STAR OF THE SHOW Who is Miss America 2016 Betty Maxwell?

Nina Clevinger 21:46 ET, Mar 6 2022

GEORGIA-native Betty Maxwell was crowned Miss America in 2016.

The pageant queen went on to earn a ticket to Hollywood on season 20 of American Idol, premiering in February of 2022.

Who is Betty Maxwell?

Born on September 1, 1994, Betty - full name Bacililky Andris Cantrell - Maxwell is a singer, actress, model, author, and pageant titleholder.

After graduating from Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia; Betty went on to attend both Wesleyan College and Mercer University.

In 2013, Betty entered her first pageant.

The following year, she won the title of Miss Presidential Pathways.

She was named second runner-up during the 2014 Miss Georgia competition.

In 2015, Becky once again qualified for the Miss Georgia pageant.

She was crowned first place, and went on to participate in the Miss America 2016 competition.

Upon winning the title of Miss America 2016, Becky was awarded a $50,000 scholarship.

In 2017, Betty and her longtime boyfriend Spencer Maxwell announced their engagement.

The two moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and eloped on November 8 of the same year at Percy Warner Park.

On April 13, 2018, Betty and Spencer had a formal wedding back in Georgia.

What did Betty Maxwell say about American Idol?

On Sunday, March 6, 2022, Betty Maxwell shared a photo of herself to Instagram holding an American Idol golden ticket.

"I cannot believe I had #AMomentLikeThis" Betty captioned the post.

"I got the golden ticket and I'm heading to Hollywood!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much to Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and to all of you for the love and support!!!