Newly crowned Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard, dazzled audiences in Salt Lake City by joining the Utah Jazz Dancers for a surprise performance. The special moment came just weeks after her boyfriend, Jazz center Walker Kessler, went viral for his emotional reaction to her pageant victory. Fans and social media users were in awe as Stockard, a former Miss Alabama and Auburn dance team member, showcased her dance talents beyond the pageant stage.
A Royal Entrance Onto the Court
Stockard’s journey to stardom took a viral turn last month when she was crowned Miss America 2025 in Orlando. However, Kessler’s heartfelt reaction—leaping with joy in disbelief—stole the show online. Since then, social media has been closely following the couple’s every move.
On Saturday night, Stockard made another headline-worthy appearance—dancing at the Delta Center alongside the Jazz’s professional squad. Sporting her Miss America sash and crown, she blended seamlessly into the choreography, impressing both fans and live audiences.
A Performance to Remember
The Utah Jazz faced the Orlando Magic amid a rough losing streak, but Stockard’s moment on the court became a game-changer. Her polished routine, honed from her Auburn University dance team experience, energized the crowd and, perhaps, the players themselves. The Jazz snapped their skid with a commanding 113-99 victory, making her performance all the more memorable.
Why the Internet Can’t Get Enough
NBA cameras quickly panned to Kessler on the bench, and his overjoyed reaction did not disappoint. His face—a mix of pride and excitement—once again went viral, sparking comparisons to his initial reaction at the Miss America crowning.
- One Twitter/X user wrote: “Walker Kessler is officially the internet’s favorite supportive boyfriend.”
- Another joked: “Abbie Stockard showing up & bringing W’s to Utah? Give her a permanent spot on the team.”
Even the Utah Jazz’s official Instagram joined in on the fun, posting clips of her performance alongside Kessler’s priceless reaction.
From Pageants to NBA Courts – A Love Story Taking Center Stage
Auburn fans weren’t shocked by Stockard’s rise in internet fame, given the university’s history with power couples. However, few duos have captivated audiences like Stockard and Kessler. With Stockard now holding the Miss America title and Kessler making his mark in the NBA, their relationship beautifully blends pageantry and professional basketball.
What’s Next for the Rising Stars?
Viral moments won’t be stopping anytime soon. With Stockard embracing her new role as Miss America and Kessler deep into the NBA season, the couple continues to thrive in the spotlight.
Could we see more basketball-pageantry crossovers? Perhaps an NBA All-Star halftime performance starring Stockard or a joint sports-entertainment venture on social media?
One thing is clear: Whether on the basketball court or beauty pageant stage, Abbie Stockard and Walker Kessler know how to shine—and fans can’t get enough.
Read more at AL.com.