Miss America 2015 is Miss New York Kira Kazantsev

Miss New York Kira Kazantsev is the new Miss America 2015. She won the pageant tonight at the birthplace of the legendary competition in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. The Miss America 2014 Finals were broadcast live on ABC.

Kira Kazantsev is a graduate of Hofstra University. During her year as Miss America she will serve as spokesperson for education as she travels to Washington, D.C., to work with the Department of Education. Along with the coveted title of Miss America 2015, Kira won a $50,000 scholarship provided in part by Joseph Ribkoff Inc. and the Miss America Organization to continue her education.

For the talent portion of the competition, Kira performed a vocal performance of the song “Happy”. She was drumming with a red cup while performing. The performance was inspired by the movie Pitch Perfect. Anna Kendrick character was performing during an audition using a cup. Watch Kira Kazantsev perform Pharell’s Happy below.

Kira Kazantsev will embark on her national speaking tour about her platform, Love Shouldn’t Hurt: Protecting Women Against Domestic Violence and act as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.

Watch the crowning moment of Miss America 2015 below.

First runner-up in the competition was Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett who earned a $25,000 scholarship.Second runner-up honors and a $20,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss Arkansas Ashton Jo Campbell. 

The 94th Miss America Competition was hosted by Chris Harrison and Lara Spencer. The 53 contestants, who represented all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, participated in preliminary competitions earlier in the week.