[PHOTOS] She’s Crowned: Miss’d America Turns 35 with a bang in Atlantic City

Atlantic City has always known how to crown a queen. But once a year, the city hands its tiara to a very different kind of royalty.

The 35th annual Miss’d America Pageant returned to the Boardwalk, taking over Caesars Atlantic City with all the sequins, sass, and showstopping glamour we’ve come to expect.

And honey, it did not disappoint.

Nine fierce competitors took the stage, but only one walked away with the crown. Before we spill the tea on who snatched the title, let’s set the stage.

A Little Herstory

Miss’d America was born in Atlantic City, the very town that gave the world the Miss America Pageant. The idea was simple and brilliant: take the classic beauty pageant format, add a generous helping of wit, wigs, and wild creativity, and hand the spotlight to drag performers.

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the best LGBTQ+ travel guides, stories, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today

What started as a playful nod to its famous big sister has grown into one of the country’s most beloved drag pageants. Over 35 years, Miss’d America has become a true Atlantic City tradition. It celebrates drag artistry, brings the community together, and proves year after year that a little camp goes a long way. The pageant has also made a real impact off the stage, providing more than $625,000 causes through the Schultz & Hill Foundation, operated by John Schultz and Gary Hill, the co-founders of Miss’d America.

How the Pageant Works

Like any proper pageant, Miss’d America puts its contestants to the test. Each queen competes in four categories, and each one is a chance to shine (or at least sparkle trying).

• Creative Swimsuit: Forget the basic one-piece. This is where queens show off imaginative beachwear that ranges from cheeky to downright couture. If it can be bedazzled, it probably was.
• Talent: From lip-syncs to live vocals to comedy, this segment lets each contestant prove she has more than just a pretty face.
• Evening Gown: The moment of pure glamour. Think gowns, trains, and enough rhinestones to be seen from the Steel Pier.
• Question & Answer: The great equalizer. A queen can serve looks all night, but she still has to think on her (very high) heels.

Carson Kressley, Celebrity Judges and All the Star Power

Emmy Award-winning TV personality Carson Kressley returned as host, and he was every bit as charming as you’d hope. Kressley kept the evening moving with his trademark wit and warmth – and multiple outfit changes. He also brought plenty of playful banter that had the crowd laughing between segments.

Scoring all the glam and talent was done by a panel of 10 judges made up of local community leaders and celebrity guests. Among the standouts were Suzette Charles, Miss America 1984 and recording artist, and Jordan Lucas, an openly gay collegiate volleyball player and viral social media sensation. The judging panel was as impressive as the queens competing.

A Fairytale Opening (With a Twist)

Reigning Miss’d America Cherry Poppins, also know as Michael Samhat, kicked off the night with a whimsical fairytale-inspired production number. It was a fitting farewell from a queen about to pass on her crown, and it was pure enchantment from the very first moment.

Of course, no fairytale at Miss’d America would be complete without the Miss’d America Dancers. These sexy gents brought some serious “Broadway Bares” flair to the opening. Let’s just say the costumes were minimal, the choreography was sharp and nobody in the audience was complaining. Once upon a time never looked so good.

The dancers didn’t stop there. Throughout the night, they served as backup for special performances and contestant numbers, adding energy and plenty of eye candy to the show.

A Weekend of Celebration

Miss’d America isn’t just a one-night affair. It’s a full weekend celebration, and the festivities started well before the first queen hit the stage.

The Pre-Pageant Party

The traditional pre-pageant party took place this year at Boogie Nights dance club at Tropicana Resort. The disco-themed venue was the perfect place for fans, contestants and friends to mix and mingle before the big night. With good music, good drinks and good company, it was the ideal warm-up for the main event.

The After-Party and Brunch

Once the crown was placed and the confetti settled, the celebration moved to an after-party right at Caesars Atlantic City that went well into the night. Queens, fans and friends kept the energy going with plenty of dancing, toasting and reliving the evening’s most memorable moments.

The fun didn’t stop there. The next morning, everyone reconvened at the Byrdcage, Atlantic City’s LGBTQ+ restaurant and bar, for the post-pageant brunch. It was the perfect low-key cap to a high-energy weekend — mimosas in hand, highlights on replay, and good company all around.

And the Winners Are…

After a night of swimsuits, showstoppers, sparkling gowns and nail-biting questions, the judges made their decision. Here’s who took the top honors.

Miss’d America: Miss Amnesia Martini

Your new Miss’d America is Amnesia Martini, also known as Tommy Martinez. She may be a relative newcomer to drag, but she’s no stranger to the stage. Martinez is a veteran entertainer who has appeared on Broadway in Newsies and in the touring production of Kinky Boots.

That Broadway polish showed in every segment. Amnesia brought professional stage presence, sharp performance skills and plenty of charisma to the competition. One thing is certain: nobody will be forgetting Miss Amnesia Martini anytime soon.

1st Runner-Up: Miss Bev, The Drag Queen

Taking 1st runner-up was Bev, The Drag Queen, also known as Drew Gaver. A veteran of the drag scene, Bev recently placed 1st Alternate in the National Miss Comedy Queen pageant. Her quick humor and seasoned stage skills made her a crowd favorite throughout the night.

2nd Runner-Up: Miss Tiffany FoXXX

Rounding out the top three was Tiffany FoXXX, also known as Gerald R. Posey. A beloved homegrown Atlantic City queen, Tiffany was competing for the fourth time. Her persistence and hometown pride earned her plenty of cheers from a crowd that clearly adores her. If there’s a definition of a Boardwalk sweetheart, she’s it.

Until Next Year

The 35th annual Miss’d America Pageant was a glittering reminder of why this tradition has lasted for more than three decades. It brought together talent, humor, glamour and community for a weekend that Atlantic City won’t soon forget.

Congratulations to Miss Amnesia Martini on her crown and to all nine contestants who gave it their all. A big thank you also goes to Cherry Poppins for a fabulous reign. We’re already counting down to next year. Start planning your looks now.

Join the GayCities newsletter for weekly updates on the best LGBTQ+ destinations and events—nearby and around the world.