Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell was crowned Miss America on Sunday evening at the 2016 Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, N.J.
The 21-year-old brunette beauty bested other 51 competitors in the prestigious and nationally-televised pageant. She showed off her opera voice and performed "Tu Tu Piccolo Iddio" from "Madame Butterfly" during the talent portion of the competition.
Hosts Chris Harrison and Brooke Burke-Charvet made sure the show was not short of suspense as finalists showed off their talents and answer tough questions.
Betty was asked to share her thoughts about the biggest sports scandal of the year after expressing her hopes to become a Broadway star.
"New England Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended for his part in the so-called Deflategate scandal," judge Brett Eldredge shared. "Legalities aside, did Tom Brady cheat?"
Betty then revealed her surprising answer that clearly impressed the judges.
"Did he cheat? That's a really good question. I'm not sure," she confessed in just few seconds. "I think I'd have to be there and see the ball and feel it and make sure it was deflated or not deflated. If there was question there, then yes, I think he cheated."
"If there was any question to be had, I think that he definitely cheated and he should have been suspended for that," she continued. "That's not fair."
Her answer has ultimately helped her bag the prestigious crown and beat out Miss Mississippi for the top prize.
Just few hours after the event, the newly-crowned Miss America abruptly took to Twitter to express her gratitude for winning this year's pageant. "So HONORED to be your #MissAmerica 2016!" she wrote. "A night I will never forget!
Earlier this week, Betty also won a preliminary competition with another opera performance. Other competitions in evening wear, talent, interviews and swimsuit ran through Thursday,
Miss America contestants also hit the Atlantic City Boardwalk for the annually-celebrated "Show Us Your Shoes" parade. According to Miami Herald, most of the shoes had designs specific to the contender's home states.
Betty is a native of Warner Robins, Georgia and a graduate of Mount de Sales Academy. She is currently studying music education at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.
