( CNN ) -- Hmm , there must be something in the water in New York . For the third consecutive year , a New York beauty queen has been crowned Miss America . This time , it was Kira Kazantsev who had the tiara placed atop her perfectly coiffed head . The 23-year-old Kazantsev 's platform is domestic violence . During the question and answer portion of the pageant -- held Sunday at its birthplace of Atlantic City , New Jersey -- she said sexual assault in the military is a problem that needs the attention of lawmakers . For her talent portion , she sang Pharrell Williams ' `` Happy '' while she kept time by tapping a red plastic cup on the floor , a la Anna Kendrick 's character in the movie `` Pitch Perfect . '' When she was announced the winner , she was handed the crown from last year 's Miss America -- and a Miss New York -- Nina Davuluri . Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett was first runner-up . Miss Arkansas Ashton Jo Campbell was second runner-up .
The year - old contestant 's theme is domestic violence . For her talent portion , she sang Pharrell Williams ' ` ` Happy ''