AP Photo/Mel Evans
The 23-year-old beauty queen beat out 52 other contestants to win the title and a $50,000 scholarship.
How did she do it?
Kazantsev argued that sexual assault against women in the military needs to be addressed, her platform is "Love Shouldn't Hurt: Protecting Women Against Domestic Violence," and she proudly rocked the bikini portion.
AP Photo/Mel Evans
For her talent, Kazantsev sang Pharrell's "Happy" while sitting cross-legged on the stage while using a red plastic cup as a drum.
AP Photo/Mel Evans
Watch a clip of her performance here:
There was a bit of a flub during Kazantsev's performance, but it wasn't her fault.
THEY MISSPELLED JANE AUSTEN!! #MissAmerica pic.twitter.com/Hw7A2Bv1Ce
- Amy Odell (@amyodell) September 15, 2014
The final round of the pageant was between Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn, Miss New York Kira Kazantsev, and Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett. Garrett took first runner up and Kuhn took second runner up honors.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Kazantsev gasped after she was named Miss America 2015.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
AP Photo/Mel Evans
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
AP Photo/Mel Evans