There she is, Miss America 2014: Kira Kazantsev! The New Yorker is the third consecutive beauty queen from the Empire State to claim the coveted tiara!
During the talent portion, Kazantsev sang Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” while sitting cross-legged on the stage and banging a red plastic cup on the floor.
That immediately touched off a furor on social media networks, where many were critical of her performance, but Kara said she was inspired by Pitch Perfect.
In the 2012 movie, fans may recall that the beloved Anna Kendrick’s character auditions for an a capella group by performing rhythmically with a cup.
Kazantsev said she did it to show future Miss America contestants they can win pageant by performing whatever talent routine they like, no matter what others think.
Looks to have paid off, considering she walked away with the title!
She named combating sexual assault in the military as the issue she would want the female U.S. Senator members to press their male counterparts on.
She also plans to speak out against domestic violence during her yearlong resign as Miss America, and wants to put her $50,000 prize toward law school.
The runners-up were Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett, followed by Miss Arkansas Ashton Jo Campbell; Miss Florida Victoria Cowen; and Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn.
Miss North Dakota, Jacky Arness was chosenas Miss Congeniality.
Kira Kazantsev received the crown Sunday at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall from outgoing Miss America Nina Davuluri, the first Miss America of Indian Heritage.
Davaluri took over from Mallory Hagan, another Miss New York.
Kazantsev is a 22-year-old daughter of Russian immigrants whose ambition is to be a diplomat. She deferred from Notre Dame to compete in the pageant.
Check out lots more Kira Kazantsev photos below!
