Current:Home > MyMiss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation -Capitatum
Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation
View
Date:2025-04-13 01:21:08
Less than two weeks after former Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned, Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz has officially taken the title.
The model and activist was crowned Wednesday in a ceremony broadcast live from Waikiki, Hawaii. Gankiewicz, 28, was crowned by Hawaii Gov. Dr. Josh Green, according to CNN and Entertainment Tonight.
"While this decision was not made lightly, I firmly believe that this opportunity was meant for me and I am ready to make a positive impact with this organization that I hold dear to my heart," Gankiewicz said, according to the outlets.
The contentious Miss USA title was originally held by Voigt until May 6, when the former Miss Utah relinquished her Miss USA crown to preserve her mental health.
Miss USA and Miss Teen USA'smoms say they were 'abused, bullied, and cornered'
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Voigt said in a lengthy Instagram post that her resignation might "come as a large shock to many," but shared a word of advice with readers: "Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth."
On May 9, Miss USA announced that Miss Hawaii had stepped in to complete the final three months of Voigt's vacated seat.
"I fully support and respect Noelia's decision to step down, and I stand in solidarity with mental health awareness," Gankiewicz said in a statement shared on social media at the time. She added, "To my fellow Miss USA sisters, I believe it's crucial for us to stand united for the future of the organization and the incoming class of 2024 and beyond.
"I pledge my wholehearted support to the new delegates who have dedicated themselves to their state pageants, and I am committed to ensuring a seamless and memorable transition between Miss USA titleholders."
Former Miss USA staffersays organization caused pageant winners' mental health to decline
Comments were limited on the joint post, which was a collaborative effort by the Miss USA, Miss Hawaii USA and Gankiewicz's Instagram accounts.
Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from her title within days of Voigt, sharing in an Instagram statement that her "personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization."
Miss USA resignations:CW 'evaluating' relationship with pageants ahead of live ceremonies
That title's runner-up, Miss NY Teen USA Stephanie Skinner, declined her invitation to replace Srivastava.
Srivastava, in a post on her Instagram story shortly after Miss USA's resignation, quoted Michelle Obama's famous motto, "When they go low, we go high."
She also shared a message: "Please do not send hate to anyone, while we can't control what is said about us, we can control what we say about others. Even if that means overlooking attacks on one's character."
2024's Miss USA and Miss Teen USA will be crowned in August.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson
veryGood! (9)
Related
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Connecticut man gets 12 years in prison for failed plan to fight for Islamic State in Syria
- Mother accused of starving 10-year-old son is charged with murder
- Two Rhode Island men charged with assault and battery in death of Patriots fan
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Longtime Chicago Alderman Ed Burke found guilty of corruption
- For years, he couldn’t donate at the blood center where he worked. Under new FDA rules, now he can
- TikToker Allison Kuch Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With NFL Star Issac Rochell
- Southern California rocked by series of earthquakes: Is a bigger one brewing?
- Greece to offer exclusive Acropolis visits outside of regular hours -- for a steep price
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Hydrogen tax credit plan unveiled as Biden administration tries to jump start industry
- US land managers plan to round up thousands of wild horses across Nevada
- Is Puka Nacua Rookie of the Year front-runner after brilliant game vs. Saints? 'He would get my vote'
- Residents in Alaska capital clean up swamped homes after an ice dam burst and unleashed a flood
- 45 years after teen girl found dead in Alaska, DNA match leads to Oregon man's murder conviction
- At Dallas airport, artificial intelligence is helping reunite travelers with their lost items
- This $299 Sparkly Kate Spade Bag is Now Just $69 & It's the Perfect Going Out Bag
Recommendation
Tropical rains flood homes in an inland Georgia neighborhood for the second time since 2016
ICHCOIN Trading Center: NFT Leading Technological Innovation and Breakthrough
For more eco-friendly holiday wrapping, some turn to the Japanese art of furoshiki
Residents of Iceland village near volcano that erupted are allowed to return home
'Most Whopper
AP-Week in Pictures-North America
Vanderpump Rules Star Lala Kent’s Holiday Gift Ideas Include Outfits You’ll Wear on Repeat in 2024
Still haven’t bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you