Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke crowned as Miss America 2023

The results are in, and a new Miss America has been crowned.

Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke was named Miss America 2023 on Thursday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Stanke, 20, is a senior at the University of Wisconsin — Madison where she’s studying nuclear engineering. She is also a classical violinist.


Miss Wisconsin 2022 Grace Stanke, center, is crowned as Miss America 2023
Miss Wisconsin 2022 Grace Stanke is crowned Miss America 2023.
AP Photo/Steven Senne

She played the violin in the pageant’s talent competition and wowed the judges with her answers during the red-carpet portion and final round.

Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith was crowned first runner-up. Miss Texas Averie Bishop was crowned second runner-up.

Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke, left, is presented with the Miss America 2023 sash by Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles
Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke is presented with the Miss America 2023 sash by Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles.

Miss Wisconsin 2022 Grace Stanke as the new 2023 Miss America at the 101st annual Miss America Competition
Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke is crowned the new 2023 Miss America at the 101st annual Miss America competition.


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Miss Wisconsin 2022 Grace Stanke reacts after being crowned the new Miss America 2023
Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke reacts after being crowned Miss America 2023.


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Stanke won a $100,000 scholarship and will embark on a yearlong tour raising awareness about nuclear power and zero-carbon energy sources, according to Vogue.

Stanke said she was “excited” for the opportunities to discuss these issues and to represent “the women who can.”

Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith, center left, and Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke, center right, react as they learn that Stanke has become Miss America 2023
Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith (left) and Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke react as they learn that Stanke has become Miss America 2023.

Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith performs in the talent segment before becoming runner up to Miss Wisconsin 2022 Grace Stanke
Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith performs in the talent segment before becoming runner-up to Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke.


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Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke plays the violin in the talent segment.
Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke plays the violin in the talent segment.


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“As Miss America, I am representing this organization. If they ask further questions, I am able to preface saying, ‘This isn’t the organization’s point of view, this is my personal point of view as Grace Stanke,’ and I can go on to state it — especially when it comes to things like nuclear energy and so many other hot political topics,” she said.