compete due to her previous resignation to sign up, believing things would be different.

Now, as Eckert begins her reign as Miss USA 2025, read on to learn more about the new titleholder.

This isn’t Audrey Eckert’s first crown.

Six months before winning Miss USA 2025, Kennedy Eckert was crowned Miss Nebraska – a goal she’d had since childhood. She celebrated the state title on Instagram, calling April 6, 2025, a day she’d never forget and saying, “Dreams really do come true.” Eckert had been competing in pageants since she was young, previously winning titles like Miss Nebraska Preteen (2015), Miss Nebraska Jr. Teen (2017), Miss Princess of America Sweetheart (2018), and Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2020, where she placed among the top five at Miss Teen USA.

She works in social media.

Eckert works as the Social Media and Marketing Coordinator for Sapahn, a Thai handbag company dedicated to human rights. But her commitment to online safety goes beyond her job. She began noticing the negative effects of online interactions while working with children, seeing many arrive anxious or scared due to cyberbullying, online predators, and rumors. Knowing that nearly half of teens experience cyberbullying and 1 in 5 children face online predatory behavior, Eckert is passionate about creating safer online spaces and helping young people build confidence online.

She’s a graduate of University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

In her Miss Nebraska USA profile, Eckert shared that she earned a business degree with a focus on marketing, and she also studied advertising and public relations.

She’s a cheerleader.

During her time at the University of Nebraska, Eckert was a cheerleader and even served as captain of the Husker Cheer Squad. Now, she shares her skills by coaching competitive cheer, working with over 300 athletes. In an April Instagram post, she explained her commitment to helping athletes build confidence both in their sport and in life.

She loves adventure.

Audrey’s bio describes her as a daring adventurer who loves activities like zip-lining and bungee-jumping – anything that gets her adrenaline pumping! She truly believes in living life to the fullest.

Interested in learning more about pageants? Keep reading!

She’s a graduate of University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Eckert has a business degree with a focus on marketing and a minor in advertising and public relations, as stated in her Miss Nebraska USA profile.

She’s a cheerleader.

While studying at the University of Nebraska, Eckert was a cheerleader and even served as captain of the Husker Cheer Squad. Now, she coaches competitive cheerleading, sharing her skills and experience with over 300 athletes. She’s dedicated to helping them build confidence not just in their sport, but in all aspects of their lives, as she shared in a recent Instagram post.

She loves adventure.

Audrey loves adventure! Her profile describes her as someone who isn’t afraid to try anything, from zip-lining to bungee jumping – she’s always seeking excitement. She believes in living life to the fullest.

If you’re interested in learning about the world of pageants, continue reading.

The Miss America pageant, which began in 1921 as a swimsuit competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has age requirements for contestants. To compete in the 2026 pageant, applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old as of September 1st and 30th, 2026, respectively.

As a lifestyle expert, I often get asked about age requirements in pageantry, and it can be a little tricky! For those turning 18 during the competition year, it’s what we call a ‘pivot year.’ They get to choose whether they want to compete with teens or move up to the Miss division. The teen age range is pretty specific – they need to be at least 14, but no older than 18, as of September 1st, 2026, to qualify.

Okay, so here’s the thing – once you pick your adventure, you’re locked in! Seriously, you can’t switch to a different one until applications open up again next time. It’s a big decision, and I spend weeks agonizing over it every cycle, but once it’s done, it’s done! You have to really commit!

Okay, so it’s always ‘There she is, Miss America!’ and there’s a reason for that! It’s like, these women have to be completely free, you know? They can’t be married when they compete – though being divorced is okay, which is fair, I guess. And it’s not just marriage, they actually have to promise they aren’t pregnant and don’t have kids. It’s a whole thing, but it just proves how perfect they expect these women to be! It’s amazing.

Contestants for state titles need to follow specific rules. To qualify, they must prove they’ve been residents of the state for at least 120 days before the competition.

Alternatively, applicants can qualify by demonstrating they’ve worked at least 40 hours a week for 120 days, or by being a full-time student at a state-approved college or university.

Contestants definitely have skills, and their 90-second talent performance—which often includes singing, playing instruments, or dancing—is worth 20% of their score in each round. There have been some unique talents showcased too, like Alayna Westcom (Miss Vermont 2015) giving a chemistry lesson, and Kira Kazantsev, who won that year, performing a cup-stacking routine similar to the movie Pitch Perfect.

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

As a longtime fan, I’ve always been impressed by how well the contestants understand the scoring system. It’s pretty detailed! They’re judged in several key areas: a private interview makes up 30% of their score, followed by fitness (20%), talent (another 20%), and evening wear – where confidence and poise really matter for their 20%. Finally, there’s the stage question, which accounts for the remaining 10%. They really have to be well-rounded to have a chance at the crown!

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2025-10-27 22:17