Alumni claim Miss America crown and first runner-up position
Belmont’s College of Music and Performing Arts prides itself on having some of the best vocal coaches in the nation, cultivating alumni who shine on Broadway and on professional stages across the country. The program has now reached a new milestone with one of its own earning the title of Miss America.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, musical theatre alumna Cassie Donegan (Miss New York) was crowned Miss America 2026.
Donegan’s musical theatre training at Belmont helped refine a voice and stage presence that not only thrilled judges but also deeply connected with audiences. Along with the crown, she captured the Preliminary Talent Award for her vocal performance and a sum of $70,000 in scholarships.
Before dominating Miss America’s stage, Donegan thrived on campus and in Belmont’s distinguished musical theatre program, participating in fraternity and sorority life through Alpha Sigma Tau and playing Doralee Rhodes in Belmont’s production of 9 to 5. The leading roles in Belmont’s musical theatre usually go to upperclassmen, but as an underclassman, Donegan secured the role that Dolly Parton made famous.
Mentorship Beyond the Classroom
The instruction and mentorship Donegan received at Belmont didn’t stop when she left campus. Instructors like Nancy Allen, David Shamburger and Jo Lynn Burks have continued to cheer her on and invest in her success long after her time on campus. Burks, Belmont’s musical director, recognized Donegan’s tremendous gifts as a student and has remained her mentor and coach for nearly 10 years.
“She has worked hard for many years, and there is no one more deserving or qualified to be Miss America than Cassie Donegan,” Burks said.
As Donegan’s coach for the Miss America talent competition, Burks regularly traveled from Nashville to New York to help refine her vocal technique, acting and stage performance, while also assisting in selecting the right song and crafting musical arrangements.
“It was a labor of love,” Burks said, recalling the challenge of creating a new arrangement after learning their original music choice had already been claimed by another contestant.
“I had to create an arrangement that was no longer than one minute and a half, but which also showcased her extraordinary talent,” she explained. “Then I flew to New York, went into a recording studio, played the piano on the track, added previous orchestrations and created a recorded track to accompany her at Miss America.”
Burks and Donegan’s efforts paid off in full, winning the Preliminary Talent Award — a component that contributed to her securing the crown.
“I helped her, but she did this all with her own talent and abilities,” Burks added. “She is one of the most talented contestants ever to perform on the Miss America stage.”
From the Crown to the Cause
Donegan is the 98th Miss America and the eighth woman from New York to win the title.
As Miss America 2026, she will travel the country sharing her community service initiative, "Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems." Prior to winning, her work involved championing these efforts as Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare company. Her advocacy also includes directing youth theatre programs, launching scholarships and curating masterclasses aimed at expanding access to arts education.
During one of the final rounds of competition,
Donegan addressed the topic of authenticity and self-confidence — exemplifying Belmont’s commitment to cultivating spaces where students feel a sense of belonging, showing up as their full selves and finding a supportive community as they discover their purpose.
“I believe that being true to yourself 100 percent is the most important thing that you can do, and if that includes your self-expression through piercings or tattoos, then 100 percent do it,” she said. “No one has the right to tell you what you can do with your own body. This is your vessel, and you should be able to walk around proudly in it.”
Belmont Talent Shines Across the Competition
Two more women from Belmont shared the stage with Donegan throughout the contest: current musical performance student Madison Whitbeck (Miss Virginia) and psychology alumna Sadie Schiermeyer ‘24 (Miss Texas).
Having three contestants represent Belmont on the nation’s leading empowerment and service platform for young women speaks to the impact Belmont students and alumni are making nationwide. From campus stages to national acclaim, these three individuals demonstrate how the University prepares emerging leaders to transform their talents into meaningful careers that inspire others.
“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Donegan said in a press release. “I am honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources and a platform for women to lead — and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to bring that mission to life.”
Belmont instructor Jo Lynn Burks (left) with 2026 Miss America Cassie Donegan and company.
Burks and Donegan during a voice lesson.
Cassie Donegan in the role of Doralee with Jo Lynn Burks at Belmont.
First runner-up Sadie Schiermeyer and Miss America Cassie Donegan embrace on stage.
Learn more about Belmont's distinguished College of Music & Performing Arts.