Miss USA 2009
Encyclopedia
Miss USA 2009, the 58th Miss USA
pageant was held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts
in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
in Las Vegas
, Nevada
on April 19, 2009. At the conclusion of the final night of competition, Kristen Dalton
of North Carolina
was crowned by outgoing titleholder Miss USA 2008
, Crystle Stewart
of Texas
.
The event was hosted by Billy Bush of Access Hollywood
and actress Nadine Velazquez
; Bush returned to host the pageant which he last emceed in 2005. He had previously co-hosted Miss USA 2003 with Daisy Fuentes
and Miss USA 2004–2005 with Nancy O'Dell. Entertainment was provided by Kevin Rudolf
who performed "Let It Rock
" during the swimsuit competition and The Veronicas
performed "Untouched
" during the evening gown competition.
The competition was broadcast in High Definition for only the second time in history.
Delegates representing the fifty states plus the District of Columbia competed in the pageant, and arrived in Las Vegas on April 2. Miss USA Kristen Dalton represented the United States at the Miss Universe 2009
pageant, where she reached the Top 10.
Pageants were held from June 2008 to January 2009 to select the representative for each state. During the final show on April 19, the fifteen delegates with the highest average scores from the preliminary competition were announced. The top fifteen competed in the swimsuit competition. The top ten delegates from swimsuit competed in evening gown. The top five delegates from the evening gown competition (not averaged composite scores from both competitions) competed in the final question round to determine the winner. The judges' composite score was shown after each round of competition for only the third time since 2002.
, was asked by openly gay
pageant judge, Perez Hilton
, whether she believed every state should legalize same-sex marriage. She responded that she did not. After the pageant Hilton made negative comments about the contestant and told ABC News
: "She lost it because of that question. She was definitely the front-runner before that," leading some to believe that the answer directly had caused her to lose the competition. Prejean stated that Miss California USA officials had pressured her to apologize for her statement and "not talk" about her Christian faith.
Several politicians and commentators assailed Hilton and defended Prejean for honestly stating her personal beliefs.
Following the pageant, Prejean hired a Christian public relations firm, and appeared in a television advertisement by the National Organization for Marriage
. But on June 10, 2009 Prejean again stated that her question caused her to lose her title when she learned she was fired by Donald Trump. Miss California USA officials state that her answer had nothing to do with her termination, citing continued breach of her contract instead.
's "Green is Universal" environmental initiative, the Miss Universe Organization
announced that Diamond Nexus Labs would become the official jewelry sponsor for the Miss Universe
, Miss USA
and Miss Teen USA
pageants. DNL 's
man-made gemstones are "all synthesized in clean labs using environmentally friendly processes". Diamond Nexus Labs will create a custom-designed crown for Miss USA 2009, as well as for the Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA pageants later this year.
. Aureana Tseu will become the first former Teen to represent her state at Miss USA ten years after competing at Miss Teen USA. This is also the first year that a Miss Teen USA 2006
contestant competed at Miss USA.
Nebraska crowned one of their former Teen USA state titleholders for the first time, and Florida crowned only their second. In Rhode Island, consecutive Teen titleholders (Amy Diaz
and Alysha Castonguay
) won consecutive Miss titles, the first time this has occurred in the history of the two pageants.
Unusually, there were no former Miss America competitors, but Lacey Minchew (Louisiana) won the title of Miss Teen America
2002. Minchew later crowned Alysha Castonguay
(Rhode Island) Miss Teen America
2003. The Miss America
and Miss Teen America
pageants are not affiliated with each other.
The former teens competing at this Miss USA pageant are:
Despite the high number of former Miss Teen USA competitors, this became the first time since 1994
that not a single former Miss Teen USA competitor managed to place.
In addition to the winner, Kristen Dalton of North Carolina competing at Miss Universe 2009, two other contestants went on to compete in Miss Universe
, after winning national titles from other countries. They are:
Miss USA
The Miss USA beauty contest has been held annually since 1952 to select the United States entrant in the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe Organization operates both pageants, as well as Miss Teen USA...
pageant was held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts
Theatre for the Performing Arts
The Theatre for the Performing Arts is a 7,000 seat theater located in the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.- History :...
in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, previously known as The Aladdin, is a casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip, in the unincorporated locale of Paradise, Nevada, United States. Westgate Resorts operates the condo portion of the property, known as PH Towers by Westgate.Planet Hollywood is owned by Caesars...
in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
on April 19, 2009. At the conclusion of the final night of competition, Kristen Dalton
Kristen Dalton (Miss USA)
Kristen Jeannine Dalton , from Wilmington, North Carolina, is an American beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss USA 2009.-Biography:Dalton is the daughter of Jeannine Dalton who was Miss North Carolina USA 1982...
of North Carolina
Miss North Carolina USA
The Miss North Carolina USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state North Carolina in the Miss USA pageant. This state is part of the RPM Productions group....
was crowned by outgoing titleholder Miss USA 2008
Miss USA 2008
Miss USA 2008, the 57th Miss USA beauty pageant, was held in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 11, 2008. At the conclusion of the final night of competition, Crystle Stewart, Miss Texas USA, was crowned the winner by outgoing titleholder, Rachel Smith of Tennessee...
, Crystle Stewart
Crystle Stewart
Crystle Danae Stewart , from Missouri City, Texas, is an American beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss USA 2008. She was born to Robert & Cynthia Franklin Stewart...
of Texas
Miss Texas USA
The Miss Texas USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state Texas in the Miss USA pageant. In turn, the winner of Miss USA competes for the title of Miss Universe....
.
The event was hosted by Billy Bush of Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood is a weekday television entertainment news program covering events and celebrities in the entertainment industry. It was created by former Entertainment Tonight executive producer Jim Van Messel, and is currently directed by Robert Silverstein. In previous years, Doug Dougherty and...
and actress Nadine Velazquez
Nadine Velazquez
Nadine Velazquez is an American actress and model known for her role as Catalina Aruca on My Name Is Earl.-Early life:...
; Bush returned to host the pageant which he last emceed in 2005. He had previously co-hosted Miss USA 2003 with Daisy Fuentes
Daisy Fuentes
Daisy Fuentes is a Cuban-American television host, model, and comedian. Daisy Fuentes broke barriers as MTV's first Latina VJ , and as Revlon's first Latina spokesperson to be signed to a worldwide contract.-Early life:Fuentes was born in Havana, Cuba to a Cuban father and Spanish mother...
and Miss USA 2004–2005 with Nancy O'Dell. Entertainment was provided by Kevin Rudolf
Kevin Rudolf
Kevin Rudolf is an American singer-songwriter and record producer signed to Cash Money Records. Rudolf is mostly known for singing and producing rock/pop music...
who performed "Let It Rock
Let It Rock (Kevin Rudolf song)
"Let It Rock" is the debut single of Kevin Rudolf from his debut album In the City. It features rapper Lil Wayne. The track was produced and written by Rudolf....
" during the swimsuit competition and The Veronicas
The Veronicas
The Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
performed "Untouched
Untouched (song)
"Untouched" is an electropop song written by Jessica and Lisa Origliasso, and Toby Gad, produced by Gad for The Veronicas' second album Hook Me Up . It was released as the album's second single in Australia on 10 December 2007. The song is notable for becoming the band's breakout hit in the United...
