Cassie Donegan, the reigning Miss America 2026, made a memorable backstage visit during a preview of Broadway’s The Queen of Versailles at the St. James Theatre in New York City. This visit was particularly special as Cassie reunited with acclaimed actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, whom she first met a dozen years ago while serving as Miss Virginia’s Teen. Their reunion was not just a heartfelt moment but also a reflection of the importance of celebrating women’s achievements and fostering a supportive community in the arts.
As Miss America, Cassie Donegan has dedicated her service initiative to promoting arts education. This commitment adds significance to her visit, as she believes in providing young people with access to the arts from an early age. Cassie emphasizes that the arts are essential for fostering creativity, confidence, and connection, allowing youth to express themselves and discover their identities through performance.
In her heartfelt remarks, Cassie expressed gratitude for women like Kristin Chenoweth, who continue to inspire others in the entertainment industry. “I’m thankful for strong women like Kristin who champion and pave the way for so many in this industry,” she said. Kristin Chenoweth is not only celebrated for her incredible talent but also for her history as a former beauty queen, having been crowned Miss Oklahoma City University in 1990 and finishing as the second runner-up at Miss Oklahoma in 1991. A Tony and Emmy winner, Chenoweth’s impressive body of work includes iconic roles in Wicked, Pushing Daisies, The West Wing, and several album releases, alongside her memoir, A Little Bit Wicked.
The encounter between Cassie and Kristin highlights the Miss America organization’s ongoing dedication to championing the performing arts and celebrating women who excel with determination and creativity. Their meeting is a reminder of the powerful impact that mentorship and collaboration can have on nurturing future generations of artists.