What we know: Nigerian-American Victoria Oluwakotanmi Appointed Miss Grand USA 2026

Victoria Oluwakotanmi, a Nigerian-American beauty queen, has officially been designated Miss Grand USA 2026. This appointment follows the revocation of Mekayla Li's title, which occurred barely a week after her initial crowning.

The Miss Grand USA organization confirmed Oluwakotanmi's new role through an official statement disseminated across its social media platforms on Friday. This announcement came shortly after Li's reign was formally ended. The organization declared, “With great excitement, @officialmissgrandusa proudly announces #tori_olu VICTORIA OLUWAKOTANMI Victoria Oluwakotanmi as Miss Grand USA 2026.”

Having previously secured the position of first runner-up in the pageant, Oluwakotanmi is now set to bear the Miss Grand USA crown and will proceed to represent the United States on the global stage.

According to the pageant organizers, “Victoria now steps forward to carry the crown, represent the United States, and begin an extraordinary new chapter with the Miss Grand USA organisation.” They further characterized her selection as the commencement of a fresh journey, promising “purpose, opportunity, unforgettable experiences,” and the distinct privilege of representing the US globally. The statement concluded, “We are incredibly excited for everything ahead and cannot wait for the world to experience this next chapter alongside her.”

This significant appointment for Oluwakotanmi materialized after Mekayla Li's tenure as Miss Grand USA was cut short. The termination stemmed from public disclosures concerning an alleged hit-and-run incident in 2024 and information about a prior marriage. Li had initially received the Miss Grand USA crown during the finals on August 10, only for her title to be rescinded merely days afterward.

In an earlier statement disseminated via its social media channels on Thursday, the pageant declared, “Miss Grand USA announces the termination of Mekayla Li’s reign and her release from the Miss Grand USA Title and all associated duties. This decision was made in accordance with contractual policies outlined by the [organisation].”

Furthermore, the organization urged for decorum amidst the controversy that ensued from Li's dethronement. Their appeal stated, “We ask that all dialogue surrounding this transition remain respectful. Miss Grand USA stands firmly against bullying, harassment, defamation, degrading remarks and personal attacks of any kind.”

Consequently, Oluwakotanmi is now poised to undertake the duties of Miss Grand USA 2026, preparing to represent the United States at the forthcoming Miss Grand International pageant. The organization enthusiastically concluded its announcement with, “USA, meet your Miss Grand USA 2026… VICTORIA OLUWAKOTANMI.”