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Audrey Eckert, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, was crowned Miss USA 2025 on October 24, 2025, becoming only the second woman from Nebraska to take the national title. Her participation at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand was nothing short of fantastic.
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Eckert spent three weeks in Thailand participating in all kinds of events and preliminary competitions. Before the final gala on Thursday, November 20, she had an interview with the judges and three performances in the national costume, swimsuit, and evening gown.
Her national costume was one of the best in a pageant in which the delegates went above and beyond to project their homeland pride. Described as "a powerful embodiment of freedom, resilience, and unity," it was a creation of Latino designer Simon Villalba.
From the golden eagle headpiece and its lifelike wings to the crystal-encrusted bodice and intricate beadwork inspired by Indigenous artistry, every detail tells a story of heritage, strength, and hope. The plumes echo our country's vast landscapes, while the towering headdress and feathered boots honor the courage that defines the American spirit.
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Aubrey Eckerd made it to the first group of 30 finalists in the final night, together with Yamilex Hernández, who was representing the Latinos living in the U.S.
Who is Mis USA 2025?
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Born on May 20, 2002, she graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in marketing and minoring in advertising and public relations.
While at the university, she was captain of the Husker Cheer Squad and earned recognition from the Big Ten Conference for academic and community service achievements.
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Professionally, Eckert served as a social-media and marketing coordinator for the Thai handbag brand Sapahn, a company focused on ethical production and human rights standards. Her advocacy centers on digital safety and mentorship, and she founded "Queen of Your Feed," a program aimed at equipping young people to navigate social media confidently and responsibly.
She won the Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2020 title and placed third runner-up at Miss Teen USA 2020 before claiming the state Miss Nebraska USA 2025 crown and ultimately the national Miss USA title.
The crown she wore during Miss Universe events is valued at approximately $250,000 and features over 600 lab-grown diamonds, 43 cultured pearls, 31 sapphires, and a London‐blue topaz.
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The last time a Miss USA won the title of Miss Universe was in 2023, when R'Bonney Gabriel was given the crown at the 2022 edition of the pageant. She became the first Miss USA of Filipino descent and, at 28, became the oldest woman to hold the title. Her win ended an 11-year drought for the U.S. in the Miss Universe crown, the previous American winner being Olivia Culpo in 2012.
The 12 finalists were Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Malta, and Côte d'Ivoire. The next Miss Universe will take place in November 2026 in Puerto Rico.
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