Miss New York Nia Franklin crowned Miss America 2019

Miss New York, Nia Franklin, was crowned Miss America 2019 in a competition that was broadcast live on ABC.

As Miss America 2019, Nia will travel across the country for her year of service.  She will embark on her national speaking tour about her social impact initiative “Advocating for the Arts” and as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.

Nia is a graduate of The University of North Carolina School of Arts where she majored in music composition.  Along with the coveted title of Miss America 2019, Nia won a $50,000 scholarship to continue her education.  

The first runner-up in the competition was Miss Connecticut, Bridget Oei, who earned a $25,000 scholarship. 

Carrie Ann Inaba of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and TV personality Ross Matthews served as the pageant’s hosts.  51 candidates representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in preliminary competitions earlier in the week.