Nationwide — Willow Newell, a 22-year-old African American lady from Racine, Wisconsin, made historical past by changing into the primary Black Miss Wisconsin. She gained amongst 30 contestants and can now compete for Miss America 2026 in Florida.
Willow impressed the judges along with her highly effective rendition of “And I’m Telling You” from Dreamgirls. Her singing earned her the highest vocal rating and the Ryan Man Memorial Music Scholarship, recognizing her expertise.
Past her voice, Willow is obsessed with her group. Her challenge, “Expression With out Exclusion,” works to make the humanities open and welcoming for everybody via tales, sources, and connections.
In line with WI Proud, Willow has been a part of Miss America contests since 2017, beginning as a teen competitor. This expertise helped form her journey to the state crown this yr.
She now prepares to take her mission and expertise to the nationwide stage at Miss America 2026 in Orlando this September.
