Miss America 2026 : Who Is Willow Newell?
First Black Miss Wisconsin Finalist Breaks Barriers
Danielle Cox
I haven’t worn a crown since high school, and even then, it was rhinestones and nerves on a sticky gym floor. But tonight? I’m watching a different kind of royalty take the stage and I’m cheering like she’s my little sister.
Her name is Willow Newell, and she’s representing Wisconsin at the 2025 Miss America competition. And y’all… she’s making history.AND ROCKING NATURAL HAIR!!!
The First Black Miss Wisconsin
Back in June, Willow Newell ’25 became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Wisconsin, and now, she’s on the national stage, radiant, poised, and powerful. The Carthage College alumna (yes, she just graduated!) is performing “And I’m Telling You” from Dreamgirls as her talent, and if you’ve seen even five seconds of her clips on Instagram, you already know: she’s hitting notes, and breaking ceilings. And I’m standing and clapping!
Representation in Real Time
We don’t always see young Black women celebrated in the pageant world. We don’t often see kinky curls under the spotlight, commanding attention with vocals that stir the soul and a message that actually matters. But tonight, we do.
And we see ourselves in her. She’s preaching, for the little Black girls who never saw themselves on stages like this. She told the Milwaukee NBC affiliate,
“I competed for years with my hair straightened because growing up, people made fun of me for my natural hair, and I didn’t feel comfortable in it,” Newell said. “But there was one summer when I realized that this is the time.”
Her Platform: Expression Without Exclusion
As Miss Wisconsin, Willow isn’t just focused on gowns and glitter. Her platform, Expression Without Exclusion, advocates for inclusive arts education, ensuring that all students, no matter their race, income, or zip code—have access to the stage.
It’s giving heart. It’s giving vision. It’s giving purpose.
And that’s why tonight matters so much more than a crown.
How to Watch Her Win
Miss America 2025 /2026 Finals
Sunday, September 7
6 PM CT / 7 PM ET
Livestream available HERE.
FAQ’s
Who is Willow Newell ?
She is Miss Wisconsin and the first Black woman to hold the title. She is taking the Miss America stage with poise talent and a message that matters.
Why is Willow Newell making history ?
She broke a barrier as the first Black Miss Wisconsin and she is doing it while celebrating natural hair on a national stage.
What is her talent ?
She is performing And I am Telling You from Dreamgirls a powerhouse vocal that showcases control range and heart.
What is Willow Newells platform ?
Expression Without Exclusion. She advocates for inclusive arts education so every student has access to the stage no matter their background.
Where did she go to college ?
Carthage College where she graduated in the class of 2025.
Why does her natural hair matter in this moment ?
It signals representation and confidence. Seeing coils under the spotlight tells young Black girls their beauty belongs everywhere.
When are the Miss America finals ?
Sunday September 7 at 6 PM CT and 7 PM ET.
How can I support Willow right now ?
Tune in share her story amplify her platform and cheer loudly for inclusive arts and visible natural hair on big stages.
What does her rise mean for pageants in 2025 and 2026 ?
More authenticity more cultural pride and more room for talent and purpose to lead the way.
What is the big takeaway ?
This is bigger than a crown. It is a shift toward freedom and visibility where excellence and natural beauty stand side by side.
