Miss America’s Makeup Sparks Fierce Backlash—What Went Wrong Behind the Scenes?
So, Miss America 2026 is now officially Cassie Donegan, hailing from the buzzing streets of New York City — the eighth queen from the Big Apple in a century-plus of pageant drama. Talk about patience paying off! But here’s the kicker: while Cassie snagged the crown after battling it out with 52 other contenders over two nail-biting nights, the internet’s reaction? Let’s just say her makeup artist might want to hide under a rock for a bit. Seriously, did someone forget to check the concealer shade, or was it a daring experiment gone sideways? As social media lit up with snarky comments suggesting a “makeup artist credential check,” one has to wonder — when it comes to the Miss America stage, is flawless beauty just about talent and poise, or does your concealer have to pass the online roast test too? Hold onto your makeup brushes; this saga is far from over. LEARN MORE
Miss America 2026 has been crowned, but the internet is not impressed by the new beauty’s dolled-up face on the night of her big win.
Cassie Donegan, Miss New York, was just crowned with the prestigious Miss America title on September 7, 2025.
She became the eighth New York City beauty in 104 yearsto win the crown after two nights of competition in the renowned pageant.
- Cassie Donegan wins the Miss America 2026 title after beating 52 fellow contestants in 2 days of cutthroat competition.
- She became the eighth New York beauty in 104 years to take home the crown at the iconic pageant.
- Netizens slammed Cassie’s on-stage makeup for being the wrong shade, with many criticizing her makeup artist.
- “Makeup artist needs a credential check,” wrote one user online.
“Congrats love! Let’s get you a new makeup artist,” wrote one social media user.
Contestant Cassie Donegan became the eighth Miss New York to be crowned Miss America
Image credits: missnewyorkorg / Instagram
Cassie stunned at one of the biggest beauty pageant nights in America in an elegant, body-hugging white silk gown with a one-shoulder sleeve and a mermaid-style skirt.
She paired her look with a full face of makeup featuring rosy pink cheeks, long eyelashes, and pink lipstick, while her strawberry-blonde hair was donned up in an updo.
In a now-viral clip shared on TikTok, the glamorous beauty participated in a trendy transition video.
Image credits: missnyvol / Instagram
Donegan was seen entering an elevator in a backless gown with a glittery silver bodice paired with a silk white skirt with a high slit.
As the elevator doors reopened in the transition segment, she had changed into her Miss America win gown, holding a bouquet in her hands and the crown on her head.
“Makeup artist needs a credential check.”
The 27-year-old pageant winner participated in a trendy TikTok transition to celebrate her iconic win
Image credits: houstonmphotography / missamerica / Instagram
Cassie was not only awarded the diamond-studded crown but also received over $50,000 in scholarships from the Miss America program.
In a press release following her win, she revealed how she plans to use the money to fund her undergraduate education and to pursue her master’s degree.
Image credits: missamerica / TikTok
She further highlighted how the legacy of the beauty competition empowers “ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality.”
“I am honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead—and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to bring that mission to life.”
Fans brutally mocked the new Miss America and slammed her makeup artist over “questionable” makeup
Image credits: missamerica / TikTok
As pictures of Cassie from her crowning moment and viral TikTok videos began circulating on social media, netizens turned her big win into a nightmare.
While attending press events and giving interviews after her win, fans zeroed in on her makeup, with many criticizing her makeup artist for failing to match the makeup accurately to her skin tone.
One netizen commented, “Love it but we need to have someone fix her concealer. It’s a bit too white and drowns her out.”
Image credits: missamericany / Instagram
Another user wrote, “Her looks aren’t up to par to be Miss America,” while a third quipped, “Her makeup is questionable.”
“She’s way too pretty for the way they did her makeup.”
Donegan won over $50,000 in scholarships as part of her prize under the Miss America program
Image credits: missamerica / TikTok
Cassie competed against 52 contestants at the event, representing all 50 states in the U.S.
She was crowned by Miss America 2025 winner Abbie Stockard from Alabama.
The top runner-ups, apart from the crowned beauty, included Miss Texas Sadie Schiermeyer, Miss Florida Paris Richardson, Miss Georgia Audrey Kittila, and Miss Alabama Emma Terry.
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