Fans React To Miss USA Alma Cooper’s ‘Extremely Difficult Decision’ To Skip 2025 Show

It has been a tradition for the reigning Miss USA contestant to crown her successor. However, Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper broke tradition by not attending the award ceremony for Miss USA 2025. The show took place on Friday, October 24, and was aired at 5 p.m. PST, straight from the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada.

Miss Nebraska, Audrey Eckert, was crowned Miss USA 2025. But why was Cooper missing, and what have fans said about her absence? 

Alma Cooper Skips Miss USA 2025 

Cooper made history when she became the first Afro-Latina woman to win the Miss USA title, and the public praised her talent and beauty. Many fans hoped to see her back on the stage where she was first crowned the winner, but she made the difficult decision not to attend.

Cooper explained her decision in an Instagram post on Friday, October 24, hours before the live show would air. “In every aspect of my life, I am always in pursuit of excellence. That relentless pursuit fueled me to graduate from West Point top 50 in my class, run three marathons in 10 months and become a Knight Hennessy Fellow at Stanford University,” she wrote in the caption of photos. The pictures show her holding her Miss USA sash. “I brought that same attitude with me when I won the title of Miss USA, energized by the opportunity to inspire youth across the globe at Miss Universe and within communities across the nation.”

She continued, “I am a firm believer that excellence means nothing if it stops with me. Instead I want my growth to be something others can build on. After much consideration, I’ve made the extremely difficult decision not to attend this year’s Miss USA pageant and crowning ceremony. As I close this chapter, I do so with the knowledge that I finished what I started with integrity and my self-worth held high, just like the crown I was honored to wear.”

Fans Show Support For Alma Cooper’s Decision

Fans have reacted to her post with an outpouring of love, flooding the comments with supportive messages. 

“Proud of you and love you!!! Incredible person and I couldn’t be more amazed by who you are,” a comment reads. “Looking forward to what’s next for you queen,” another fan shared. 

A third comment reads, “Thank you Alma for your service and for truly living by your motto to serve and not be served. Your decision speaks volumes about integrity and accountability.” 

There has also been a reaction from celebrities. Shanna Moakler wrote, “You are an example of class, integrity, and strength. You should be so proud of the woman that you are. I’m so honored to be your Miss Usa sister..”

“You are the epitome of a queen. I am so proud of you for knowing your self worth and for completing a reign that was pretty much impossible. YOU kept the title ALIVE all on your own,” a supportive comment reads from model and former Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella wrote. “You will go down in history as one of the hardest-working, most determined Miss USAs we have ever had. You’re an inspiration not just for what you accomplished this year all by yourself with zero team behind you, but for standing your ground boldly and courageously.”

The post Fans React To Miss USA Alma Cooper’s ‘Extremely Difficult Decision’ To Skip 2025 Show appeared first on EntertainmentNow.