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The Miss America competition is here, and 52 women from across the country — including Puerto Rico — are gathering in Orlando, Florida, to vie for the 2026 crown. Among them is Virginia’s own Madison Whitbeck, a Leesburg native who just three months ago won the Miss Virginia title in Roanoke.
“It was surreal,” Madison said, looking back on that big week. “I won the Preliminary Talent/HER Story Award, the Preliminary Onstage Interview Award, the Overall Interview Award… and then Miss Virginia 2025. To have everything I’ve worked so hard for come together in that moment — having the crown placed on my head — it was just the best feeling ever.”
Joining her on the national stage is Aryana Guest, who won Miss Virginia Teen. The two had just six weeks to prepare for Miss America and Miss America Teen, but Madison says she’s been pouring herself into the process. “I really wanted to keep myself as a complete package,” she explained. “That means interview prep, appearances, and polishing my stories for interviews. My talent is singing, so I’ve been practicing everywhere — in the car, in the studio, even in the shower.”
Surprisingly, her favorite part of the competition isn’t on stage at all. “It’s the private interviews with the judges,” she said. “That’s when they really get to know who you are as a candidate for the job of Miss America. I’ve prepared so hard for that moment.”
Along with the crown comes a $50,000 scholarship, but Madison says what means the most is representing Virginia. “I didn’t grow up as a pageant girl,” she admitted. “But once I stepped into this organization and saw what it was all about, my family, my friends, my whole community rallied behind me. They love seeing the work I do across the Commonwealth. Their support has been the biggest blessing.”
Win or lose, Madison says she’s grateful for the journey, the friendships, and the platform she’s gained as Miss Virginia.
The Miss America preliminaries kick off Wednesday, September 3, with the new Miss America crowned on Sunday, September 7. You can catch all the action at pageantvision.com.
SOURCE: WHSV3