Kazantsev, who sang Pharrell William's hit 'Happy' during the competition, has won the title while Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett is the runner up.
- Sep 15, 2014
AceShowbiz - The new Miss America has been announced. Kira Kazantsev of New York was crowned the Miss America 2015 title at the pageant which took place on Sunday, September 14 in Atlantic City. It was the third time Miss New York has won the title at the annual competition. Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett, meanwhile, was named the runner up.
The contestants wowed the judges and viewers with their talents during the elimination stages. Kazantsev sang Pharrell Williams' Oscar-nominated track "Happy" while playing a cup as seen in "Pitch Perfect". Another memorable performance was from Miss Ohio Mackenzie Bart who did a ventriloquist act.
Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn, Miss Florida Victoria Cowen, Miss Arkansas Ashton Campbell, Miss Virginia and Miss New York then entered the top 5 and answered questions from the judges. Miss Arkansas got a question about gun control, while Miss Florida shared her opinion on Ray Rice's wife who stayed with him despite domestic violence.
"This is an absolute outrage... I feel it's important for the U.N. to come together to decide," Garrett replied when asked about ISIS beheadings. Miss Massachusetts, meanwhile, shared that her best friend's roommate was raped as she answered a question about sexual assault in campuses.
Judge Lee Meriwether mentioned to Kazantsev that the United States Congress is dominated by men and asked what should the women in congress take a lead on. "I really believe that sexual assault in our military is an issue these women have got to fight for," the 23-year-old contestant replied.