" during the evening gown competition.
The competition was broadcast in High Definition for only the second time in history.
Delegates representing the fifty states plus the District of Columbia competed in the pageant, and arrived in Las Vegas on April 2. Miss USA Kristen Dalton represented the United States at the Miss Universe 2009
Miss Universe 2009
Miss Universe 2009, the 58th Miss Universe pageant, was held at the Atlantis Paradise Island, in Nassau, Bahamas on August 23, 2009. It was the first time back to back victories in Miss Universe history: Stefanía Fernández of Venezuela, was crowned Miss Universe 2009 by outgoing titleholder Dayana...
pageant, where she reached the Top 10.
Pageants were held from June 2008 to January 2009 to select the representative for each state. During the final show on April 19, the fifteen delegates with the highest average scores from the preliminary competition were announced. The top fifteen competed in the swimsuit competition. The top ten delegates from swimsuit competed in evening gown. The top five delegates from the evening gown competition (not averaged composite scores from both competitions) competed in the final question round to determine the winner. The judges' composite score was shown after each round of competition for only the third time since 2002.
Placements
| Final results | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss USA 2009 |
|
| 1st runner-up |
 CaliforniaMiss California USA Miss California USA is a pageant that selects the representative for the state of California in the Miss USA pageant.The current titleholder is Katie Blair. She succeeded Alyssa Campanella on June 25, 2011 after Campanella was crowned Miss USA 2011.... - Carrie Prejean Carrie Prejean Caroline Michelle "Carrie" Prejean Boller is an American model, author, former Miss California USA 2009 and Miss USA 2009 first runner-up. Prejean received national attention in 2009 when she told a pageant judge that marriage should be between a man and a woman; pageant judge and gossip blogger... |
| 2nd runner-up |
 ArizonaMiss Arizona USA The Miss Arizona USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Arizona in the Miss USA pageant.In 2005 the rights to produce the Miss Arizona USA pageant were given to Casting Crown productions... - Alicia-Monique Blanco Alicia-Monique Blanco Alicia-Monique Blanco is a beauty queen from Phoenix, Arizona who was crowned Miss Arizona USA 2009. She was 2nd-runner up in the Miss USA 2009 pageant... |
| 3rd runner-up |
 UtahMiss Utah USA The Miss Utah USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state of Utah in the Miss USA pageant.Utah has been quite successful at Miss USA, with 20 placements as of 2009. Their most consistent period was in the 1950s and 1960s. Utah has produced one Miss USA in 1960... - Laura Chukanov Laura Chukanov Laura Kirilova Chukanov is a pageant titleholder from Sandy, Utah who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009.-Biography:... |
| 4th runner-up |
 KentuckyMiss Kentucky USA The Miss Kentucky USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Kentucky in the Miss USA pageant. The current director for the Miss Kentucky USA and Miss Kentucky Teen USA titles is Connie Clark Harrison. Mrs... - Maria Elizabeth Montgomery |
| Top 10 |
 TexasMiss Texas USA The Miss Texas USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state Texas in the Miss USA pageant. In turn, the winner of Miss USA competes for the title of Miss Universe.... - Brooke Daniels  TennesseeMiss Tennessee USA The Miss Tennessee USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Tennessee in the Miss USA pageant.Since 2001 the pageant has been held in the auditorium at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.... - Kristen Motil  ArkansasMiss Arkansas USA The Miss Arkansas USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Arkansas in the Miss USA pageant.The state pageant was directed by Premier Pageants from 2002 to 2007 before becoming part of the Vanbros organization in 2007... - Chanley Painter  South CarolinaMiss South Carolina USA The Miss South Carolina USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state South Carolina in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant has been produced by RPM Productions since 1980.... - Stephanie Smith Stephanie Murray Smith -External links:*...  West VirginiaMiss West Virginia USA The Miss West Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of West Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.West Virginia has not been greatly successful at Miss USA and they have never produced a winner... - Jessi Pierson Jessi Pierson Jessi Pierson is a beauty queen from Milton, West Virginia who was crowned Miss West Virginia USA 2009. She placed in the top 10 in the Miss USA 2009 pageant and was also voted "Miss Photogenic".-External links:* Miss USA profile... |
| Top 15 |
 VirginiaMiss Virginia USA The Miss Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.Virginia has been only moderately successful in terms of number of semi-finalists, they have had two Miss USAs. They are one of only three states to have had two Miss... - Maegan Phillips Maegan Phillips Maegan Phillips is a beauty pageant contestant from Centreville, Virginia who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009 where she placed in the top 15....  MinnesotaMiss Minnesota USA The Miss Minnesota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Minnesota in the Miss USA pageant.Despite a strong start in the first three years of competition at Miss USA, Minnesota has been largely unsuccessful overall... - Erica Nego  GeorgiaMiss Georgia USA The Miss Georgia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Georgia in the Miss USA pageant.Historically, Georgia has been the eleventh most successful state at Miss USA and has performed in more recent years, placing eighth on the table of most successful states... - Kimberly Gittings Kimberly Gittings Kimberly Gittings is a beauty queen from Lilburn, Georgia is the current Miss Georgia USA 2009. She competed in the Miss USA 2009 pageant, placing in the Top 15.In 2004, Gittings won the Teen Miss Gwinnett at the Gwinnett County Fair...  IdahoMiss Idaho USA The Miss Idaho USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state of Idaho in the Miss USA pageant.Idaho is one of the least successful states in the history of the competition, with only four placements in fifty-seven years... - Melissa Weber  ConnecticutMiss Connecticut USA The Miss Connecticut USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Connecticut in the Miss USA pageant. This pageant is directed by Crown Productions, who took over the pageant in 2003.... - Monica Mary Pietrzak |
Special awards
| Award | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss Congeniality |
|
| Miss Photogenic |
West Virginia Miss West Virginia USA The Miss West Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of West Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.West Virginia has not been greatly successful at Miss USA and they have never produced a winner... – Jessi Pierson Jessi Pierson Jessi Pierson is a beauty queen from Milton, West Virginia who was crowned Miss West Virginia USA 2009. She placed in the top 10 in the Miss USA 2009 pageant and was also voted "Miss Photogenic".-External links:* Miss USA profile... |
Final scores
| State | Swimsuit | Evening Gown |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 9.198 (1) | 9.470 (1) |
| California | 9.033 (3) | 9.275 (2) |
| Arizona | 9.092 (2) | 9.189 (3) |
| Utah | 8.851 (5) | 8.849 (5) |
| Kentucky | 8.963 (4) | 9.047 (4) |
| Texas | 8.548 (7) | 8.694 (6) |
| Tennessee | 8.442 (9) | 8.578 (7) |
| Arkansas | 8.704 (6) | 8.419 (8) |
| South Carolina | 8.402 (10) | 8.335 (9) |
| West Virginia | 8.475 (8) | 8.296 (10) |
| Virginia | 8.199 (11) | |
| Minnesota | 8.150 (12) | |
| Georgia | 7.946 (13) | |
| Idaho | 7.800 (14) | |
| Connecticut | 7.797 (15) |
- Winner
- First Runner-up
- Second Runner-up
- Third Runner-up
- Fourth Runner-up
- Top 10 Finalist
- Top 15 Semifinalist Rank in each round of competition
Delegates
The Miss USA 2009 delegates were:| State | Name | Hometown | Age1 | Height | Placement | Awards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 AlabamaMiss Alabama USA The Miss Alabama USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Alabama in the Miss USA pageant.Alabama is one of the more successful and consistent states at Miss USA. Although they have had a number of runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists, they have only... |
