Cherry Poppins of New York City was crowned Miss’d America 2026 on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Caesars Atlantic City.
Poppins, whose given name is Michael Samhat, placed as second runner-up in last year’s competition before claiming the top title this year. She received $5,000 in prize money, with The Countess Mascara earning $2,500 for second place and Tiffany FoXXX receiving $1,500 for third.
This year’s pageant carried a “Disco Down” theme, with contestants competing in swimsuit, evening gown, talent and interview categories.
Poppins is known as a live-singing comedy queen who has performed in both New York and New Jersey. She was the face of New York City’s tourism campaign in 2021 and appeared on Hot Ones: The Game Show. Offstage, she is a Broadway enthusiast, horror film fan and enjoys spending time with friends.
Drag runs in the family for Poppins. Her drag mother, FiFi Dubois (James Mullady), won the Miss’d America crown in 2016.
Founded in 1994 by philanthropists John Schultz and Gary Hill, Miss’d America began as a parody of the Miss America Pageant. Today, it continues as a major Atlantic City event and fundraiser for LGBTQ+ charities. Television personality Carson Kressley served as host of Saturday’s pageant.
