Willow Newell made history Saturday night as the first Black woman to win the Miss Wisconsin title. The 22-year-old from Racine claimed victory with a powerful performance from the musical Dreamgirls. Her historic win breaks barriers and represents a milestone moment for the state pageant.
Newell competed against 29 contestants from across Wisconsin in the 2025 competition. She secured the crown with her exceptional talent and dedication to community service. The victory positions her to compete for Miss America 2026 in Orlando, Florida this September.
Dreamgirls Performance Earns Top Vocal Recognition
Newell’s talent performance became the highlight of the competition evening. She sang “And I’m Telling You” from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls with remarkable skill and emotion. The judges recognized her exceptional vocal ability immediately.
Her outstanding performance earned her the title of top scoring vocalist. Additionally, she received the prestigious Ryan Guy Memorial Music Scholarship for her musical excellence. These honors demonstrate her artistic talent beyond just winning the crown.
The song choice proved perfect for showcasing her vocal range and stage presence. Her performance captivated both judges and audience members throughout the venue.
Expression Without Inclusion Initiative Promotes Arts Access
Newell’s community service platform focuses on making arts accessible to everyone. Her initiative “Expression Without Inclusion” aims to break down barriers in creative expression. The program provides inclusive opportunities through community connections and resources.
The platform emphasizes storytelling as a powerful tool for building understanding. Newell believes arts should be available regardless of background or circumstances. Her work connects communities through shared creative experiences.
This initiative reflects her commitment to using her platform for meaningful change. She plans to expand the program’s reach during her reign as Miss Wisconsin.
Eight Years of Pageant Competition Experience
Newell’s pageant journey began in 2017 when she first competed as a teenager. She has participated in Miss America competitions for eight years total. This extensive experience prepared her for the Miss Wisconsin victory.
Her dedication to the Miss America organization shows through years of consistent participation. She refined her skills and platform message throughout multiple competitions. This persistence finally led to her historic breakthrough win.
The long journey demonstrates her commitment to personal growth and community service. Her experience gives her confidence heading into the Miss America 2026 competition.
Miss America 2026 Competition Awaits in September
Newell will represent Wisconsin at the Miss America 2026 competition in Orlando, Florida. The national competition takes place in early September with contestants from all 50 states. She brings strong credentials and a compelling platform to the national stage.
Her vocal talent and community service initiative position her as a competitive candidate. The Miss America organization values both artistic ability and social impact work. Newell excels in both areas that judges consider most important.
Wisconsin hasn’t had a Miss America winner since 1999, making Newell’s opportunity particularly significant. Her historic win as the first Black Miss Wisconsin adds extra meaning to her national competition journey.
