A new Mrs. American has been crowned, marking the end of an inspiring reign by Hannah Neeleman, famously known online as Ballerina Farm. On Tuesday, August 27, Mrs. Washington, Heidi Stephens, was announced as the new winner during a dazzling ceremony held at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
Hannah Neeleman, Passing the Torch
Hannah Neeleman, who captured the hearts of many during her 2023 reign, took her final walk as Mrs. American, reflecting on a year filled with personal and professional milestones. In a pre-recorded segment played during the pageant, she expressed deep gratitude for the experience, saying, “As Mrs. American, I am filled with gratitude and joy to have been a part of this journey. What a year it has been.”
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Neeleman, who has become a social media sensation with over 17 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, also acknowledged the unwavering support of her family. “I am deeply and forever grateful for the unwavering support of my husband Daniel and our children, Henry, Charles, George, Francis, Lois, Martha, Mabel, and Flora,” she shared. “Your love and encouragement has been my greatest strength.”
As the evening drew to a close, Neeleman embraced Stephens and passed on the crown, symbolizing the start of a new chapter for both women. Mrs. Utah was named second runner-up, while Mrs. Colorado took the first runner-up spot.
A Year to Remember
Throughout her reign, Neeleman kept her millions of followers engaged by documenting her experiences, including her journey to Las Vegas for the pageant. The Juilliard-trained dancer, entrepreneur, and mother of eight shared glimpses of her life on her Utah farm, where she and her husband, Daniel, raise their large family.
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Neeleman, who was 20 weeks pregnant with her daughter Flora Jo when she won the title of Mrs. American, often reflected on her unique experience balancing motherhood and pageantry. “A night I will never forget,” she wrote in an Instagram post before heading to Las Vegas to crown her successor. She reminisced about her time in the spotlight, sharing photos of herself in stunning outfits, including a royal blue one-piece bathing suit, a sequin mini dress, and a glittery ball gown.
Her dedication to both her family and her role as Mrs. American was evident when she competed in the Mrs. World pageant just 12 days after giving birth to Flora Jo in January 2024. Speaking about the experience, she told The New York Times, “A lot of us have kids, and I don’t think there’s any shame in showing I just had a baby.”
A Life in the Spotlight
Neeleman’s rise to fame on social media has been nothing short of meteoric. Her content, which focuses on her homesteading lifestyle and traditional homemaker role, has resonated with millions. She and her husband, Daniel, run a working farm in Utah, where they raise their eight children and share their everyday lives with a devoted online community.
Despite her success, Neeleman has faced both praise and criticism for her traditional approach to family life. Dubbed a “tradwife” by some, she has maintained that she doesn’t necessarily identify with the label. The complexities of her life as a modern-day influencer with a traditional twist were recently explored in an in-depth profile by the U.K.’s The Sunday Times.
As Hannah Neeleman steps down from her role as Mrs. American, she leaves behind a legacy of grace, strength, and a commitment to family that has inspired many. Now, with the crown passed to Heidi Stephens, a new chapter begins for both women, each continuing to make their mark in their own unique ways.