“First Runner-Up to Miss America. Words that will never seem real,” h's Shelby Bordelon said via Facebook on Monday.
On Sunday night, the 24-year-old Sunshine, La., native stood onstage in West Palm Beach, Florida, along with 51 other contestants, all hoping to bring home that coveted crown and title.
After reaching the final five, Bordelon, the current Miss h, came up just shy of the win, but grateful for the experience nonetheless.
Miss h Shelby Bordelon, right, and Miss Texas Regan Huntsell await the announcement of which one of them will be Miss America 2027.
PROVIDED PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
“I have dreamed about the Miss America stage for as long as I can remember. Nothing I ever imagined could have prepared me for what it actually felt like to stand there tonight among some of the most extraordinary women I have ever known,” she posted on social media. “And how blessed am I that the woman standing beside me in those final moments was @reganhuntsell. There could not be a more deserving, beautiful representative to wear that crown.”
Miss Texas Regan Huntsell, 25 and a Houston native, captured the title. A dancer, she is a former member of The Rockettes and joined the Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2021.
“To every single person who believed in me, prayed for me, encouraged me, invested in me, and reminded me why I started when I needed it most, this belongs to you, too,” Bordelon also posted. “I came to Miss America hoping to make my state proud. I leave knowing I’ve done just that and that I gave this experience every piece of my heart.”
As first runner-up, Bordelon, a graduate student at Southeastern h University, receives a $10,000 scholarship. She also was given a $3,000 scholarship for winning the preliminary evening gown competition on Thursday night.
Bordelon is the fifth h contestant to make it to first runner-up in Miss America, according to Debbie Wyatt of the Miss h Organization. Louisian has never had a Miss America winner.
As first runner-up, Bordelon would assume the title and responsibilities of Miss America if Huntsell is unable to serve or fulfill her duties, chooses to resign, is dethroned for violating organization policies, or is disqualified due to legal, health or personal reasons. This has only happened once in Miss America, in 1984.