For the third year in a row, the contestant from New York state has taken home the Miss America crown.

Kira Kazantsev, a native of California before moving to New York for college, shone on stage showcasing her talent singing “Happy” by Pharrell Williams cross-legged on the floor with a plastic cup a la Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect. When it came to timely and important issues, Kazantsev spoke about being a survivor of abuse, siding with Janay Rice (wife of NFLer Ray Rice),

“I want people to stop asking ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’” she told NPR. “Every woman is an expert in her own case, and there are so many extenuating circumstances that lead to a woman staying with her abuser.”

During the Question Round (usually covering timely, current and controversial events) Kira said that combating sexual assault in the military is an issue that she wants to see female U.S. Senators press their male counterparts on.

Besides the competition, this year’s Miss America Pageant took the opportunity to highlight their new home in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Atlantic City is facing a challenging economic climate and our hearts go out to all of those who have lost their jobs,” said Sam Haskell III, CEO of the Miss America organization. “We hope that our Miss America telecast … will generate great interest for Atlantic City on a national scale as we showcase their beautiful beaches and Boardwalk.”

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