First Runner-Up Takes Over Crown Following Mekayla Li’s Removal
Nigerian-American beauty queen Victoria Oluwakotanmi has been named Miss Grand USA 2026, taking over the title from Mekayla Li barely a week after Li was crowned.
Oluwakotanmi, who finished as the first runner-up in the Miss Grand USA competition, was announced as the new titleholder by the pageant organisation on Friday following the termination of Li’s reign.
“With great excitement, @officialmissgrandusa proudly announces #tori_olu VICTORIA OLUWAKOTANMI Victoria Oluwakotanmi as Miss Grand USA 2026,” the organisation said in a statement shared on social media.
The appointment means Oluwakotanmi will now carry the Miss Grand USA crown and take on the responsibility of representing the United States at the Miss Grand International pageant.
“Victoria now steps forward to carry the crown, represent the United States, and begin an extraordinary new chapter with the Miss Grand USA organisation,” the pageant said.
The organisation described the transition as the start of a new chapter for Oluwakotanmi, promising a journey marked by “purpose, opportunity, unforgettable experiences” and the privilege of representing the United States internationally.
“We are incredibly excited for everything ahead and cannot wait for the world to experience this next chapter alongside her,” it added.
From first runner-up to national titleholder
Oluwakotanmi’s elevation to the Miss Grand USA crown comes after she finished as first runner-up at the competition, placing her next in line to assume the title when Li’s reign was terminated.
Her appointment has effectively transformed what would ordinarily have been a runner-up finish into a national title and an opportunity to compete on the international stage.
The organisation formally introduced her to the public with the announcement: “USA, meet your Miss Grand USA 2026… VICTORIA OLUWAKOTANMI.”
She will now assume the duties associated with the title and begin preparations for the Miss Grand International competition.
Li’s reign ends abruptly
Oluwakotanmi’s appointment follows the abrupt removal of Li, who was crowned Miss Grand USA at the pageant’s final held on August 10.
Li’s reign lasted just over a week before the organisation announced that her title had been withdrawn.
“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],” the pageant said in a statement released Thursday.
The decision followed revelations concerning an alleged 2024 hit-and-run involving Li and information about a previous marriage.
The controversy has drawn attention to the eligibility requirements and contractual rules governing contestants in the Miss Grand USA and Miss Grand International system.
Pageant urges respect amid controversy
As discussions surrounding Li’s removal intensified, the Miss Grand USA organisation appealed to the public to maintain respectful dialogue.
“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,” the organisation said.
The appeal came as attention shifted from the circumstances surrounding Li’s departure to the new titleholder who will now inherit the crown.
With Oluwakotanmi officially taking over, the pageant organisation is positioning the transition as a fresh beginning rather than allowing the controversy surrounding the previous titleholder to define the new reign.
Oluwakotanmi set for international stage
As Miss Grand USA 2026, Oluwakotanmi will represent the United States at the Miss Grand International pageant, giving the Nigerian-American beauty queen an opportunity to compete on one of the international pageant circuit’s biggest stages.
Her elevation underscores the importance of the first-runner-up position in the event, with Oluwakotanmi now moving from the position of runner-up to national representative following the unprecedented change in titleholder.
For Oluwakotanmi, the sudden turn of events marks the beginning of an unexpected chapter in her pageant career.
The Miss Grand USA organisation said it was “incredibly excited” about what lies ahead, while Oluwakotanmi now prepares to carry the crown and the responsibility of representing the United States internationally.