Miss America Cassie Donegan Fires Back at Pageant Makeup Critics with Empathy and Humility

Hello there, I’m Jordan Collins, your go-to guide for all things celebrity gossip. I suppose it’s time to fill you in on the latest scoop. As a helpful yet condescending guide, I’ll break it down for you in simple terms.

Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan has taken to social media to address criticism over her makeup at the national pageant, where she represented New York. In a recent interview with People, the 28-year-old beauty queen shared her thoughts on the backlash, saying, “I’m just a normal person. No, I don’t want to hear people ever say anything negative, especially about my appearance.” However, she also acknowledged that the internet is a public space where people have the right to share their opinions.

Cassie, who is also a singer and actress, emphasized that she’s focused on spreading positivity and inspiring others. “At the end of the day, if even just one person has felt touched in some way or seen or loved through me as Miss America, then I’ve done my job,” she said. It’s clear that Cassie is committed to using her platform for good, despite the criticism she’s faced.

But who is Cassie Donegan, exactly? The New York native is not only a beauty queen but also a talented performer. She has a passion for singing and acting, and she’s been using her platform to spread joy and positivity. On her official website, Cassie describes herself as “a goofball who loves to laugh, loves fully and unconditionally, and is darn lucky that I get to play and tell stories for a living!”

As Miss America, Cassie is part of a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1921, when the pageant was first launched as a type of swimsuit competition on New Jersey’s Atlantic City boardwalk. Over the years, the pageant has evolved to include a range of competitions, including a talent portion, private interview, and fitness category.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Miss America pageant is its rules and regulations. For example, hopefuls must be no older than 28 on September 30, 2026, and no younger than 18 on September 1, 2026. They also cannot be married at the time of competition, and they must certify that they’re not pregnant and have no children.

In addition to these rules, contestants must also meet certain residency requirements. To compete for a state title, delegates must provide proof that they’ve lived in the state for at least 120 consecutive days before taking the stage. They can also prove that they’ve worked in the state for a minimum of 40 hours a week for at least 120 days or are enrolled full-time at one of the state’s accredited colleges or universities.

The talent portion of the competition is a fan favorite, with contestants showcasing their skills in a 90-second performance. This can include singing, instrumental performances, dance, and even chemistry lessons or Pitch Perfect-style cup playing. The talent portion counts for 20 percent of the scoring in each round, while the private interview is worth 30 percent of the total score.

Cassie’s response to the criticism over her makeup has been met with praise from fans and supporters. She’s shown that she’s not only a talented performer but also a kind and compassionate individual who is focused on spreading positivity and inspiring others. As she continues to navigate her newfound fame, it will be interesting to see how she uses her platform to make a difference.

In conclusion, Cassie Donegan is a shining example of what it means to be a true beauty queen. She’s not just a pretty face; she’s a talented performer, a kind and compassionate individual, and a role model for young people everywhere.

Glad I could fill you in on the latest scoop.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed