Using a red plastic cup, Miss New York sang her way to the Miss America crown. 

Kira Kazantsev, now Miss America, sang Pharrell William's "Happy" while attempting to rhythmically bang a red cup along with the song. She said the inspiration for her performance came from the 2012 film "Pitch Perfect", where a character performs at an audition in a similar act with a cup.

While Kazantsev received some criticism for her act on social media, Miss America said her intentions were to show others that winning the famous pageant is possible by performing more than just what's expected. She took the risk, and it payed off with a third Miss America victory for the state of New York in a row.

The winner of Miss America receives a $50,000 scholarship for whatever academic pursuits they choose, with Kazantsev planning to attend law school.

One of the more notable parts of Miss America for me, is the issues the contestants speak about.  Miss New York placed her focus on combating sexual assault in the military as something she would want female U.S. Senator members to push for.

Hopefully, Kira Kazantsev goes on with her career to make important changes in America, but in the meantime congratulations goes out to her for her Miss America win!

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