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New Miss America hits the Atlantic City surf

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - The new Miss America followed in the footsteps of her predecessors and posed for pictures in the Atlantic City surf.

Kira Kazantsev of New York celebrated Monday, one day after winning Sunday night's pageant with the help of a red plastic cup.

For her talent performance, Kazantsev sang Pharrell Williams' "Happy" while sitting cross-legged and banging a red plastic cup on the floor. That immediately touched off a furor on social media networks, where many were critical of her performance.

Kazantsev plans to speak out against domestic violence during her yearlong reign and she'll call on lawmakers to combat sexual assault in the military.

Her victory marked the third year in a row that a contestant from her state has won the crown.

Miss America 2015

Miss New York chosen as Miss America 2015

Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev of New York poses Monday during the traditional toe dip in the Atlantic Ocean in Atlantic City, N.J., the morning after she was crowned. Associated Press
Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev of New York attended a news conference the morning after she was crowned. Associated Press
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