A scoring error at Spelman College’s Miss Spelman pageant led to co-titleholders being named, but the recalculated winner says the decision is unfair.
ATLANTA — A scoring error in Spelman College’s 43rd Miss Spelman competition has sparked controversy on campus and prompted an unusual decision to name co-titleholders.
Kinsley Wilson was initially crowned Miss Spelman on April 11, with Jillian Collier named first runner-up. Officials later said a post-pageant review found a technical discrepancy in the scoring process. After recalculating results, the college determined Collier had earned the highest overall score.
In a statement to 11Alive, Spelman said it is “overhauling protocols” and apologized for the mistake, adding it is working to ensure “a similar error does not occur again.”
During the competition, seven contestants were evaluated on talent, interview, poise, and an overall composite score.
Miss Spelman serves as the official student ambassador for Spelman College, representing the women’s HBCU to prospective students, donors, and at campus events.
In a statement to the student body, officials said, “We offer our deepest apologies to the students and families impacted by the initial announcement.”
The college said it will move forward with co-Miss Spelman titleholders for 2026: Jillian Collier and Kinsley Wilson.
In a statement obtained by 11Alive, Collier said she “vehemently disagrees” with the co-queen decision, calling it “unfair and unjust,” and said she feels she is being cheated out of the title.