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Miss Universe 2026
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Miss USA 2026 Justus Kelley, 31, of Virginia, won on Aug 27 in Miami. She is the first married mother to hold the title.
Background
The Miss Universe pageant system crowns national titleholders who compete internationally. Recent national pageants include Miss Universe India (Kaziah Liz Mejo), Miss Universe Jamaica (Celene Hall), and Miss Universe Cuba (Mia Dio). Miss USA 2026 was held in Miami and streamed on Queen Beauty Network instead of The CW.
How it unfolded
- Aug 23, 2026Kaziah Liz Mejo crowned Miss Universe India 2026 in Jaipur; Celene Hall crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 in Kingston.
- Aug 26, 2026Mia Dio crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2026 in Miami.
- Aug 27, 2026Justus Kelley crowned Miss USA 2026 in Miami, making history as first married mother to win.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Kelley will represent the U.S. at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico in November.
- Public
- Kelley's win is celebrated as a milestone for inclusivity after rule changes allowed married women and mothers to compete.