Cassie Donegan to sing national anthem at 2026 Daytona 500

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The 2026 Daytona 500 will feature Cassie Donegan, the current Miss America titleholder, singing the national anthem. Donegan, a native of Smithfield, Virginia, has a musical theater background and won the Miss America crown in 2026 after previously competing in pageants since the age of 9.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is one of the most high-profile sporting events in the United States, making the national anthem performance a coveted opportunity. Donegan's selection as the 2026 anthem singer continues NASCAR's tradition of featuring prominent entertainers and public figures for this honor.

The details

Donegan studied musical theater at Belmont University and has been competing in pageants since she was 9 years old. She won the Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen title in 2013 before taking a break from pageants. Donegan returned in 2024 and won the Miss Five Boroughs 2025 title in New York City, which qualified her for the Miss New York 2025 pageant. Though she initially lost that competition, the winner resigned, and Donegan earned the Miss New York crown. She then went on to win the 2026 Miss America title, showcasing her singing talent by performing "A Darker Shade of Blue" from "Some Like it Hot."

• Donegan was born on September 5, 1997 in Smithfield, Virginia.
• She won the Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen title in 2013.
• Donegan won the Miss Five Boroughs 2025 title in New York City.
• She was crowned Miss New York 2025 after the initial winner resigned.
• Donegan was named Miss America 2026 in January of that year.

What’s next

Donegan will take the stage at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 to perform the national anthem ahead of the Daytona 500 race.