Rachel Philippona | Dothan Dothan, Alabama Dothan is a city located in the southeastern corner of the US state of Alabama, situated approximately west of the Georgia state line and north of Florida. It is the seat of Houston County, with portions extending into nearby Dale County and Henry County... |
20 | ||||
 AlaskaMiss Alaska USA The Miss Alaska USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Alaska in the Miss USA pageant.Alaska's highest placement was in 1964, with Patricia Marlin as the second runner up. Alaska's most recent placement was in 1990 when Karin Meyer placed in the top 6... |
Jessica Irene Nolin | Palmer Palmer, Alaska Palmer is the borough seat of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the state of Alaska, USA. It is part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city is 5,937.... |
22 | ||||
| Arizona Miss Arizona USA The Miss Arizona USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Arizona in the Miss USA pageant.In 2005 the rights to produce the Miss Arizona USA pageant were given to Casting Crown productions... |
Alicia-Monique Blanco Alicia-Monique Blanco Alicia-Monique Blanco is a beauty queen from Phoenix, Arizona who was crowned Miss Arizona USA 2009. She was 2nd-runner up in the Miss USA 2009 pageant... |
Phoenix Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data... |
22 | 5'8" | 2nd Runner-Up | ||
| Arkansas Miss Arkansas USA The Miss Arkansas USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Arkansas in the Miss USA pageant.The state pageant was directed by Premier Pageants from 2002 to 2007 before becoming part of the Vanbros organization in 2007... |
Chanley Painter | Conway Conway, Arkansas Conway is the county seat of Faulkner County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 58,908 at the 2010 census, making Conway the seventh most populous city in Arkansas. It is a principal city of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area which had... |
24 | 5'9" | Top 10 | ||
| California Miss California USA Miss California USA is a pageant that selects the representative for the state of California in the Miss USA pageant.The current titleholder is Katie Blair. She succeeded Alyssa Campanella on June 25, 2011 after Campanella was crowned Miss USA 2011.... |
Carrie Prejean Carrie Prejean Caroline Michelle "Carrie" Prejean Boller is an American model, author, former Miss California USA 2009 and Miss USA 2009 first runner-up. Prejean received national attention in 2009 when she told a pageant judge that marriage should be between a man and a woman; pageant judge and gossip blogger... |
San Diego San Diego, California San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round... |
21 | 5'10" | 1st Runner-Up | Dethroned as Miss California USA 2009 | |
 ColoradoMiss Colorado USA The Miss Colorado USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Colorado in the Miss USA pageant. The event was held in Loveland from 2006 to 2008 and moved to Greeley in 2010.... |
Patrice Williams | Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, Colorado Colorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, United States. Colorado Springs is located in South-Central Colorado, in the southern portion of the state. It is situated on Fountain Creek and is located south of the Colorado... |
22 | 5'7" | |||
| Connecticut Miss Connecticut USA The Miss Connecticut USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Connecticut in the Miss USA pageant. This pageant is directed by Crown Productions, who took over the pageant in 2003.... |
Monica Mary Pietrzak | Manchester Manchester, Connecticut Manchester is a township and city in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 58,241.- History :... |
25 | 5'11" | Top 15 | ||
 DelawareMiss Delaware USA The Miss Delaware USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Delaware in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant is directed by D&D Investments.... |
Kate Banaszak | Middletown Middletown, Delaware Middletown is a town in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. According to the 2010 Census, the population of the town is 18,871.-Geography:Middletown is located at with an elevation of .... |
24 | ||||
 District of ColumbiaMiss District of Columbia USA The Miss District of Columbia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the District of Columbia in the Miss USA pageant.... |
Nicole Annabelle White | Washington, DC | 20 | 5'8" | Previously Miss District of Columbia Teen USA Miss District of Columbia Teen USA The Miss District of Columbia Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the District of Columbia in the Miss Teen USA pageant.... 2004 |
||
 FloridaMiss Florida USA The Miss Florida USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Florida in the Miss USA pageant.While Florida has been successful in terms of runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists, the state has never won the Miss USA pageant, although Cheryl Patton became Miss USA... |
Anastagia Pierre Anastagia Pierre - External links :*... |
Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida Fort Lauderdale is a city in the U.S. state of Florida, on the Atlantic coast. It is the county seat of Broward County. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 165,521. It is a principal city of the South Florida metropolitan area, which was home to 5,564,635 people at the 2010... |
20 | 5'9" | Previously Miss Florida Teen USA Miss Florida Teen USA The Miss Florida Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Florida in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Florida ties with Illinois for most Miss Photogenic awards... 2004; Later Miss Bahamas Intercontinental 2010 and Miss Bahamas 2011 |
||
| Georgia Miss Georgia USA The Miss Georgia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Georgia in the Miss USA pageant.Historically, Georgia has been the eleventh most successful state at Miss USA and has performed in more recent years, placing eighth on the table of most successful states... |
Kimberly Gittings Kimberly Gittings Kimberly Gittings is a beauty queen from Lilburn, Georgia is the current Miss Georgia USA 2009. She competed in the Miss USA 2009 pageant, placing in the Top 15.In 2004, Gittings won the Teen Miss Gwinnett at the Gwinnett County Fair... |
Lilburn Lilburn, Georgia As of 2010 Lilburn had a population of 11,596. The median age was 36.3. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 52.7% white , 16.4% black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 4.8% Asian Indian, 10.4% other Asian, 12.3% from some other race and 2.8% from two or more races... |
20 | Top 15 | |||
 HawaiiMiss Hawaii USA The Miss Hawaii USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Hawaii in the Miss USA pageant.Hawaii is the most recent state to start competing at Miss USA, as it first competed in 1962. Prior to this delegates were sent to Miss Universe... |
Aureana Tseu | Mililani Town | 25 | 5'7" | Previously Miss Hawaii Teen USA Miss Hawaii Teen USA The Miss Hawaii Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Hawaii in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Although Hawaii has made the cut fewer times than many states, they have achieved a number of high placings. They are ranked seventh in terms of placements won... 1999 |
||
| Idaho Miss Idaho USA The Miss Idaho USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state of Idaho in the Miss USA pageant.Idaho is one of the least successful states in the history of the competition, with only four placements in fifty-seven years... |
Melissa Weber | Boise Boise, Idaho Boise is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Idaho, as well as the county seat of Ada County. Located on the Boise River, it anchors the Boise City-Nampa metropolitan area and is the largest city between Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon.As of the 2010 Census Bureau,... |
27 | Top 15 | |||
 IllinoisMiss Illinois USA The Miss Illinois USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state Illinois in the Miss USA pageant.Illinois is one of the most successful states in the competition. It is one of only four states to have won four or more Miss USA titles and one of only three states to... |
Ashley Bond | Chicago | 24 | ||||
 IndianaMiss Indiana USA The Miss Indiana USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Indiana in the Miss USA pageant.Nine Miss Indiana USA winners previously competed at Miss Teen USA. The state currently holds the record for the most Miss Teen USA state winners to win a Miss USA... |
Courtni Shabana Hall | Crawfordsville Crawfordsville, Indiana Crawfordsville is a city in Union Township, Montgomery County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 15,915. The city is the county seat of Montgomery County... |
