Who is Audrey Eckert? Digital Safety Advocate from Nebraska Wins Miss USA 2025 Title
The crown has a new home. Miss Nebraska, Audrey Eckert, was named Miss USA 2025 at the 74th annual pageant finale held Friday night at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
The 23-year-old digital safety advocate triumphed over 50 contestants in a competition that marked a significant turning point for the venerable organization.
Eckert’s victory, the second-ever for the state of Nebraska, is being hailed by organizers as the start of a “new era” for the Miss USA pageant following months of unprecedented controversy and a major leadership change.
The New Queen: Who is Audrey Eckert?
Audrey Eckert impressed the judges and audience alike with her poised delivery and clear platform. A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration, Eckert is also a former NCAA Division I athlete and cheerleader.
Her advocacy, focused on digital safety and empowerment, stood out. During the final question round, when asked what she hopes future generations will say about the people of today, Eckert confidently responded, highlighting her generation’s “adaptability” and her commitment to teaching “over 500 athletes weekly how to stay safe online.”
This focus on modern, relevant social issues aligns perfectly with the pageant’s stated goal of evolving beyond traditional beauty standards.
Key Highlights of the Miss USA 2025 Results:
- Winner: Audrey Eckert (Nebraska)
- First Runner-Up: Ivy Harrington (New Jersey)
- Second Runner-Up: Chantéa McIntyre (Oregon)
- Venue: Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nevada
- Date: October 24, 2025
Miss USA’s Controversial Shift: A New Chapter
The 2025 pageant took place under the new ownership and direction of CEO Thom Brodeur, a change that follows nearly 18 months of turmoil.
The Miss USA brand was rocked by the simultaneous resignations of Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava last May, amidst allegations of a toxic work environment and poor management under the previous leadership.
In a highly visible break from tradition, Eckert was crowned by reigning Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, and not by the outgoing Miss USA 2024, Alma Cooper.
Cooper publicly announced just hours before the finale that she would not be attending the ceremony, stating she was choosing to “stand in honour of my values, work, and resolve.”
Modernizing the Competition
Under CEO Brodeur, the Miss USA 2025 competition introduced several structural changes aimed at increasing transparency and integrity.
Notably, the influential selection committee, which traditionally narrowed the field, was eliminated to ensure that the contestants have a “100% fair shot.”
Furthermore, the competition welcomed a more diverse pool of contestants, including women over the age of 28, following a rule change in 2024.
This year saw Mona Lesa Brackett of New Hampshire become the first woman to compete in a hijab, and 44-year-old Miss Delaware, Tetra Shockley, become the oldest contestant ever.
What’s Next for Audrey Eckert?
As Miss USA 2025, Eckert will immediately begin her year of service and preparation. Her most pressing commitment is to represent the United States at the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant, which is scheduled to take place on November 21st in Thailand.
All eyes will now be on the new queen as she carries the hopes of the nation onto the international stage, signaling a fresh start for a historic American institution.
