Miss New York Kira Kazantsev was named the new Miss America on Sunday night, marking the third year in a row that a contestant from her state has walked away with the crown in the nationally televised pageant.
Kazantsev received the crown at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall from outgoing Miss America - and Miss New York - Nina Davuluri.
For her talent performance, Kazantsev sang Pharrell Williams' Happy while sitting cross-legged on the stage and banging a red plastic cup on the floor.
Her win came despite an embarrassing spelling mistake that appeared on screen during her talent performance. As Kazantsev sang her heart out, information about her interests popped up on screen - including that she loves anything Jane Austin (sic).
Twitter was soon awash with people pointing out the misspelling of Pride and Prejudice author Austen.
Many on social media were critical of Kazantsev's performance, but she said she was inspired by the 2012 movie Pitch Perfect in which Anna Kendrick's character auditions for an a capella group by performing rhythmically with a cup.
Kazantsev also said she did it to show future contestants they can win the Miss America pageant by performing whatever talent routine they like, regardless of what others think of it.
This Kira na russian o. She wowo no be small.
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