The 22-year-old University of Indianapolis student battled a throat infection and laryngitis throughout the week but still drew loud applause for her rendition of "Via Dolorosa" during the talent competition.
She also strutted onstage in a black bikini and an off-the-shoulder, white lace gown.
Stam, a communications major, plans to work in television news. She began competing in pageants at age 15.
The first runner-up was Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman.
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