Miss Alabama 2026: Here are Friday’s preliminary winners in talent, evening gown
Elaina Burt, Caroline Coleman and Ruby Tilghman tied for the top score in the talent preliminary on Friday. Madison Belk won the evening gown preliminary.
Mason Reed 
The excitement is palpable at the Miss Alabama pageant, where contestants have officially wrapped up three intense nights of preliminary competition ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated finale.
Friday's Standouts
Four talented women secured special recognition on Friday, earning top honors in the talent and evening gown preliminaries. The talent stage saw a three-way tie for the highest score between Elaina Burt (Miss Jefferson County), Caroline Coleman (Miss Tennessee Valley), and Ruby Tilghman (Miss Birmingham).
Burt, 20, a Hoover native and University of Alabama student, dazzled judges with her classical ballet routine to “Oklahoma Medley.” Coleman, 23, from Muscle Shoals, showcased her vocal prowess with an opera aria from “Madame Butterfly,” while Tilghman, 22, a University of Alabama chemistry major, moved the audience with her rendition of “I Dreamed A Dream.”
In the evening gown competition, Madison Belk (Miss Jubilee) took home the top score. A 22-year-old Loxley native and University of Mississippi graduate, Belk represents the next wave of competition as 45 women fight for the state title and a path toward the Miss America pageant.
The Road to the Finale
The preliminary rounds at Samford University’s Wright Center have tested contestants across talent, evening wear, health and fitness, and on-stage interviews. For those looking to support their favorites, the People’s Choice Contest remains open, allowing fans to vote online to help determine who secures one of the 13 spots in Saturday's finale.
A Look Back at the Week
The competition has been fierce since Wednesday. Thursday’s preliminary winners included Alana Price and Hannah Adams, who tied in talent, and Hailey Adams and Mikella Anderson, who shared the top score in evening gown. Earlier on Wednesday, Mikella Anderson and Chloe Yates led the talent portion, while Ruby Tilghman earned top marks in evening wear.
Event Details
The pageant concludes Saturday, June 6, at 7 p.m. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets here. For additional information, visit the Miss Alabama website or call 205-871-6276.
For more on the contenders, read the full list of the 45 women competing for the crown.
