Abbie Stockard, an Alabama native and nursing student, claimed the crown at the 2025 Miss Alabama pageant held on January 5 in Orlando, Florida. The 22yearold became the fourth woman from Alabama to earn the coveted title, a remarkable achievement that left her overwhelmed with excitement.
In a video posted to the organization’s Instagram Stories, Abbie shared her heartfelt reaction, saying, “This is insane. I don’t know what I did to deserve this. Like, holy moly. I’m so excited. I’m so grateful.”
Support from NBA Star Walker Kessler
Abbie’s victory was celebrated by her boyfriend, Walker Kessler, a center for the Utah Jazz. The 23yearold NBA star shared his pride and joy on social media, offering his congratulations in an Instagram post on January 6.
Alongside a video of his thrilled reaction, Walker wrote, “Congratulations Abbie. I am so proud of you and everything you stand for. Your hard work and trust in the Lord has awarded you with this incredible opportunity! Use your light to shine on others around you!”
Abbie reciprocated her gratitude in the comments, thanking Walker for his constant encouragement: “You showing up last night meant the world to me. I’m so thankful for this life journey we get to go on together.”
Miss Alabama 2025 Competes Against 51 Hopefuls
The 97th annual Miss America pageant saw Abbie triumph over 51 competitors, who represented each U.S. state, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The runnerup, Annette AddoYobo, made history as the first foreignborn Miss Texas, and she expressed her pride for Abbie's success in an Instagram Story post. "So [incredibly] proud of you Abbie," wrote the Ghanaian native. "I’m so excited to see you change the world! I’m honored to have been at your side and experience this moment with you.”
Celebrity Beauty Queens Who Competed in Pageants
Abbie Stockard's success is part of a long tradition of public figures who have excelled in beauty pageants before transitioning to stardom in various fields.
Several celebrities started their careers with beauty competitions, leaving lasting legacies.
Halle Berry: The Oscarwinning actress was a runnerup in the Miss USA Pageant in 1986 before competing in Miss World, where she finished sixth.
Oprah Winfrey: Before becoming a media mogul, Oprah earned the title of Miss Black Tennessee in 1972 and used the scholarship to attend Tennessee State University.
Ali Landry: Landry, the "Doritos girl" from the 1998 Super Bowl commercial, was crowned Miss USA in 1996.
Vanessa Minnillo (Lachey): Before her career as a model and television personality, Vanessa Minnillo won Miss Teen USA in 1998.
Sarah Palin: The former Alaska governor and vicepresidential candidate won the Miss Wasilla pageant in 1984.
Heather Locklear: The TV and film star was crowned Senior Princess of her high school in 1979.
Mary Hart: Known as the longtime host of Entertainment Tonight, Mary Hart was Miss South Dakota in 1970.
Eva Longoria: Before becoming an actress, Longoria participated in beauty pageants.
Looking Ahead for Abbie Stockard
With a title under her belt, Abbie Stockard is poised to make waves in her career. Alongside her studies and pageant triumph, she continues to shine as a role model for women across the nation. Her journey to success has just begun, and her growing support network, including NBA star Walker Kessler, ensures that her impact will continue to grow both in the beauty world and beyond.