Miss America pageant crowns Miss Georgia, apologizes to 1984 winner Vanessa Williams

Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell is named Miss America
(Image credit: Donald Kravitz/Getty Images for dcp)

On Sunday in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell was named Miss America 2016:

Cantrell, who sang a Puccini aria to win the talent portion last week, took the crown despite fumbling the question portion. "New England Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended for his part in the so-called Deflategate scandal — legalities aside, did Tom Brady cheat?" she was asked by judge Brett Eldridge. Cantrell asked him to repeat the question, then answered: "Did he cheat? That's a really good question. I'm not sure.... I think I'd have to be there and see the ball and feel it and make sure it was deflated or not deflated. If there was question there, then yes, I think he cheated."

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.