23 | 5'3" | Previously Miss Indiana Teen USA Miss Indiana Teen USA The Miss Indiana Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Indiana in the Miss Teen USA pageant. This pageant is directed by Sanders and Associates.... 2004 |
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 IowaMiss Iowa USA The Miss Iowa USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Iowa in the Miss USA pageant.While Iowa has not been greatly successful in the past four decades, they were one of the most consistent states in the first decade of the pageant's existence... |
Chelsea Lynn Gauger | Ankeny Ankeny, Iowa Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 45,562 in the 2010 census, an increase of 68% from the 27,117 population in the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:... |
20 | ||||
 KansasMiss Kansas USA The Miss Kansas USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state of Kansas in the Miss USA pageant.Kansas did not place at Miss USA until 1973, the third-to-last state to make their first placement. From then, no delegate from Kansas made the cut until 1991, when Kelli... |
Courtney Courter | Olathe Olathe, Kansas Olathe is a city in and the county seat of Johnson County, Kansas, United States. Located in northeastern Kansas, it is also the fifth most populous city in the state, with a population of 125,872 at the 2010 census. As a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, Olathe is the fourth-largest city in the... |
23 | 5'9" | |||
| Kentucky Miss Kentucky USA The Miss Kentucky USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Kentucky in the Miss USA pageant. The current director for the Miss Kentucky USA and Miss Kentucky Teen USA titles is Connie Clark Harrison. Mrs... |
Maria Elizabeth Montgomery | Danville Danville, Kentucky Danville is a city in and the county seat of Boyle County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 16,218 at the 2010 census.Danville is the principal city of the Danville Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Boyle and Lincoln counties.... |
19 | 5'10" | 4th Runner-Up | ||
 LouisianaMiss Louisiana USA The Miss Louisiana USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Louisiana in the Miss USA pageant.Louisiana is one of the most successful states at Miss USA and is one of only seven states to have had three or more Miss USAs.Three Miss Louisiana USA titleholders... |
Lacey Minchew | Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, Louisiana Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South... |
25 | 5'7" | Previously Miss Teen America Miss Teen America Miss Teen America is an American beauty contest that serves as a training ground for many young American girls, many of whom go on to win other titles. Winners have had ongoing columns in Supermodels Unlimited and Pageantry magazines. Miss Teen America is not associated with the Miss America... 2002 (represented Georgia). |
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 MaineMiss Maine USA The Miss Maine USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Maine in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant has been directed by Mackenzie Davis, Miss Maine USA 2004, since 2007.... |
Ashley Underwood Ashley Underwood Ashley Underwood is an American women's basketball player and pageant contestant from Benton, Maine who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009. In 2011, she appeared on Survivor: Redemption Island.-Early life:... |
Benton Benton, Maine Benton is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,557 at the 2000 census. The town was named for Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton.-Geography:... |
24 | 5'8" | Survivor: Redemption Island Survivor: Redemption Island Survivor: Redemption Island is the twenty-second season of the American CBS competitive reality television series Survivor, which premiered on February 16, 2011. Applications were due in January 2010, and filming lasted from August to September 2010. The season was filmed in the vicinity of San... contestant |
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 MarylandMiss Maryland USA The Miss Maryland USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Maryland in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant is directed by D&D Investments.... |
Gabrielle Carlson | Marion Station Somerset County, Maryland -2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*53.5% White*42.3% Black*0.3% Native American*0.7% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.7% Two or more races*1.5% Other races*3.3% Hispanic or Latino -2000:... |
24 | ||||
 MassachusettsMiss Massachusetts USA The Miss Massachusetts USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Massachusetts in the Miss USA pageant.... |
Alison Cronin | Weymouth Weymouth, Massachusetts The Town of Weymouth is a city in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2010 census, Weymouth had a total population of 53,743. Despite its city status, it is formally known as the Town of Weymouth... |
21 | Previously Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Miss Massachusetts Teen USA The Miss Massachusetts Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Massachusetts in the Miss Teen USA pageant.... 2005 |
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 MichiganMiss Michigan USA The Miss Michigan USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Michigan in the Miss USA pageant.Michigan is recognized by as being within the top 15 states in terms of Miss USA success. Their first Miss USA victory was in 1990, and notable because Carole Gist... |
Lindsey Tycholiz | Sterling Heights Sterling Heights, Michigan Sterling Heights is a city in Macomb County of the U.S. state of Michigan, and one of Detroit's core suburbs. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 129,699... |
26 | ||||
| Minnesota Miss Minnesota USA The Miss Minnesota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Minnesota in the Miss USA pageant.Despite a strong start in the first three years of competition at Miss USA, Minnesota has been largely unsuccessful overall... |
Erica Nego | Plymouth Plymouth, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 65,894 people, 24,820 households, and 17,647 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,002.0 persons per square mile . There were 25,258 housing units at an average density of 767.4 per square mile... |
24 | Top 15 | Later Miss Universe Ghana 2011 | ||
 MississippiMiss Mississippi USA The Miss Mississippi USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Mississippi in the Miss USA pageant.Mississippi has not been very successful in Miss USA pageants, with only 10 placements as of 2010... |
Jessica Lauren McRaney | Terry Terry, Mississippi Terry is a town in Hinds County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 664 at the 2000 census. It is located near Interstate 55, about 15 miles southwest of Jackson, Mississippi and located in Supervisors District Five of Hinds County... |
23 | Previously Miss Mississippi Teen USA Miss Mississippi Teen USA The Miss Mississippi Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Mississippi in the Miss Teen USA pageant.... 2004 |
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 MissouriMiss Missouri USA The Miss Missouri USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Missouri in the Miss USA pageant. In 1993, Missouri joined the Vanbros group of state pageants for the Miss USA and Teen USA system.... |
Stacey Smith | Florissant Florissant, Missouri Florissant is a second-ring suburb of St. Louis, located in northern St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The city has a total population of 52,158 in 2010 census.-History:... |
23 | 5'9" | |||
 MontanaMiss Montana USA The Miss Montana USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Montana in the Miss USA pageant.Montana is one of the least successful states in Miss USA history, but there has been success in other pageants. Miss Montana USA 2005 Amanda Kimmel was chosen to... |
Misti Vogt | Kalispell Kalispell, Montana Kalispell is a city in and the county seat of Flathead County, Montana, United States. The 2010 census put Kalispell's population at 19,927 up 5,704 over 2000. At 40.1% this is the largest percentage of growth of any incorporated city in Montana. Kalispell is the largest city and commercial center... |
23 | 5'11" | |||
 NebraskaMiss Nebraska USA The Miss Nebraska USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Nebraska in the Miss USA pageant.In 2002, Nebraska joined the Vanbros group of state pageants for the Miss USA and Teen USA system.... |
Meagan Winings Meagan Winings Meagan Winings is a beauty queen from Atkinson, Nebraska who has held the Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2004 title and the Miss Nebraska USA 2009 title.-Miss Teen USA 2004:... |
