Regan Hutsell, a 25-year-old former dancer for the Radio City Rockettes, was crowned Miss America 2027 on Sunday, September 6, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The pageant featured 52 contestants from across the United States.
Hutsell, originally from Texas, began dancing professionally at age seven. Her interest in pageantry sparked after seeing photos of pageant winners at a photo studio while awaiting her headshot. "I remember thinking, 'I don’t know what that is, but one day I want to be a part of it. I want to do that,'" she told People magazine.
Her professional dance career included a stint with the Birmingham Royal Ballet in England before she joined the Radio City Rockettes in 2019. Hutsell stated that her experience with the Rockettes, particularly in communicating with audiences about the Christmas Spectacular, provided valuable skills for pageantry. "[Doing the Rockettes taught me how to] talk to people and talk about something [I'm] passionate about," she explained, noting that these communication skills were crucial for discussing opportunities like Miss America, including scholarships and community service initiatives.
Hutsell also shared that her decision to pursue pageantry stemmed from a desire to give back to the community and engage in activities that foster growth, leadership, and service. "I missed doing something with people where you’re growing stronger together, where you’re having that aspect of getting into community, serving other people, but also sharpening skills and being a leader to those around you," she said.
She spoke candidly about her past struggle with an eating disorder, explaining that her community service initiative, "Your Body Is Your Home," was inspired by a coach's words during her recovery. Hutsell found mental management tools to navigate her challenges. "To find the other side of my eating disorder, I had to navigate that with some little mental management tools that I’ve now put in a little toolbox that I carry out with me."
Initially apprehensive about pageantry's emphasis on appearance, Hutsell discovered it focused on health and strength rather than a specific body type. "It’s not about being your skinniest self; it’s about being your healthiest and your strongest self, and it’s lifestyle-based and not one moment that you’re seeing on stage," she observed. "I stand here, and I sit here in this chair knowing that I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, I’m the most confident I’ve ever been, I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been, and I’m very thankful I’m not the skinniest I’ve ever been."
Ahead of the competition, Hutsell expressed gratitude on Instagram for the opportunity to share her story and her commitment to serving others. She acknowledged the support of the Miss America organization and her "Texas village" for their encouragement.