Ruby Tilghman, representing Birmingham, captured the Miss Alabama 2026 title and will now advance to compete on the national stage at Miss America later this year.
Ruby Tilghman Earns the Miss Alabama Crown
Tilghman secured the title Saturday night at Samford University, finishing first among 45 contestants from across the state. Originally from Panama City, Florida, she has strong ties to Alabama through her education and pageant experience.
The 22-year-old graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in chemistry. During her time in Tuscaloosa, she earned the title of Miss University of Alabama 2025 before competing as Miss Birmingham in this year’s state competition.
Strong Performance Throughout the Competition
Tilghman entered the final night with momentum after winning two preliminary awards during the week. She earned recognition in the evening gown competition and also won the talent preliminary round. For her talent presentation, she performed “I Dreamed a Dream” from the musical Les Misérables.
Her success throughout the competition resulted in more than $15,000 in scholarship awards. The achievement adds to a strong year for the contestant, who now becomes Alabama’s representative at the upcoming Miss America competition.
Miss America Awaits as Scholarships Reach New Heights
Tilghman will compete at Miss America 2026 this September. She will seek to become the fifth contestant from Alabama to win the national title and continue the state’s recent success on the Miss America stage.
The Miss Alabama organization awarded more than $150,000 in scholarship funds during this year’s competition. Fourteen semifinalists advanced to the final round, with each receiving scholarship support. Organizers continue to emphasize educational opportunities as a key part of the program’s mission.
Tilghman’s victory marks the beginning of a new chapter as she prepares to represent Alabama in one of the nation’s most recognized scholarship competitions.
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