Atkinson Atkinson, Nebraska Atkinson, Nebraska is a city in Holt County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,244 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Atkinson is located at .... |
23 | Previously Miss Nebraska Teen USA Miss Nebraska Teen USA The Miss Nebraska Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Nebraska in the Miss Teen USA pageant. This pageant has been directed by Vanbros since 2002.Nebraska has had only two placements at Miss Teen USA... 2004 |
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 NevadaMiss Nevada USA The Miss Nevada USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Nevada in the Miss USA pageant.While Nevada did well in the early years of the Miss USA pageant, they only placed once from 1987 to 2000... |
Georgina Vaughan Georgina Vaughan -External links:* .* .... |
Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous... |
21 | 5'10" | Previously Miss Nevada Teen USA Miss Nevada Teen USA The Miss Nevada Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Nevada in the Miss Teen USA pageant. This pageant is directed by The Atwell Group.... 2006 |
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 New HampshireMiss New Hampshire USA The Miss New Hampshire USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Hampshire in the Miss USA pageant.New Hampshire has had little success at Miss USA, and has only placed four times... |
Christy Dunn | Laconia Laconia, New Hampshire As of the census of 2000, there were 16,411 people, 6,724 households, and 4,168 families residing in the city. The population density was 809.3 people per square mile . There were 8,554 housing units at an average density of 421.8 per square mile... |
26 | ||||
 New JerseyMiss New Jersey USA The Miss New Jersey USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Jersey in the Miss USA pageant.New Jersey has had only moderate success at Miss USA, and has never produced a winner. New Jersey's best streak was from 1989 to 1991 when they had two 2nd... |
Kaity Rodriguez | Clifton Clifton, New Jersey Clifton is a city in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 84,136. The 2010 population represented an increase of 5,464 residents from its population of 78,672 in the 2000 Census, making it the state's 11th largest... |
24 | ||||
 New MexicoMiss New Mexico USA For the state pageant affiliated with Miss America, see Miss New MexicoThe Miss New Mexico USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Mexico in the Miss USA pageant.... |
Bianca Matamoros-Koonce | Albuquerque Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico, United States. It is the county seat of Bernalillo County and is situated in the central part of the state, straddling the Rio Grande. The city population was 545,852 as of the 2010 Census and ranks as the 32nd-largest city in the U.S. As... |
23 | ||||
 New YorkMiss New York USA The Miss New York USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New York in the Miss USA pageant. Amber Collins is the reigning Miss New York USA 2011... |
Tracey Chang Tracey Chang Tracey Chang Xinyue is a beauty queen from New York City who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009.Chang attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on a full academic Posse Foundation scholarship and graduated in 2006 with a major in Economics... |
New York City | 26 | 5'7" | |||
 North CarolinaMiss North Carolina USA The Miss North Carolina USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state North Carolina in the Miss USA pageant. This state is part of the RPM Productions group.... |
Kristen Dalton Kristen Dalton (Miss USA) Kristen Jeannine Dalton , from Wilmington, North Carolina, is an American beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss USA 2009.-Biography:Dalton is the daughter of Jeannine Dalton who was Miss North Carolina USA 1982... |
Wilmington Wilmington, North Carolina Wilmington is a port city in and is the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 106,476 according to the 2010 Census, making it the eighth most populous city in the state of North Carolina... |
22 | 5'7" | Winner | Mother was Miss North Carolina USA Miss North Carolina USA The Miss North Carolina USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state North Carolina in the Miss USA pageant. This state is part of the RPM Productions group.... 1982; sister was Miss North Carolina Teen USA Miss North Carolina Teen USA The Miss North Carolina Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of North Carolina in the Miss Teen USA pageant and is part of the RPM Productions group.... 2008 & 2nd runner-up at Miss Teen USA 2008 Miss Teen USA 2008 Miss Teen USA 2008, the 26th Miss Teen USA pageant, was held on August 16, 2008 at Grand Ballroom in the Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. This was the first Miss Teen USA pageant that was not televised, after Miss Universe Organization broadcast partner NBC failed to renew its contract,... |
|
 North DakotaMiss North Dakota USA The Miss North Dakota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of North Dakota in the Miss USA pageant.North Dakota has had only three placements and have never won the Miss USA crown. Their highest placement was in 1966 when Judy Slayton placed 3rd runner-up to... |
Kelsey Erickson | Grand Forks Grand Forks, North Dakota Grand Forks is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Grand Forks County. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 52,838, while that of the city and surrounding metropolitan area was 98,461... |
22 | ||||
 OhioMiss Ohio USA The Miss Ohio USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Ohio in the Miss USA pageant.Ohio achieved success in the first decades of the Miss USA competition but has not done as well in recent years... |
Natasha Vivoda | Champion Champion Township, Trumbull County, Ohio Champion Township is one of the twenty-four townships of Trumbull County, Ohio, United States. The 2000 census found 9,762 people in the township.-Geography:Located in the western part of the county, it borders the following townships:... |
21 | ||||
 OklahomaMiss Oklahoma USA For the article about the Miss America state pageant, see Miss OklahomaThe Miss Oklahoma USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Oklahoma in the Miss USA pageant.... |
Lauren Lunday | Altus Altus, Oklahoma Altus is a city in Jackson County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 19,813 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Jackson County.... |
25 | ||||
 OregonMiss Oregon USA The Miss Oregon USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Oregon in the Miss USA pageant.Oregon has only had limited success at Miss USA and has never won the competition. The highest placed Miss Oregon USA was Gail Atchison who finished 2nd runner-up to... |
Sylvie Tarpinian | Eugene Eugene, Oregon Eugene is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Lane County. It is located at the south end of the Willamette Valley, at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, about east of the Oregon Coast.As of the 2010 U.S... |
24 | ||||
 PennsylvaniaMiss Pennsylvania USA The Miss Pennsylvania USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Pennsylvania in the Miss USA pageant.Michele McDonald is Pennsylvania's only Miss USA so far. At only eighteen, she was one of the youngest competitors ever to win the crown... |
Lindsey Nelsen | Dallastown Dallastown, Pennsylvania Dallastown is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,049 at the 2010 census.-History:Dallastown was named after George M. Dallas of Philadelphia during the presidential campaign of 1844... |
21 | 5'7" | |||
 Rhode IslandMiss Rhode Island USA The Miss Rhode Island USA competition is the beauty pageant that selects the representative for the state Rhode Island in the Miss USA pageant.... |
Alysha Castonguay Alysha Castonguay Alysha Castonguay is a beauty pageant contestant from Woonsocket, Rhode Island who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009. She also competed in the Miss Teen USA pageant in 2002.... |
Woonsocket Woonsocket, Rhode Island Woonsocket is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 41,186 at the 2010 census, making it the sixth largest city in the state. Woonsocket lies directly south of the Massachusetts border.... |
