October 25, 2025

Get ready to cheer for the new queen! Audrey Eckert, a lively 23-year-old from Nebraska, has grabbed the sparkling crown of Miss USA 2025. The grand event took place at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, where Audrey took the throne from the 2024 queen, Alma Cooper, who was honored but did not compete this year. This marks the start of a bright new chapter for the famous contest. Audrey’s not just a pretty face—she has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and was once a Husker cheerleader. Today, she works as a social media and marketing coordinator for a luxury handbag brand in Thailand. This shows she’s smart, successful, and ready to lead. When asked in the final round what she hopes future generations will say about today’s people, Audrey confidently replied, "Our generation is, without a doubt, adaptable. I work in digital media every single day and teach over 500 athletes weekly how to stay safe online. Being adaptable is key—just like the role of Miss USA, who must lead with pride and resilience." This wins hearts! This year’s pageant was special. Fifty-one contestants from all states and DC battled it out in swimsuit, evening gowns, and tough interviews. But the biggest change was behind the scenes—under new CEO Thom Brodeur’s watch, the usual selection committee was dropped. Now, only the judges decide who wins, without outside whispers or pressure. Brodeur told Business Insider, "Who the judges pick is the winner. No one else’s voice or influence affects the results." Stars on the judging panel included former Miss USA Nia Sanchez and Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber. The pageant also brought back smart questions about real topics like artificial intelligence and women’s financial empowerment. Gone are simple questions like favorite colors; now, contestants show their brains too! Brodeur promises to fix the image of Miss USA after tough years of scandals and CEO changes. He said, "My goal is to reestablish Miss USA and Miss Teen USA as America’s ‘It Girls.’ Time will prove that this organization is once again about opportunity, dignity, and dreams." Audrey Eckert's exciting journey starts now! She will travel, appear in media, and prepare to represent the US in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand this November. Get ready to see this Nebraska superstar shine on the world stage!

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Tags: Miss usa 2025, Audrey eckert, Miss nebraska, Beauty pageant, Thom brodeur, Miss universe,