Betty Cantrell, Miss Georgia, Crowned Miss America 2016 After Flubbing Tom Brady Question

Betty Cantrell, Miss Georgia, was crowned Miss America on Sunday.

BETTY CANTRELL WINS MISS AMERICA

Cantrell took Miss America by storm this year, ending New York’s three-year winning streak. Along with the title, Cantrell won a $50,000 scholarship.

“I’m still so overwhelmed, I don’t know what to say other than thank you!” Cantrell told NBC reporters after being crowned.

This year’s pageant also marked the return of Vanessa Williams, the winner of Miss America in 1984, and the first African American winner, who resigned her crown after Penthouse published unauthorized nude photos of Williams in 1984. Williams acted as head judge for this year’s Miss America Pageant, and received an apology from Pageant executive chairman Sam Haskell.

Cantrell almost missed her chance at winning the title after flubbing a question about New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Brady was accused of cheating during last season’s Deflategate controversy. When asked her opinion on the matter, Cantrell replied, “If there’s any question, then yes, he cheated.” Later, however, she clarified that she may not be the person to ask such a question. “It was kind of a funky question to ask me if Tom Brady cheated. I’m not a football player and I really wasn’t there to feel that ball. If there was any question as to whether or not he cheated and somebody else felt the ball and decided that it was deflated, then yes, I guess he did cheat.”

Still, Cantrell was able to secure her win. Her most memorable moment was her stunning operatic performance of “Tu Tu Piccolo Iddio” from Madame Butterfly.

Miss Mississippi Hannah Roberts won 1st runner-up, and received a $25,000 scholarship. For her talent she played classical violin. Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson performed an original monologue and won 2nd runner-up along with a $20,000 scholarship.