Miss America defends pageant makeup amid online criticism

Cassie Donegan was crowned Miss America on Sept. 7, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, in a ceremony that highlighted the competition’s blend of pageantry and scholarship. In the hours after the win, a wave of social media commentary focused on her makeup, with some critics saying the makeup appeared heavy under the stage lights and suggesting the competition should have produced a different winner. Donegan represented New York in a field that included 52 contestants from across the United States.

Donegan spoke with Fox News Digital shortly after the pageant about the online remarks. She said that when something big happens there will be many opinions, but she is buoyed by the support she has received and will not let the negativity cloud the moment. She emphasized that her focus is on uplifting young people and serving as a positive role model, rather than engaging with criticism online.

Donegan described her background as a reminder of the opportunities Miss America can offer. She is the daughter of a Navy veteran and comes from a family that faced hardship, including a mother who battled health problems and periods when utilities were at risk of being cut off. She noted growing up in a smaller town in a lower-income household and said those experiences gave her a perspective on resilience and the importance of community involvement. She acknowledged that her path to Miss America did not require a glamorous or expensive wardrobe, pointing out that her talent outfit was sponsored and much of the makeup she used came from sponsors or drugstore sources. She stressed that there are no fixed rules about how much money is spent or what background a winner must come from in order to pursue the Miss America opportunity.

The Miss America Organization, which has long positioned itself as a scholarship-driven platform for young women, awards more than $5 million in cash scholarships annually, in addition to millions more at the national, state and local levels. In Donegan’s win, she received a $50,000 tuition scholarship plus an additional $3,000 for her preliminary talent competition. She competed against 52 contestants from all 50 states, and last year’s Miss America winner, Abbie Stockard of Alabama, crowned her successor.

In discussing the broader purpose of her reign, Donegan underscored unity as a central message during a time of national division. She spoke of her family’s military ties and her pride in the armed forces, noting that she hopes to highlight dedication to the country and to equal opportunity for all. She described Miss America as a platform that can create spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can connect, share their truths, and collaborate toward common goals. She also emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with positivity and mentors who reinforce belief in one’s potential.

Donegan also addressed the balance between personal beliefs and the responsibilities of the crown. She said she intends to use her platform to advocate for unity and constructive dialogue, while recognizing that individual opinions on social media are part of the public conversation surrounding the pageant. She recalled her own experiences with bullying and hardship, saying that those memories strengthen her commitment to being a role model who encourages girls to pursue their ambitions and to value kindness and empathy.

The Miss America title remains a high-profile platform for education, service and leadership. Donegan’s message during her reign is expected to center on unity, empowerment, and the idea that background should not define opportunity. As she continues her duties, her team has noted that her approach to engagement will focus on positive, authentic connections with communities, veterans, students, and families across the country.