New York is rejoicing once again as this year's Miss America hails from their state, making it their third consecutive win.
On Sunday at Atlantic City in New Jersey, Miss New York, Kira Kazantsev, bagged the crown for the new Miss America, according to New York Post.
Donning a John Paul Ataker champagne-colored gown, Kazantsev was crowned by former Miss America Nina Davuluri, who is also from New York.
The 22-year-old beauty queen and daughter of Russian immigrants, advocates protection of women against domestic violence as she also suffered from an abusive relationship when she was in college.
"You just feel alone. You feel helpless. You don't feel like anyone could possibly understand," Kazantsev told National Public Radio.
Aside from the crown and title, Kazantsev also received a $50,000 scholarship to continue her goal of attaining a master's degree in business administration, AFP reported.
According to the New York post, the blonde beauty and native of California also has plans of attending law school. In fact, she has been accepted at the prestigious Fordham University's Law School.
When it comes to talent, the New York beauty is seemingly not trying hard to do what is beyond her capacity.
"It's not your average Miss America talent in terms of singing Broadway tunes or opera. I'm sticking to what I can do," she told New York Post.
Kazantsev performed a version of "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, by which she used a red plastic cup with the help of her hands to produce sound.
Other winners from the event were Miss Virginia, Courtney Paige Garrett, (first runner-up), and Jacky Arness from North Dakota (Miss Congeniality).
Since 1945, six Miss America came from New York, tying with Oklahoma, Ohio, and California.
Who was your bet for this year's Miss America? Leave a comment below!
