Having had represented the country internationally, Betty Maxwell is no stranger to performing on a national stage. Former Miss America 2016, Betty has recently won her Golden Ticket to the American Idol 2022 edition. Formerly known as Betty Cantrell, she is an American singer, actress, model, author, and beauty pageant titleholder from Warner Robins, Georgia.
The diva had always been a singer and also showcased her talent at the national pageant when she sang opera for her pageant. As Miss America, Betty served as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals among many other works.The pageant winner moved to Nashville to pursue a career as a country singer after her reign was over.
The diva took to her social media to share, “I cannot believe I had #AMomentLikeThis! I got the golden ticket and I'm heading to Hollywood! Last night feels like a crazy dream!!!! Im so so thankful to all of you for the outpouring of love and support. Im truly at a loss for words. No matter what adventure comes next for me, y’all are always there cheering me on and trust me it does not go unnoticed. Im so sincerely thankful for each and every one of you!”
“I’m thankful for what the judges said and I’m excited to apply it and grow as an artist. I’m thankful for a lovely segment edit, I’m thankful for this opportunity and to be surrounded by so many talented and passionate singers…and omg I’M GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!!!!!! On to the next chapter!” she added.
Recently after winning the ticket, she shared “My biggest dream would be to be the voice of a Disney princess.” She also proceeded to do various impressions of Disney characters, including Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Ariel from ‘The Little Mermaid’, in a recent interview.
During the auditions, throughout Maxwell’s performance, one of the idols, Katy Perry slowly lowered the crown almost to her head, teasing the former Miss America. Then she asked her to sing some country — one of Maxwell’s specialties. “Pageant girls sing like pageant girls,You don’t sing like a pageant girl, you sing like a real singer,” judge Luke Bryan told Maxwell.
Maxwell, who got a Golden ticket to officially perform in the competition, joins New Jersey American Idol contestants Camryn Champion and Cole Hallman, who were shown getting their golden tickets to Hollywood in the premiere of the talent competition series, which is now in its 20th season.