Nigerian-American beauty queen Victoria Oluwakotanmi has stepped into the spotlight as the new Miss Grand USA 2026 after the title was withdrawn from the original winner, Mekayla Li.
Oluwakotanmi, who placed first runner-up at the pageant held on August 10, will now take over the crown and represent the United States at the upcoming Miss Grand International competition.
The Miss Grand USA organisation announced the change on Friday, describing Oluwakotanmi’s appointment as the beginning of a new chapter for both the beauty queen and the organisation.
Her elevation came only days after Li’s reign was terminated. The pageant organisation said the decision followed revelations concerning an alleged 2024 hit-and-run incident and a previous marriage, citing its contractual policies in announcing the withdrawal of her title.
With the crown now transferred to Oluwakotanmi, she is expected to assume the responsibilities attached to the Miss Grand USA title and prepare to represent the United States on the international stage.
The organisation also called for restraint amid the controversy surrounding the previous winner, urging the public to avoid harassment, bullying, defamation and personal attacks.
For Oluwakotanmi, the unexpected turn of events marks a major career milestone. Having initially finished as runner-up, she will now carry the Miss Grand USA 2026 title and take on the opportunity to compete internationally.
Her appointment has also attracted attention in Nigeria and among the Nigerian diaspora, with many celebrating the rise of a Nigerian-American woman to a major American pageant title.