22 | 5'6" | Previously Miss Rhode Island Teen USA Miss Rhode Island Teen USA The Miss Rhode Island Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Rhode Island in the Miss Teen USA pageant.... 2002. Previously Miss Teen America Miss Teen America Miss Teen America is an American beauty contest that serves as a training ground for many young American girls, many of whom go on to win other titles. Winners have had ongoing columns in Supermodels Unlimited and Pageantry magazines. Miss Teen America is not associated with the Miss America... 2003 and Miss Teen Galaxy 2005. |
||
| South Carolina Miss South Carolina USA The Miss South Carolina USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state South Carolina in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant has been produced by RPM Productions since 1980.... |
Stephanie Murray Smith Stephanie Murray Smith -External links:*... |
Goose Creek Goose Creek, South Carolina Goose Creek is a city in Berkeley county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 35,938 at the 2010 census. Most of the Naval Weapons Station Charleston is in Goose Creek. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S... |
21 | 5'7" | Top 10 | The Amazing Race 17 The Amazing Race 17 The Amazing Race 17 is the seventeenth installment of the reality television show The Amazing Race. The Amazing Race 17 features 11 teams of two, each with a pre-existing relationship, in a race around the world.... Contestant along with her then-fiance Chad Waltrip |
|
 South DakotaMiss South Dakota USA The Miss South Dakota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of South Dakota in the Miss USA pageant. This state pageant is currently directed by Future Productions.... |
Jessica Rowell | Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sioux Falls is the largest city in the U.S. state of South Dakota. Sioux Falls is the county seat of Minnehaha County, and also extends into Lincoln County to the south... |
22 | 5'7" | |||
| Tennessee Miss Tennessee USA The Miss Tennessee USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Tennessee in the Miss USA pageant.Since 2001 the pageant has been held in the auditorium at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.... |
Kristen Motil | Franklin Franklin, Tennessee Franklin is a city within and the county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 62,487 as of the 2010 census Franklin is located approximately south of downtown Nashville.-History:... |
24 | 5'9" | Top 10 | ||
| Texas Miss Texas USA The Miss Texas USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state Texas in the Miss USA pageant. In turn, the winner of Miss USA competes for the title of Miss Universe.... |
Brooke Daniels | Tomball Tomball, Texas Tomball is a city in Harris county in the U.S. state of Texas, a part of the Houston metropolitan area. The population was 9,089 at the 2000 census. In 1907, the community of Peck was renamed Tomball. The city are named for local congressman Thomas Henry Ball, who had a major role in the... |
22 | 5'9" | Top 10 | ||
| Utah Miss Utah USA The Miss Utah USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state of Utah in the Miss USA pageant.Utah has been quite successful at Miss USA, with 20 placements as of 2009. Their most consistent period was in the 1950s and 1960s. Utah has produced one Miss USA in 1960... |
Laura Chukanov Laura Chukanov Laura Kirilova Chukanov is a pageant titleholder from Sandy, Utah who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009.-Biography:... |
Salt Lake City Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197... |
22 | 5'9" | 3rd Runner-Up | ||
 VermontMiss Vermont USA The Miss Vermont USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Vermont in the Miss USA pageant.Vermont is one of the least successful states, but they have produced a Miss USA - Carlene King Johnson in 1955... |
Brooke Werner | Granville Granville, Vermont Granville is a town in Addison County, Vermont, United States. The population was 303 at the 2000 census. The town was originally called Kingston but was renamed in 1834.... |
22 | ||||
| Virginia Miss Virginia USA The Miss Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.Virginia has been only moderately successful in terms of number of semi-finalists, they have had two Miss USAs. They are one of only three states to have had two Miss... |
Maegan Phillips Maegan Phillips Maegan Phillips is a beauty pageant contestant from Centreville, Virginia who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009 where she placed in the top 15.... |
Quantico Quantico, Virginia - Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there are 561 people, 295 households, and 107 families living in the town. The population density is . There are 359 housing units at an average density of .-Racial composition:... |
22 | Top 15 | |||
 WashingtonMiss Washington USA The Miss Washington USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Washington in the Miss USA pageant.Washington has been moderately successful in terms of number of semi-finalists and placements, and has had one Miss USA... |
Tara Turnure Tara Turnure Tara Turnure is a beauty queen who was Miss Washington USA for 2009 and competed in the Miss USA 2009 pageant. Her twin sister Tracy Turnure subsequently became Miss Washington USA 2010.-References:... |
Seattle Seattle, Washington Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country... |
23 | Her sister, Tracy Turnure, succeeded her as Miss Washington USA Miss Washington USA The Miss Washington USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Washington in the Miss USA pageant.Washington has been moderately successful in terms of number of semi-finalists and placements, and has had one Miss USA... 2010. |
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| West Virginia Miss West Virginia USA The Miss West Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of West Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.West Virginia has not been greatly successful at Miss USA and they have never produced a winner... |
Jessi Pierson Jessi Pierson Jessi Pierson is a beauty queen from Milton, West Virginia who was crowned Miss West Virginia USA 2009. She placed in the top 10 in the Miss USA 2009 pageant and was also voted "Miss Photogenic".-External links:* Miss USA profile... |
Milton Milton, West Virginia Milton is a town in Cabell County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,206 at the 2000 census.Milton is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 288,649... |
21 | 5'7" | Top 10 | Miss Photogenic | |
 WisconsinMiss Wisconsin USA The Miss Wisconsin USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Wisconsin in the Miss USA pageant. Since 2008 the state pageant has been directed by Future Productions of Savage, Minnesota.... |
Alexandra Wehrley | Pewaukee Pewaukee, Wisconsin Pewaukee is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. The population was 11,783 at the 2000 census. The city was incorporated from what was formerly the Town of Pewaukee. The Village of Pewaukee, which was incorporated out of the town before it incorporated as a city, is surrounded by the city... |
21 | 5'8" | |||
 WyomingMiss Wyoming USA , Miss Wyoming USA 2012]]The Miss Wyoming USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Wyoming in the Miss USA pageant. The Miss Wyoming USA pageant is currently produced by Future Productions.... |
Cynthia Pate | Casper Casper, Wyoming Casper is the county seat of Natrona County, Wyoming, United States.. Casper is the second-largest city in Wyoming , according to the 2010 census, with a population of 55,316... |
22 | Miss Congeniality | |||
Historical significance
- This is the first win from North Carolina since Chelsea CooleyChelsea CooleyChelsea Cooley is a beauty queen from Charlotte, North Carolina who has competed in the Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants and who has held the Miss USA 2005 title....
won Miss USA 2005Miss USA 2005Miss USA 2005, the 54th Miss USA pageant, was held in Baltimore, Maryland in April 11, 2005. It was won by Chelsea Cooley of North Carolina.Fifty-one state titleholders competed for the title of Miss USA in the Hippodrome Theatre on April 11, 2005...
. This is the 2nd time North Carolina has won the title. - California finished 1st Runner-Up for the 4th time since Shannon MarketicShannon MarketicShannon LaRhea Marketic , is a former beauty queen from Phoenix, Arizona who became Miss USA 1992.-Early life:Marketic was crowned Miss Arizona Teen USA 1989 but held the title for only a week and a half after it was discovered an error had been made and she had actually placed first...
won Miss USA 1992Miss USA 1992Miss USA 1992, the 41st Miss USA pageant, was televised live from the Century II Convention Center in Wichita, Kansas on 7 February 1992.At the conclusion of the final competition, Shannon Marketic of California was crowned by outgoing titleholder Kelli McCarty of Kansas...
