Miss Virginia competes for Miss America crown

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - 52 women from across the United States and Puerto Rico will compete for the title of Miss America 2026 September 3-7, including Miss Virginia.

It was 3 months ago that Leesburg, Virginia native Madison Whitbeck was in Roanoke, competing for Miss Virginia.

“I won the Preliminary Talent/ HER Story Award, Preliminary Onstage Interview Award, Overall Interview Award, and then ultimately Miss Virginia 2025. And so, the feeling of all the suspense in the buildup that week, and just everything that I’ve worked so hard for coming into fruition, was just absolutely the best thing ever to have the crown placed on my head and feel all of the emotions,” said Whitbeck.

Aryana Guest won Miss Virginia Teen that same week, and together they are embarking on a new journey, competing for Miss America and Miss America Teen in Orlando, Florida, with only 6 weeks to train.

“I really wanted to prioritize keeping myself as a contestant as the complete package, so that means interview prep, going to appearances, building those stories that really build your interview, my talent. I’m a singer. So it was, you know, hours in the car, in the studio, in the shower, wherever, singing,” said Whitbeck.

Whitbeck’s favorite part of the Miss America competition thus far happened before she’s scheduled to hit the stage, one-on-one interviews with the judges.

“That’s really the part of the competition where you get to spend the most time with them and really let them get to know you and who you are as a candidate for the job of Miss America. And I feel like I’ve prepared so hard for that specifically,” said Whitbeck.

Whitbeck is one of 52 women who arrived in the Sunshine State this week to fulfill their dreams of becoming Miss America 2026, along with a $50,000 scholarship. Whitbeck said she’s proud to represent Virginia on the national level, carrying the support of her community.

“I never grew up as a pageant girl, but the second I stepped into this organization and really experienced it for what it was, my entire family and friends, and village rallied behind me, and they loved seeing the work that I do across the Commonwealth. So to have their support, along with the support of so many people I’ve met and worked with through the Miss Virginia opportunity, it’s just been the biggest blessing,” said Whitbeck.

No matter the outcome, Whitbeck said she can’t lose because of the knowledge and sisterhood she’ll gain and the work she will continue as Miss Virginia.

Miss America preliminaries begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 3. A new Miss America will be crowned Sunday, September 7.

For more information on how to watch the competition, visit pageantvision.com/watch-cat.php?id=108