As Audrey Eckert prepares to pass on her crown to the next Miss USA, she reflects on the demands and challenges of her role as the 2025 titleholder. Having been crowned by former Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig on 24 October 2025, Eckert’s journey has encompassed a year of public appearances, international events, and personal growth.
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Eckert, who has been participating in pageants since she was just nine years old, describes her victory as a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. She previously claimed the title of Miss Nebraska Teen in 2020 and earned third runner-up at the Miss Teen USA competition in the same year. As Miss USA, she has had the opportunity to attend prestigious events, including the Oscars and the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in her pageant career.
In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Eckert shared insights about the lesser-known aspects of being Miss USA. One point she emphasised is the extensive travel involved. “The public often doesn’t realise how much time we spend on the road,” she explained. Despite the long travel days, the expectations remain high for all pageant queens to maintain their image. Eckert spoke candidly about the challenges of fitting in regular workouts and beauty treatments while travelling. “It’s a logistical challenge,” she noted, “but it comes with the territory of being a pageant queen.”
Another key point Eckert addressed was the importance of safeguarding the iconic crown she wears. The crown itself is a stunning piece adorned with over 602 lab-grown diamonds, 43 cultured pearls, 31 sapphire gems, and a London blue topaz, valued at more than £200,000. Eckert revealed that she often travels with a replica crown for security reasons. “The real crown is carefully guarded, but this travel version allows me to carry it without worry,” she said, showcasing the ornate travel case that protects her crown.
Eckert’s role as Miss USA requires a full-time commitment, which led her to make significant sacrifices. “When I realised I would be representing the USA at the Miss Universe pageant, I had to call my employer and request a leave of absence,” she remarked. Ultimately, Eckert decided to resign from her job to devote herself fully to her duties as Miss USA. She expressed her determination, saying, “This title is something I’ve dreamed of for 15 years, and I wanted to embrace it wholeheartedly.”
Soon after her crowning, Eckert was tasked with representing the United States at the Miss Universe competition in Thailand. The immediate transition following her national crowning demonstrates the swift pace of the responsibilities that come with the title. “You have to be ready to step into that role immediately,” she mentioned, highlighting the various events she attended, from red carpets to community engagements. These diverse experiences require adaptability and readiness for different situations.
Physical fitness is another crucial aspect of being Miss USA. Eckert noted that the competition is akin to a sport, demanding both physical preparation and mental resilience. “It requires an incredible amount of time and effort,” she explained, adding that pageant participants must also maintain their academic and professional commitments. “We are often juggling full-time jobs and other responsibilities while preparing for competitions,” she elaborated.
Throughout her reign, Eckert has learned that wearing the crown is not just about personal achievement; it represents a lifelong commitment to being an ambassador for the Miss USA organisation. “Once crowned, you’re always on,” she remarked. “Your actions reflect on the entire organisation.” As she prepares to pass the crown on 27 August, Eckert is keenly aware of the ongoing responsibilities tied to her title.
Reflecting on the impact of her experience, Eckert is set to embrace a new chapter while continuing to champion the values of Miss USA. “Regaining my life post-crown does not mean leaving behind the lessons I’ve learned,” she affirmed. “Even after the crown has been passed on, I will carry the values of this organisation with me for the rest of my life.” As she prepares to hand over the crown, she does so with the understanding that the spirit of Miss USA will continue to resonate in her future endeavours.