Victoria Oluwakotanmi crowned Miss Grand USA 2026
Nigerian-American beauty queen Victoria Oluwakotanmi has been crowned Miss Grand USA 2026, taking over the title after Mekayla Li’s reign was terminated days after her victory.
The Miss Grand USA organisation announced Oluwakotanmi’s appointment through its social media platforms, confirming that the first runner-up from this year’s competition would assume the vacant crown.
“USA, meet your Miss Grand USA 2026… VICTORIA OLUWAKOTANMI,” the organisation announced.
Oluwakotanmi will now take on the duties associated with the title, including representing the United States at the Miss Grand International competition.
In announcing her appointment, the organisation said Oluwakotanmi would begin a new chapter with the Miss Grand USA family, describing the opportunity as one filled with purpose, new experiences and international representation.
The development follows the abrupt end of Li’s reign. Li was crowned Miss Grand USA at the pageant’s August 10 final, but the organisation announced the termination of her title less than two weeks later. In a statement, Miss Grand USA said Li had been released from the title and all associated responsibilities, citing 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,” the organisation said.
The decision came amid reports concerning an alleged 2024 hit-and-run incident involving Li, as well as revelations about a previous marriage. The controversy surrounding her removal prompted the organisation to call for respectful discussion, warning against online abuse and personal attacks.
“We ask that all dialogue surrounding this transition remain respectful,” the pageant said, adding that it does not support bullying, harassment, defamation, degrading comments or personal attacks.
With the change in leadership, Oluwakotanmi now moves from runner-up to titleholder and will carry the Miss Grand USA crown on the international stage.
Her appointment marks a dramatic turn of events just weeks after she finished second in the national competition. She will now have the opportunity to represent the United States at the Miss Grand International pageant while beginning her reign as Miss Grand USA 2026.
Written by Kweku Sampson for TheAfricanDream®
