Miss New York 2025 Crown Passes Through Three Hands in Crazy Chain of Events

17 September 2025

Cassie Donegan wins Miss America 2026. Miss America Organization

Lauren Norris, a YouTuber and social media influencer, has unexpectedly become Miss New York 2025. Her ascension to the title came after a string of unusual circumstances involving the previous two holders. Norris was originally the second runner-up in the pageant. The winner, Mina Liang, stepped down shortly after being crowned, and then the first runner-up, Cassie Donegan, won Miss America 2026 which meant she could no longer maintain the Miss New York title at the same time. With those changes in place, Norris was next in line. Norris announced on September 16 alongside the Miss New York Organization that she was stepping into the role, making her the third woman to hold that title since the competition in July.

Norris shared in a video on her Instagram account that the series of events felt surreal. She said it was “insane” how everything played out, mentioning Donegan’s win at Miss America and how the timing aligned with her own life plans. She noted that being allowed to assume the crown now was “perfect timing” for her personally.

The rules of the Miss New York pageant stipulate that if the Miss New York winner cannot fulfill her duties then the first runner up takes over. When Liang relinquished her title, Donegan, as the first runner up, was elevated. But after Donegan triumphed at Miss America, she was unable to hold both titles simultaneously, which cleared the way for Norris to be crowned. Norris was contacted on September 15 and accepted the role.

Norris remarks reflect humility and respect. She acknowledged that though the crown is hers now she sees value in the journeys of all involved. She said many girls could have held it and emphasized that it was never really about the crown itself for her. It was about leading with heart.

Despite all the turnover in the title, the Miss New York Organization has made clear that this process followed its guidelines and rules. The outfit released statements explaining each transfer of the title and the reasons for each change. Fans on social media expressed shock but also support for Norris, with many saying they respect the way she handled the transition.

For Norris, becoming Miss New York this way means new responsibilities, opportunities, and visibility. She steps into organizations’ expectations, appearances, and public commitments tied to the title. She’s also engaged the pageant world traditionally requires public service, appearances, and representing the role with composure and grace.

This situation stands out in pageant history because of how rapid and unusual the shifts have been. Three different people holding the same title in a little over two months is rare. Norris’s story reminds people how competitions are not just about the moment contestants stand on stage; sometimes it’s about what happens after how successors are chosen, how rules are followed, how identity and timing collide.

Lauren Norris now carries the title of Miss New York 2025. She has expressed gratitude, determination, and a sense of responsibility. She says she will do her best to represent the title with sincerity. For many observers this isn’t just a story of titles changing hands; it’s one about timing, chance, personal readiness, and the power of stepping up when doors open in unexpected ways.