MIAMI — For the Miss USA pageant’s 75th edition, the women took the show on the road to the hottest city in the country — Miami.

On Thursday night, a new queen was crowned at the Ziff Opera House, part of the Arsht Center downtown. The evening’s hosts were “Beverly Hills 90210” star Ian Ziering and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” castmate Kenya Moore, who snagged the title back in 1993.

Fifty-one contestants — one representative from each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia — vied for the crown. The two-hour show, which streamed live on the Queen Beauty Network, included the swimsuit and evening-gown presentations and a question-and-answer session.

So, who wowed the judges, floored the crowd and clinched the final, coveted sash?

She’s Miss Virginia Justus Kelley, 31. The Arlington resident isn’t just stunning, poised and accomplished. She also just made history.

The influencer is the oldest participant of the competition, which lifted age restrictions in 2023 (the cap used to be 28).

The Indianapolis native (you only need to live in the state you represent) is also the first married mom. She and her businessman/college sweetheart husband Tyler Kelley are “proud” foster parents to two “adorable siblings that absolutely have my heart,” she told the panel during the Q&A.

“What my era as Miss USA would mean and look like is no longer questioning if we have to choose between our ambitious careers, our families and our wildest dreams,” said Kelley, rocking a silver dress and vintage pink feather boa. “I‘m standing on this stage embracing every part of who I am.”

Once the tabulations were in, Miss USA 2025, Nebraska’s Audrey Eckert, appeared to present the winner with the diamond-encrusted tiara, worth in the $250,000 range.

A slight blip in the production: Eckert, wearing a voluminous Cinderella gown, took a slight tumble to the ground, but ever the pro, got right back up, flashing a huge smile.

“What an exit,” joked Ziering.

All else went without a hitch at the show, which also featured a walk-on from participants from years past. Despite the whole shebang wrapping past 11 p.m., Kelley was still glowing bright and early the next morning.

“I’m on cloud nine,” she told the Miami Herald by phone. “I keep asking myself, ‘Am I dreaming?’”

Nope, definitely not dreaming, because that would mean sleep was involved.

“I think I napped for maybe about an hour,” she joked. “I’m running on coffee, adrenaline and just the excitement of everything. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life, so I am soaking it all in.”

Kelley, a philanthropic advisor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, understands the gravitas of her role and what it took for her to get there.

“I know what it feels like to represent moms and be above the age where you’re told you can no longer compete,” said the Indiana University grad. “I have a sense of responsibility to show all those women they can still chase their dream and raise families, plus take care of themselves. It’s a special message, and I’m honored to share it.”

Did we mention she’s fabulous and humble? Despite beating out 50 other goddesses from Alabama to Wyoming, Kelley refused to take credit for her success.

“I’ve never claimed to be Superwoman. I have a team, a family, a village. They told me, ‘We’ve got your back,’ and made it OK for me to say to myself, ‘I can make this work,’ ” said Kelley, who will move on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant Nov. 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “You don’t have to sacrifice one or the other.”

Her prize includes a $150,000 salary, Range Rover, one-year lease in a luxury Miami apartment, fancy wardrobe and other swag. Job duties involve public speaking engagements, working on community projects and being an advocate for humanitarian issues.

“I’m a planner; I have vision boards already,” she said, laughing. “I’m excited to connect with the directors to make sure this year is amazing.”

An important note. If for any reason Kelley can’t fulfill any obligation, someone local can step in.

Miss Florida Aileen Cerchiara, 26, was named first runner-up. Before the ceremony, the Tampa woman wrote on Instagram how proud she was to be on the national stage in her home state.

“Florida, I love you,” said the post. “Tonight, I’m carrying you with me.”

©2026 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.