Betty Maxwell

Baciliky Andris “Betty” Maxwell, born on September 1, 1994, in Warner Robins, Georgia, is an American singer, actress, model, and author. Growing up on a 700-acre farm, she developed practical skills such as driving a tractor and handling a shotgun. Maxwell, who is of Greek and German descent, attended Mount de Sales Academy for high school. She furthered her education at Wesleyan College and Mercer University, where she briefly studied vocal performance, laying the foundation for her later vocal talents showcased in pageantry. After marrying Spencer Maxwell in 2017, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in country music.

Maxwell’s pageantry career began in late 2013, quickly achieving recognition with several runner-up placements. In February 2014, she secured the Miss Presidential Pathways title. Her platform, “Healthy Georgia, Strong America,” was central to her participation in the 2014 Miss Georgia pageant, where she was named second runner-up. In July 2014, she won Miss Warner Robins 2015, which qualified her for the 2015 Miss Georgia pageant. Her vocal performance of an aria from Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” earned her the Miss Georgia crown on June 20, 2015, along with over $15,000 in scholarships and the use of a Kia Sorento, enabling her to make public appearances across Georgia. This victory marked her as a prominent figure in the state’s pageant scene.

As Miss Georgia, Maxwell advanced to the Miss America 2016 competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where her platform evolved to “Healthy Children, Strong America.” She distinguished herself by winning the preliminary talent portion with her vocal performance. On September 13, 2015, she was crowned Miss America 2016, becoming the first Miss Georgia to win the national title since 1953 and receiving a $50,000 scholarship. Her duties as Miss America included serving as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and partnering with Team FNV to promote healthy eating. She made appearances at major events such as the Country Music Association Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, showcasing her broad appeal and engagement in various national platforms. In 2019, she announced the release of her book, “Miss Unlikely From Farmgirl to Miss America,” detailing her journey.