Savvy Shields, a 21-year-old college student from the University of Arkansas, impressed the judges with her jazz dance performance during the talent portion and her 20-second answer on Democratic presidential candidate Hilary Clinton made her won the pageant.
According to USA Today, Shields response was, "if you're trying to be the leader of the free world, everything you say and do matters and all of your actions are held to a higher standard."
Shields added that "Both of the contestants have done a good job, but they also need to watch what they're doing."
First runner-up Miss South Carolina Rachel Wyatt, on the other hand, picked a question about the United States immigration, Huffington Post reports.
During the preliminary event, most of the contestants showcased their music and dancing skills.
Among the 52 contestants aiming for the title of Miss America 2017 in Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City last Sunday night, Shields was the one to wear the crown while dressed in a black strapless long gown.
She succeeded Betty Cantrell, the outgoing Miss America. Cantrell placed the crowned to the newest Miss America during the coronation.
Other runner-ups were Miss New York Camille Sims for second runner-up, Miss Washington Alicia Cooper for the third runner up, and Miss Mississippi Laura Lee Lewis for fourth-runner up.
Meanwhile, Ciara, the 30-year-old singer and Miss America celebrity judge was in a stunning white off-shoulder gown with a sparkly choker, gave an encouraging advice to the winner.
"It's awesome as a woman to see you get this moment," Ciara said. "I just encourage you to enjoy this moment, because when great things like this happen, they can sometimes pass you by."
Other celebrity judges were Gabby Douglas, Mark Cuban, Sara Foster, Laura Marano, Sharlene Wells Hawkes, and Cole Swindell.
Miss America 2017 receives a $50,000 scholarship and a six-figure worth of a year's expense.