. - For only the 2nd time since 1980, Arizona bested 2nd Runner-Up. Jineane FordJineane FordJineane Ford is an American beauty queen and television personality from Arizona who held the title Miss USA 1980.- Career :Ford, who hails from Gilbert, Arizona won the Miss Arizona USA contest in 1979...
assumed the Miss USA 1980Miss USA 1980Miss USA 1980, the 29th Miss USA pageant, was televised live on May 15 from the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi on CBS.The pageant was won by Shawn Weatherly of South Carolina, who was crowned by outgoing titleholder Mary Therese Friel of New York...
title as 1st Runner-Up after the winner, Shawn Weatherly, won Miss Universe 1980Miss Universe 1980Miss Universe 1980 was held at Sejong Cultural Center, Seoul, South Korea on July 8, 1980. 20-year-old Shawn Weatherly of USA was crowned as Miss Universe 1980...
. - Utah and Arkansas had its best finishes since 1982. Terri UtleyTerri Utley-External links:**...
of Arkansas won Miss USA 1982Miss USA 1982Miss USA 1982, the 31st Miss USA pageant, was televised live on May 13, 1982 from the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi on CBS.The pageant was won by Terri Utley of Arkansas, who was crowned by outgoing titleholder Kim Seelbrede of Ohio...
, while Utah finished 2nd Runner-Up. - Kentucky had its best finish since Tara ConnerTara ConnerTara Elizabeth Conner is an American beauty queen and model, who was Miss USA 2006 and has also competed in the Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe pageants. Apart from her role as Miss USA, Conner has been employed as a model. She was a featured model on the HDNet series Bikini Fantasies in 2004,...
won Miss USA 2006Miss USA 2006Miss USA 2006, the 55th Miss USA pageant, was held at the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland on April 21, 2006. Fifty-one state titleholders competed for the title, which was won by Tara Conner of Kentucky...
. - Texas had its 4th consecutive placement in the Top 10.
- Since Rachel SmithRachel SmithRachel Renee Smith is an American beauty queen and television personality from Clarksville, Tennessee, who won the Miss USA pageant in 2007 and who previously had competed in the Miss Teen USA pageant.-Early life:...
won Miss USA 2007Miss USA 2007Miss USA 2007, the 56th Miss USA pageant, was held in Hollywood, California, on March 23, 2007, after two weeks of events and preliminary competition. The winner of the pageant was Rachel Smith, of Tennessee....
, Tennessee has placed in the Top 10 for the second time. - The last four states to win Miss USA (2005–2008) -- Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina—all had their delegates place in the Top 10 in 2009.
- South Carolina and Idaho had its best finishes since 2004, West Virginia since 1984, Virginia since 2007, Georgia since 2006, and Connecticut since 2002.
- Minnesota has placed in the Top 15 for the 2nd consecutive time.
Preliminary judges
- Cara Petry
- Chip Lightman
- Lori Levine
- Nick Light
- Randall Winston
- Rich Thurber
- Seth Mayeri
Telecast judges
- Alicia Jacobs - Access HollywoodAccess HollywoodAccess Hollywood is a weekday television entertainment news program covering events and celebrities in the entertainment industry. It was created by former Entertainment Tonight executive producer Jim Van Messel, and is currently directed by Robert Silverstein. In previous years, Doug Dougherty and...
& KVBCKVBCKSNV-DT, channel 3 , is the NBC-affiliated television station in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the flagship station of Intermountain West Communications Company...
News Ent. - Brian GradenBrian Graden-Biography:Graden grew up in Illinois and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1981. He graduated from Oral Roberts University in 1985 with a degree in business, and later graduated with an MBA from Harvard University....
- MTV Networks Music ChannelMTVMTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs.... - Claudia JordanClaudia JordanClaudia Jordan is an American television and radio personality. She is primarily known for appearing as a model on the U.S. version of Deal or No Deal, and for competing on Season 2 of the Celebrity Apprentice.-Personal life:...
- Deal or No Deal Celeb. Apprentice, Miss Rhode Island USA 1997, host of Miss Universe 2009Miss Universe 2009Miss Universe 2009, the 58th Miss Universe pageant, was held at the Atlantis Paradise Island, in Nassau, Bahamas on August 23, 2009. It was the first time back to back victories in Miss Universe history: Stefanía Fernández of Venezuela, was crowned Miss Universe 2009 by outgoing titleholder Dayana...
. - Eric TrumpEric TrumpEric Fredrick Trump is the third child of Donald J. Trump and Ivana Trump, and is executive vice president, real estate development and mergers and acquisitions, at The Trump Organization, Trump Tower. He is also the founder and chairman of .-Early life and education:Trump was born in New York...
- Trump OrganizationTrump OrganizationThe Trump Organization is a limited liability corporation conglomerate based in Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York. The organization owns, operates, and develops hotels, resorts, residential towers, and golf courses in different countries, as well as owning several pieces of high-end real estate in... - Holly MadisonHolly MadisonHollin Sue Cullen, professionally known as Holly Madison, is an American model, showgirl and television personality. She is widely known for being one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends on the reality television series The Girls Next Door...
- AmericanUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
modelModel (person)A model , sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed to display, advertise and promote commercial products or to serve as a subject of works of art....
, Television personality - John MillerJohn Miller-Politics:* John Miller , Governor of North Dakota, 1889–1891* John Miller , Governor of Missouri, 1826–1832; U.S. Representative from Missouri, 1837–1843...
- NBC UniversalNBC UniversalNBCUniversal Media, LLC is a media and entertainment company engaged in the production and marketing of entertainment, news, and information products and services to a global customer base... - Kelly MonacoKelly MonacoKelly Marie Monaco is an American model, actress, reality television contestant and winner of Dancing with the Stars in Season 1. She is well known for playing the character of Sam McCall on the soap opera General Hospital, a role she originated in 2003.-Modeling:In April 1997, Monaco became the...
- Dancing with the StarsDancing with the Stars (U.S. season 1)The first season of the United States version of Dancing with the Stars debuted on ABC on June 1, 2005. Six celebrities were paired with six professional ballroom dancers. Tom Bergeron and Lisa Canning were the hosts for this season....
winner - Kenan ThompsonKenan ThompsonKenan Thompson is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his work as a cast member of NBC's long-running sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live...
- Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture... - Perez HiltonPerez HiltonMario Armando Lavandeira, Jr. , better known as Perez Hilton , is an American blogger and television personality. His blog, Perezhilton.com , is known for posts covering gossip items about celebrities...
- Celebrity gossipGossipGossip is idle talk or rumour, especially about the personal or private affairs of others, It is one of the oldest and most common means of sharing facts and views, but also has a reputation for the introduction of errors and variations into the information transmitted... - Robert EarlRobert EarlRobert Earl may refer to:* Robert Earl * Robert Earl * Robert Earl * Robert Earl , Chief Judge of the NY Court of Appeals 1870 and 1892...
- CEO of Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino - Shandi FinnesseyShandi FinnesseyShandi Ren Finnessey is an American beauty queen, model, television hostess, and actress. She is best known for winning the Miss USA title, as Miss Missouri USA. She previously held the title of Miss Missouri 2002 and competed in Miss America where she won a preliminary award...
