The Miss Alabama 2026 pageant is underway, and the preliminary round on Wednesday night showcased the talent and evening wear of 45 women competing for the state title. The event, held at Samford University's Wright Center in Birmingham, featured three standout contestants: Mikella Anderson, Chloe Yates, and Ruby Tilghman. Anderson and Yates tied for the top score in the talent competition, while Tilghman earned the top score in the evening wear competition. Anderson, a 22-year-old business management student from Prattville, performed a contemporary dance routine en pointe to "God Bless America." Yates, a 22-year-old interior design student from Louisville, Ky., performed a gymnastics routine to "Welcome to the Moulin Rouge." Tilghman, a 22-year-old chemistry student from Panama City, Fla., showcased her evening wear in a chemistry-themed outfit. The judges for this year's competition include Yolande Dolly Fox, Ashley Halfman, Dr. Caroline Reich, Michelle Parham Rudolph, and David Weincek. The preliminary events, held Wednesday through Friday, will determine the semifinalists who will compete on Saturday in the pageant finale. The winner will be crowned Miss Alabama 2026 and will have the opportunity to move on to the Miss America pageant. The public can vote for their favorite contestants in the People's Choice Contest, with each vote costing $1. The contestant with the most votes will earn a spot among the top 13 finalists on Saturday. The Miss Alabama 2026 competition is set for June 3-6 at Samford University's Wright Center in Birmingham. Tickets are available for purchase, with prices ranging from $53.75 to $80.13 for single tickets and $167.53 to $188.63 for season ticket packages. The event promises to be a showcase of talent, beauty, and community service, with a diverse range of contestants and a supportive community behind them.
