Current:Home > ScamsMiss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation -TradeWise
Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation
View
Date:2025-04-12 03:33:00
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! (78)
Related
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Report shows a drop in drug overdose deaths in Kentucky but governor says the fight is far from over
- Dolly Parton developing Broadway musical based on her life story
- NCAA panel sets up schools having sponsor logos on football fields for regular home games
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Kansas City Chiefs cancel practice after backup defensive lineman BJ Thompson has medical emergency
- World War II veteran, 102, dies in Germany while traveling to France for D-Day ceremonies
- High school seniors pull off 'epic' prank, convince Maryland town a Trader Joe's is coming
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- Is the US job market beginning to weaken? Friday’s employment report may provide hints
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Robinhood to acquire Bitstamp crypto exchange in $200 million deal
- Report shows a drop in drug overdose deaths in Kentucky but governor says the fight is far from over
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, It Couples
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- GameStop shares surge nearly 50% after 'Roaring Kitty' teases livestream
- Judge sentences former Illinois child welfare worker to jail in boy’s death
- Minnesota man’s 2001 murder conviction should be overturned, officials say
Recommendation
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
Russia is expected to begin naval, air exercises in Caribbean, U.S. official says
The Daily Money: Last call for the Nvidia stock split
Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian’s Teen Son Mason Is All Grown Up While Graduating Middle School
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul has been rescheduled for Nov. 15 after Tyson’s health episode
At D-Day ceremony, American veteran hugs Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and calls him a savior
Kelly Clarkson struggles to sing Jon Bon Jovi hit 'Blaze of Glory': 'So ridiculous'