The gowns were glamorous, the performances were dazzling, and the competition was fierce. But beyond the sequins, spotlights and towering wigs, the 2026 Miss’d America Pageant delivered something even more powerful: a celebration of individuality, acceptance and community.
Nine contestants took the stage at Caesars Atlantic City on Sunday, Oct. 11, competing for the coveted title of Miss’d America in an evening filled with elaborate musical numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and heartfelt moments.
When the final scores were tallied, Amnesia Martini was crowned the newest Miss’d America, earning the title after competing in swimsuit, evening gown, talent and question-and-answer categories.
For longtime host Carson Kressley, the annual pageant represents one of the highlights of his year.
“I really enjoy doing it. It’s one of the most fun nights of the year for me, and I get to see great drag, see old friends, have a couple drinks, celebrate the community,” Kressley said. “All those things keep me coming back.”
The television personality, fashion expert and former “Queer Eye” star described the atmosphere as an evening-long celebration that extends beyond the competition itself.
“People have come to expect that Miss’d America is a party, the pageant, the after-party, the pre-party,” Kressley said. “All of it is meant to be a good time.”
Behind the curtain
While audiences witness a polished production reminiscent of Broadway, executive producer Rich Helfant said much of the magic happens in a remarkably short time.
“These people come together on Saturday morning, most of which have never met each other, and certainly never worked together. In only 24 hours, Mark creates a cohesive show that would rival any musical on Broadway,” Helfant said.
Mark Dahl, the pageant’s writer and director since 2012, has been involved with Miss’d America since its earliest days. A South Jersey native now living in California, Dahl originally assisted Bobby Hitchen, the drag performer known as Sandy Beach, who helped shape the original production.
Contestants are responsible for developing their own talent performances, costumes, choreography and props. Meanwhile, professional dancers rehearse for weeks in New York City under choreographer Gabriel Reyes.
Helfant had a rare opportunity to attend the final rehearsals this year, witnessing firsthand the countless adjustments necessary to bring the production together.
“So many components go into this that nobody knows – because Mark makes it look effortless, and it’s not,” Helfant said.
Nine queens, one crown
The contestants brought their own personalities, humor and artistry to the stage, with performances ranging from theatrical comedy to deeply personal storytelling.
Kressley particularly enjoyed first runner-up Bev’s unconventional talent presentation, a lip-sync performance featuring Julia Sugarbaker from the classic television sitcom “Designing Women.”
The competition culminated in Martini’s victory, determined through a computerized scoring system designed specifically for the pageant.
Ten judges evaluated contestants across four categories, with the highest and lowest scores removed before the remaining scores were averaged.
Helfant said that although he had not yet reviewed the complete judging results, he had heard particularly favorable reactions to Martini’s evening gown presentation and question-and-answer response.
Among the judges was Suzette Charles, Miss America 1984, who also performed during the evening.
For Kressley, the question-and-answer competition provides some of the night’s most entertaining and meaningful moments.
“I love asking the questions. It’s very funny and campy, and then we get some great, serious, meaningful answers that really showcase why Miss’d America is still very important and still very relevant,” he said.
A performance with a powerful message
Among the evening’s most memorable performances was Tiffany Foxx’s emotional interpretation of Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy,” which explored identity, parental expectations and acceptance.
Foxx performed a number depicting a difficult interaction between a parent and child. Her mother participated in the performance, portraying a parent who disapproved of her child’s self-expression.
As the number unfolded, Foxx removed her makeup, creating a vulnerable moment that resonated with the audience.
“It was so beautiful that the mom was there taking part in it,” Kressley said.
He described the performance as a reflection of the misunderstandings that can occur between LGBTQ+ children and their families, and the possibility of acceptance.
For Kressley, moments like these demonstrate why representation matters.
“Shining a light on these people allows other people, young people usually, to see them and say, ‘Hey, I can be exactly who I’m meant to be. I don’t have to pretend to be anyone else. There’s a community for me where I’m loved and accepted.'”
He added that hearing queer stories, whether through comedy or serious performances, can help build understanding beyond the LGBTQ+ community.
“We are really more the same than we are different, and we share the same hopes and dreams and feelings,” Kressley said. “I think that fosters a sense of unity in our community at large.”
Atlantic City’s enduring connection
Miss’d America began in 1994 as a lighthearted parody of the traditional Miss America Pageant, created by John Schultz and Gary Hill.
After Miss America departed Atlantic City, Miss’d America went on hiatus before returning in 2010 through the efforts of Helfant and the Atlantic City GLBT Alliance.
Since then, the production has established itself as a major entertainment tradition with its own identity.
Helfant estimated this year’s attendance exceeded last year’s by approximately 350 to 400 people, despite the unusual Sunday night scheduling.
Kressley, who grew up near Allentown, Pennsylvania, has longstanding ties to the Jersey Shore. His family regularly vacationed in Ocean City, and he recalled visiting Atlantic City in 1978 to see the newly opened Resorts International casino.
He believes events like Miss’d America contribute to Atlantic City’s tourism economy and help reinforce its identity as an entertainment destination.
Kressley recalled speaking with longtime Caesars employees who remembered how the traditional Miss America Pageant once attracted visitors and national attention to the resort.
“There’s so much potential in Atlantic City,” Kressley said. “We know the most wonderful people live and work there.”
He credited local hospitality businesses for their support of Miss’d America through sponsorships and partnerships.
“I think some a little bit less conventional things like Miss’d America can help do that,” Kressley said, referring to promoting Atlantic City’s future.
More than sequins and glitter
For Helfant, the pageant’s significance extends well beyond entertainment.
He pointed to Atlantic City’s history as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, decades before the modern gay rights movement.
“This pageant is so much more than sequins and glitter,” Helfant said. “It’s about diversity and inclusion and acceptance.”
He also emphasized the importance of providing performers with a platform to address issues such as bullying, discrimination and challenges affecting transgender youth.
Kressley echoed that sentiment, noting that Miss’d America continues to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and causes supporting South Jersey’s LGBTQ+ community.
For both men, the pageant is an opportunity to entertain while reminding audiences of the importance of inclusion.
“We celebrate diversity, we celebrate inclusion, we celebrate being who we are, and we don’t discriminate,” Helfant said.
The next chapter
As the newly crowned Miss’d America, Martini will represent the organization at community events and Pride celebrations throughout her reign, with potential appearances in Philadelphia, New York City, Asbury Park and other destinations.
Organizers are also exploring a reunion performance featuring former Miss’d America titleholders.
Meanwhile, Helfant is already looking ahead to the 2027 pageant, with hopes of announcing the next date and venue by Pride Month.
And Kressley has no plans to trade his microphone for a crown anytime soon.
Asked whether he would ever consider competing himself, the host laughed at the amount of work required to prepare a drag performance.
“I’m just too lazy,” he joked. “I’ll just do what I do, which is host.”
Kressley is content to remain the master of ceremonies, helping bring together an evening where humor, artistry and heartfelt storytelling share the spotlight.
As another Miss’d America Pageant comes to a close, its message remains as enduring as its glittering crowns: Everyone deserves a place to shine.
For information about upcoming events and appearances, visit MissdAmerica.org.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
