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Nigerian-American beauty queen Victoria Oluwakotanmi has been crowned Miss Grand USA 2026 following the removal of Mekayla Li from the title barely days after she was crowned.
Oluwakotanmi, who originally finished as the first runner-up in the competition, will now take over the crown and assume the responsibilities of Miss Grand USA 2026.
She is also expected to represent the United States at the international Miss Grand International pageant.
The Miss Grand USA organisation announced Oluwakotanmi’s appointment in a statement shared on social media on Friday, describing the development as the beginning of a new chapter for the beauty queen.
“With great excitement, @officialmissgrandusa proudly announces #tori_olu VICTORIA OLUWAKOTANMI Victoria Oluwakotanmi as Miss Grand USA 2026,” the organisation announced.
Oluwakotanmi Takes Over The Crown
Following her appointment, Oluwakotanmi will now carry out the duties attached to the Miss Grand USA title.
The organisation said she would represent the United States and begin a new chapter with the pageant body.
“Victoria now steps forward to carry the crown, represent the United States, and begin an extraordinary new chapter with the Miss Grand USA organisation,” it said.
The pageant body also expressed excitement about her upcoming reign, saying it expects the new chapter to bring purpose, opportunities and memorable experiences for the Nigerian-American beauty queen.
“We are incredibly excited for everything ahead and cannot wait for the world to experience this next chapter alongside her,” the organisation added.
Li’s Reign Terminated
Oluwakotanmi’s elevation follows the termination of Mekayla Li’s reign.
Li had been crowned Miss Grand USA at the pageant’s final on August 10, 2026, but her reign lasted only a few days before the organisation announced that she had been removed from the title.
The decision followed reports concerning an alleged 2024 hit-and-run incident and a previous marriage.
In a statement announcing the termination of Li’s reign on Thursday, the Miss Grand USA organisation said the decision was made in accordance with its contractual policies.
“Miss Grand USA announces the termination of Mekayla Li’s reign and her release from the Miss Grand USA Title and all associated duties. This decision was made in accordance with contractual policies outlined by the [organisation],” the organisation said.
The pageant body did not provide further details about the allegations in its announcement.
Pageant Calls For Respect
Amid the controversy surrounding the change in title, Miss Grand USA urged members of the public to avoid abusive comments and personal attacks against those involved.
The organisation said discussions surrounding Li’s removal should remain respectful.
“We ask that all dialogue surrounding this transition remain respectful. Miss Grand USA stands firmly against bullying, harassment, defamation, degrading remarks and personal attacks of any kind,” it said.
The appeal comes as the change in title attracts attention from pageant followers and social media users.
Nigerian-American Beauty Queen Gets New Opportunity
For Oluwakotanmi, the unexpected change provides an opportunity to take on one of the most prominent roles in her pageant career.
Having finished as the first runner-up, she will now move to the top position and officially serve as Miss Grand USA 2026.
Her Nigerian-American background also adds another dimension to her story as she prepares to represent the United States on the international stage.
The new Miss Grand USA will now have the responsibility of participating in activities associated with the title while preparing to represent America at Miss Grand International.
‘USA, Meet Your Miss Grand USA 2026’
The organisation officially welcomed Oluwakotanmi into her new role with a direct announcement to pageant followers.
“USA, meet your Miss Grand USA 2026… VICTORIA OLUWAKOTANMI,” it declared.
Her appointment means she moves from first runner-up to titleholder within days of the original competition.
As she begins her reign, Oluwakotanmi is expected to take on public appearances, promotional responsibilities and other duties associated with the Miss Grand USA crown.
Her elevation marks a dramatic turn in the 2026 pageant and gives the Nigerian-American beauty queen an opportunity to represent the United States at the global Miss Grand International competition.
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#MissGrandUSA2026
#BeautyPageant
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