Current:Home > MyMiss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation -Elevate Capital Network
Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation
View
Date:2025-04-18 16:35:14
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! (85)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Cardi B's alleged microphone from viral video could raise $100k for charity
- Husband of woman whose remains were found in 3 floating suitcases arrested in Florida
- Eric B. & Rakim change the flow of rap with 'Paid in Full'
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Russia to announce a verdict in Navalny case; the Kremlin critic expects a lengthy prison term
- Selling Sunset’s Amanza Smith Goes Instagram Official With New Boyfriend
- US expands curfews for asylum-seeking families to 13 cities as an alternative to detention
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Woman's husband arrested in Florida after police link evidence to body parts in suitcases
Ranking
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Love Is Blind’s Irina Solomonova Reveals One-Year Fitness Transformation
- Stuck with a big medical bill? Here's what to know about paying it off.
- Fall in Love with These 14 Heart-Stopping Gifts in This Ultimate Heartstopper Fan Guide
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Idaho College Murder Case: Suspect's Alleged Alibi Revealed Ahead of Trial
- US Rep. Manning, of North Carolina, is injured in car accident and released from hospital
- Denver Broncos linebacker Jonas Griffith tears ACL, ending 2023 season
Recommendation
2024 Olympics: Gymnast Ana Barbosu Taking Social Media Break After Scoring Controversy
Texas Border Patrol agents find seven spider monkeys hidden in a backpack
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $1.25 billion ahead of Friday night drawing
Jonathan Majors' assault and harassment trial delayed shortly after he arrives in court
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Fifth Gilgo Beach victim identified as Karen Vergata, police say
Nate Diaz, Jake Paul hold vulgar press conference before fight
A Texas man faces a possible death sentence after being convicted of fatally shooting a law officer