And the crown goes to … Miss New York Nia Franklin.

She outscored her 50 competitors Sunday night in Atlantic City.

After being crowned, Franklin expressed gratitude.

"I feel really blessed right now," she said. "I want to thank God because without him I would not be here It took a lot of perseverance to get here and I just want to thank my beautiful family for coming, my mother and father, who survived cancer And I love him so much, I want to thank all my sisters behind me, we had a wonderful week together and I love you all. "

During the competition, Franklin offered as an example when asked how to promote a healthy body image.

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"I would start by sharing my story," she said. "I grew up in a predominantly Caucasian school and there was only 5% minority, and I felt so out of place because of the color of my skin.

"But growing up, I found my love for the arts and, thanks to the music, it helped me to feel positive and to know who I was, and it was what I encourage women to do, who are they. "

She also explained how being Miss New York was preparing her for her next job as Miss America.

"I have the grain of New York," Franklin said. "I moved more than five times because of the subletting in New York.This can be a little difficult because of the high rent, but I have overcome this problem." And as a New York, I understand what to do. " I found a scholarship at Lincoln Center because I am an artist and I am very excited to share my social impact by advocating for the arts and ensuring that all students have access to a quality education. "

For his talent, Franklin sang "Quando m" in "La Boheme" opera, a dazzling Twitter with his vocal talent and a shiny strapless gown.

"Miss New York won the talent contest!" a person on the social media site s & # 39; exclaimed.

Another person impressed thanked the candidate for "the first real talent tonight."

"I think Miss New York's talent was the best!" another amazed.

Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei was second in the evening, Miss Louisiana Holli's second-seeded Conway. Miss Florida Taylor Tyson was ranked third, while Miss Massachusetts's Gabriela Taveras was selected fourth.

The other nominees completing the Top 15 were: Miss Minnesota Michaelene Karlen, Miss Columbia District Allison Farris, Miss Colorado Ellery Jones, Miss Idaho Nina Forest, Miss Wisconsin Tianna Vanderhei, Miss Indiana Lydia Tremaine, Miss Washington Danamarie McNichol, Miss Nebraska Jessica Shultis, Miss Oklahoma Ashley Thompson and Miss Alabama Callie Walker.

Miss America reigning Cara Mund was on hand to crown Franklin. Mund has been at the center of the organization's latest controversy. In August, she criticized the organization's CEO, Regina Hopper, and President Gretchen Carlson in a five-page letter to her "Miss America Sisters." She claimed that leaders "have silenced me, reduced my marginalization and have essentially erased me in my role as Miss America in a subtle and less subtle way in everyday life".

Mund appeared on "Today" on Friday, and although she did not speak to Carlson, said officials should be replaced.

"I think that with the lack of confidence, it takes a change of direction and I think it comes from several people," she said. "I think it's just culture in general."

Carlson denied Mund's claims in a statement shared with Twitter a few days after the publication of the letter, stating that she was "surprised and saddened beyond words".

"I also want to be clear about the fact that I have never intimidated or silenced you," she said.

Discover the unmissable moments of the Sunday show in the gallery below.

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