The Miss Alabama 2026 pageant is underway, and the preliminary round on Wednesday night showcased the talent and evening wear of 45 contestants vying for the state title. The event, held at Samford University's Wright Center in Birmingham, featured a diverse range of performances and initiatives, with three contestants standing out for their exceptional skills and dedication to community service.
One of the standout performers was Mikella Anderson, Miss Lake Guntersville, who captivated the audience with her contemporary dance routine en pointe to "God Bless America." Anderson, a 22-year-old business management student at Auburn University, is also dedicated to her community service initiative, Color for a Cure: A Beautiful End to Diabetes. Her passion for dance and commitment to making a positive impact in her community make her a strong contender for the crown.
Another impressive performer was Chloe Yates, Miss Gardendale Magnolia, who showcased her gymnastics skills to "Welcome to the Moulin Rouge." Yates, a 22-year-old interior design student at the University of Alabama, is also dedicated to her community service initiative, Special Olympics – Deleting the "Dis" in Disabled. Her talent and dedication to making a difference in her community make her a strong contender for the crown.
The evening wear competition was won by Ruby Tilghman, Miss Birmingham, who impressed the judges with her elegant and sophisticated look. Tilghman, a 22-year-old chemistry student at the University of Alabama with a minor in social innovation and leadership, is also dedicated to her community service initiative, 57 Miles: Answering the Needs of Your Community. Her intelligence, elegance, and commitment to making a positive impact in her community make her a strong contender for the crown.
The preliminary events, held from Wednesday to Friday, will give each contestant a chance to showcase their skills in talent, evening wear, health and fitness, and on-stage interview segments. The contestants will also chat with the judges during off-stage interviews and showcase their community service initiatives. The preliminaries will help determine the semifinalists who will compete in the pageant finale on Saturday.
The Miss Alabama 2026 competition is set to take place from June 3-6 at Samford University's Wright Center in Birmingham. The finals are scheduled for Saturday, June 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase, with single tickets ranging from $53.75 to $80.13 and season ticket packages available for all four nights. The public can also vote for their favorite contestants in the People's Choice Contest, with each vote costing $1. The contestant with the most votes will earn a spot among the top 13 finalists on Saturday.
The judges for this year's competition include Yolande Dolly Fox, Ashley Halfman, Dr. Caroline Reich, Michelle Parham Rudolph, and David Weincek. The event will also feature performances by Miss Alabama 2025, country singer Charity Bowden, Anna Laura Strider (Miss Alabama 2012), and this year's contestants. Miss Alabama's Teen 2026, Grier Feldman, will also perform, and Miss Alabama 2016, Hayley Barber DeShazo, will be the emcee for Wednesday's event.
The Miss Alabama 2026 pageant is more than just a beauty competition; it is a celebration of talent, intelligence, and community service. The contestants are not just competing for the crown, but also for scholarship money and the chance to move on to the Miss America pageant. The event is a testament to the power of women and their ability to make a positive impact in their communities.
In my opinion, the Miss Alabama 2026 pageant is a fascinating showcase of talent and dedication. The contestants are not just beautiful, but also intelligent and committed to making a difference in their communities. The event is a testament to the power of women and their ability to inspire and motivate others. I am excited to see who will be crowned the new Miss Alabama and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on their community.
