Air Force Pilot Crowned Miss America 2024

There’s a new Miss America 2024 and she’s already setting records. Madison Marsh has become the first active duty Air Force officer to win the title. The pilot was representing Colorado when she beat out 50 other contestants to be crowned 2024 Miss America on Sunday night.

I know you are probably wondering... what is the difference between Miss America and Miss USA? Well, the old saying used to goes, "Miss America is the girl next door. Miss USA is the girl you WISH lived next door." However, this year, the two pageants are neck and neck, so let me explain the distinction between the two a little better.

Miss America must be between 18 and 28 (unwed) and compete in interviews, fitness, evening gowns, and talent. It is also known as "the scholarship pageant."

Miss USA is open to all women, single or married, with or without children. This pageant only competes in, interview, swimsuit and evening gowns and is a preliminary pageant to Miss Universe.

As a former pageant girl myself, who competed in BOTH the Miss America and Miss USA systems, let me just say that they both have their charm.

According to People Magazine, the 22-year-old second lieutenant is also getting her master’s degree at the Harvard Kennedy School’s public policy program. Just days after winning Miss Colorado last year, Marsh graduated from the Air Force Academy. “It’s an awesome experience to bring both sides of the favorite parts of my life together,” she says, “and hopefully make a difference for others to be able to realize that you don’t have to limit yourself.”

Marsh also shared that if she could come from “a small town, not being part of the pageant,” and then enter the pageant world, anyone else could do it, too. The U.S. Air Force celebrated her win on social media, calling her “our very own.”

Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, who tragically jumped to her death from a Midtown high-rise Sunday morning (January 30), posted a cryptic message on her Instagram page hours before, writing, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”

Kryst, a 30-year-old lawyer who won the 2019 pageant, jumped from her luxury 60-story building and was found dead in the street below, law enforcement sources told The New York Post. Kryst left behind a note saying she wanted to leave everything to her mother, but there were no details left behind of a motive.

In a statement, Kryst's family spoke about the late star's legacy, sharing: "In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie. Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined."

"Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on Extra. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague – we know her impact will live on," the family added, then asked for privacy to mourn their loved one.

Since the news of Kryst's death, many celebrities, fans and organizations have paid tribute to her on social media. See how they honored her below: