An exceptionally breathtaking finale of Miss America 2016 concluded with the crowning of Betty Cantrell from Georgia as the new Miss America. She battled out 51 other contestants to clinch the title. The finale of Miss America 2016 was held at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Betty was crowned by the outgoing winner Kira Kazantsev, Miss America 2015.

The very beautiful Vanessa Williams, Miss America 1984, was one of the judges at the finals. She had to give up her crown few weeks before the end of her reign due to controversy regarding nude photos being published in a magazine called ‘Penthouse’.

Betty represented Warner Robins at Miss Georgia 2015 and was awarded with $15000 scholarship for winning the state pageant. And now after winning the Miss America 2016 title, Betty won $50,000 scholarship. At the same event, Hannah Roberts from Mississippi was adjudged as the first runner-up, Kelley Johnson from Colorado was adjudged as the second runner-up, and April Nelson from Louisiana was titled fourth runner-up.

In addition to announcing the winners, two special awards were also awarded to the following contestants under the categories –

Life & Fitness Award - Daja Dial from South Carolina, Mary Katherine Fechtel from Florida and Taylor Wiebers from Iowa.

Talent Award - Taylor Wiebers from Iowa, April Nelson from Louisiana and Betty Cantrell from Georgia.