The Miss New York 2018 and new Miss America was beaming with happiness after being named the winner of this year's pageant show.
- Sep 10, 2018
AceShowbiz - Sunday, September 9 was Nia Franklin's night as she was named Miss America 2019. The Miss New York 2018 won the newly-rebranded "Miss America 2.0" after getting through four days of preliminary competition and edging out 50 other contestants.
The University of North Carolina School graduate, who stunned in a white gown, couldn't hide her happiness as she received the crown from the outgoing Miss America 2018, Cara Mund. All of those memorable moments were captured on camera, which are now available below for fans to relive the fateful night.
1. Shining Among Strong Competitors
Nia Franklin was in the top five along with Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei, Miss Louisiana Holli' Conway, Miss Florida Taylor Tyson and Miss Massachusetts Gabriela Taveras.
2. Rough New York Upbringing
The Winston-Salem-born beauty amazed the judges when she said that her tough experience of living in New York would motivate her even more to use her title as Miss America to promote her cause.
3. A Well-Deserved Win
Possessing a perfect combination of brain and beauty, Franklin was passed down the title from the outgoing Miss America 2018, Cara Mund.
4. All Are Friendly
Franklin and Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei, who was announced as the first runner-up, were hugging it out after the former was named as the winner.
5. Supporting Arts in Education
Majoring in music composition, Franklin said during the "red carpet" portion of the competition, "There's a 20 percent higher graduation rate where music is part of the curriculum. I'll continue to work to make sure children have access to quality education."
6. Music to Promote a Positive Body Image
Sharing her story as a student who grew up in a predominantly Caucasian school, she said, "...only five percent of students were minorities. I felt so out of place as a woman of color. But I found my love in arts and music and that made me feel positive about myself and who I was. That's what I would encourage young girls to do - find who they are."
7. The First "Miss America 2.0"
Franklin won the newly-rebranded pageant show, which eliminated the swimsuit competition this year.
8. In the Name of Female Empowerment
Amid a protest due to the changes, the show replaced the swimsuit round with onstage interviews, during which contestants asked other contestants questions about headline-grabbing topics.
