Katie Stam was crowned Miss America last night, fighting off a throat infection, laryngitis and, of course, 51 other contestants to win the competition.
The 22-year-old University of Indianapolis student is the first Hoosier State native to earn this title.
Among her highlights on the evening: Stam belted out a rendition of “Via Dolorosa” during the talent portion; while she lambasted the use of performance-enhancing drugs among professional athletes and defined “glamor” during her interview.
“That beauty that you feel on the inside, it’s that confidence, that radiance inside of you, that’s what glamour is,” Stam said.
Stam earned a $50,000 scholarship for her victory. She wants to obtain a bachelor’s degree in communications and become a television news anchor.
Here are a few more photos of Katie Stam, including ones from the aforementioned talent and interview segments. Click on each to enlarge: