ORLANDO, Fla. – Miss Arkansas 2025 Kennedy Holland was named among the top 11 semi-finalists in the 2026 Miss America Pageant on Sunday night.
Holland, a Greenwood native and UCA student, was crowned Miss Arkansas in June and took talent preliminary top honors this week.
Prior to the start of the competition, the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization posted on social media in tribute to Holland, stating that she’s already made Arkansas shine.
“Top 11 at Miss America! We are beyond proud of you, Kennedy — what an accomplishment,” the organization posted after the naming of the top five contestants. “Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!”
Miss Arkansas 2025 Kennedy Holland takes preliminary top honors in Miss America 2026 talent competition
During the talent portion of the competition she appeared in a long flowing blue dress and sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
As part of the on-stage question section, Holland was asked if she believes art education deserves federal taxpayer funding. She responded that as a performer, she believes that arts should be prioritized in education funding.
Miss Metro Kennedy Holland crowned 2025 Miss Arkansas
Holland appeared on stage in a light blue dress during the evening gown portion while audio played of her explaining that she will always be reminded of the hard working Arkansans that raised her.
“I am still the girl who grew up in the hay field and dreams big for every girl across America who thinks her roots are too small for this stage,” Holland said.
The top five contestants for Miss America 2026 included Texas, Alabama, New York, Georgia and Florida with Miss New York Cassie Donegan taking home the crown.
Countdown to the Crown: Miss Metro Kennedy Holland speaks about Compassion Legacy
Former Miss Arkansas Cori Keller, also crowned while representing Miss Metro like Holland, made it to the top 11 of the Miss America competition in 2023.
Previous Miss Arkansas winners to be named Miss America include Savvy Shields in 2017, Elizabeth Ward in 1982 and Donna Axum in 1964. During the Forever Miss America portion of the night on Sunday, Shields walked the stage in honor of her ninth crowning anniversary.
The competition is available online via YouTube at @MissAmericaOfficial or online at PageantVision.com.
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