- Miss USA 2004Miss USA 2004The Miss USA 2004 pageant was held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California on April 12, 2004. The winner of the beauty pageant was Shandi Finnessey, who became the first winner from the state of Missouri... - Willie GeistWillie GeistWilliam "Willie" Geist is host of MSNBC's Way Too Early with Willie Geist, a co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe and contributor to several NBC News programs. Geist also hosts a satirical video blog on MSNBC.com called Zeitgeist...
- "Morning JoeMorning JoeMorning Joe is a weekday morning talk show on MSNBC, with Joe Scarborough discussing the news of the day in a panel format with co-hosts Mika Brzezinski and Willie Geist. It was created as the replacement for Imus in the Morning, which was canceled in April 2007 after simulcasting on MSNBC since 1996...
" of MSNBC
Background music
- Contestants Introduction: "Hot N Cold" by Katy PerryKaty PerryKaty Perry is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised by Christian pastor parents, Perry grew up listening to only gospel music and sang in her local church as a child. After earning a GED during her first year of high school, she began to pursue a...
; "That's Not My NameThat's Not My Name"That’s Not My Name" is the third single by British duo The Ting Tings from their debut studio album We Started Nothing. Vocalist Katie White states that the song was written "with me ranting about my frustrations with the record industry." The song was originally released as a double A-side with...
" by The Ting TingsThe Ting TingsThe Ting Tings are an English music duo comprising Jules de Martino and Katie White . They formed in December 2007 while based at Islington Mill Studios in Salford... - Swimsuit Competition: "Let It RockLet It Rock (Kevin Rudolf song)"Let It Rock" is the debut single of Kevin Rudolf from his debut album In the City. It features rapper Lil Wayne. The track was produced and written by Rudolf....
" by Kevin RudolfKevin RudolfKevin Rudolf is an American singer-songwriter and record producer signed to Cash Money Records. Rudolf is mostly known for singing and producing rock/pop music... - Evening Gown Competition: "UntouchedUntouched (song)"Untouched" is an electropop song written by Jessica and Lisa Origliasso, and Toby Gad, produced by Gad for The Veronicas' second album Hook Me Up . It was released as the album's second single in Australia on 10 December 2007. The song is notable for becoming the band's breakout hit in the United...
" by The VeronicasThe VeronicasThe Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
Controversy over gay marriage question
During the 2009 Miss USA pageant, Miss California Carrie PrejeanCarrie Prejean
Caroline Michelle "Carrie" Prejean Boller is an American model, author, former Miss California USA 2009 and Miss USA 2009 first runner-up. Prejean received national attention in 2009 when she told a pageant judge that marriage should be between a man and a woman; pageant judge and gossip blogger...
, was asked by openly gay
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
pageant judge, Perez Hilton
Perez Hilton
Mario Armando Lavandeira, Jr. , better known as Perez Hilton , is an American blogger and television personality. His blog, Perezhilton.com , is known for posts covering gossip items about celebrities...
, whether she believed every state should legalize same-sex marriage. She responded that she did not. After the pageant Hilton made negative comments about the contestant and told ABC News
ABC News
ABC News is the news gathering and broadcasting division of American broadcast television network ABC, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company...
: "She lost it because of that question. She was definitely the front-runner before that," leading some to believe that the answer directly had caused her to lose the competition. Prejean stated that Miss California USA officials had pressured her to apologize for her statement and "not talk" about her Christian faith.
Several politicians and commentators assailed Hilton and defended Prejean for honestly stating her personal beliefs.
Following the pageant, Prejean hired a Christian public relations firm, and appeared in a television advertisement by the National Organization for Marriage
National Organization for Marriage
The National Organization for Marriage is a nonprofit political association established in 2007 to work against legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States, specifically to pass California Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage in California...
. But on June 10, 2009 Prejean again stated that her question caused her to lose her title when she learned she was fired by Donald Trump. Miss California USA officials state that her answer had nothing to do with her termination, citing continued breach of her contract instead.
New Crown
In keeping with co-owner NBC UniversalNBC Universal
NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a media and entertainment company engaged in the production and marketing of entertainment, news, and information products and services to a global customer base...
's "Green is Universal" environmental initiative, the Miss Universe Organization
Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe Organization is the organization that currently owns and runs the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA beauty contests. Based in New York, it is owned jointly by NBC Universal and Donald Trump. The current president is Paula Shugart...
announced that Diamond Nexus Labs would become the official jewelry sponsor for the Miss Universe
Miss Universe
Miss Universe is an annual international beauty contest that is run by the Miss Universe Organization. The pageant is the most publicized beauty contest in the world with 600 million viewers....
, Miss USA
Miss USA
The Miss USA beauty contest has been held annually since 1952 to select the United States entrant in the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe Organization operates both pageants, as well as Miss Teen USA...
and Miss Teen USA
Miss Teen USA
Miss Teen USA is a beauty pageant run by the Miss Universe Organization for girls aged 14–19. The reigning titleholder is Danielle Doty of Texas....
pageants. DNL 's
man-made gemstones are "all synthesized in clean labs using environmentally friendly processes". Diamond Nexus Labs will create a custom-designed crown for Miss USA 2009, as well as for the Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA pageants later this year.
Pageant crossovers
Nine former Miss Teen USA state titleholders competed at Miss USA 2009, the highest since 2007 and the second highest since 2003. For the first time five of the former teens competed at the same pageant, Miss Teen USA 2004Miss Teen USA 2004
Miss Teen USA 2004, the 22nd Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from Palm Springs on 6 August 2004. At the conclusion of the final competition, Miss Louisiana Teen USA Shelley Hennig was crowned by outgoing queen Tami Farrell of Oregon....
. Aureana Tseu will become the first former Teen to represent her state at Miss USA ten years after competing at Miss Teen USA. This is also the first year that a Miss Teen USA 2006
Miss Teen USA 2006
Miss Teen USA 2006, the 24th Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, California on August 15, 2006. The pageant was won by Katie Blair of Montana....
contestant competed at Miss USA.
Nebraska crowned one of their former Teen USA state titleholders for the first time, and Florida crowned only their second. In Rhode Island, consecutive Teen titleholders (Amy Diaz
Amy Diaz
Amy Diaz is a beauty queen from Rhode Island who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2008 and Miss Earth United States 2009.-Background:...
and Alysha Castonguay
Alysha Castonguay
Alysha Castonguay is a beauty pageant contestant from Woonsocket, Rhode Island who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009. She also competed in the Miss Teen USA pageant in 2002....
) won consecutive Miss titles, the first time this has occurred in the history of the two pageants.
Unusually, there were no former Miss America competitors, but Lacey Minchew (Louisiana) won the title of Miss Teen America
Miss Teen America
Miss Teen America is an American beauty contest that serves as a training ground for many young American girls, many of whom go on to win other titles. Winners have had ongoing columns in Supermodels Unlimited and Pageantry magazines. Miss Teen America is not associated with the Miss America...
2002. Minchew later crowned Alysha Castonguay
Alysha Castonguay
Alysha Castonguay is a beauty pageant contestant from Woonsocket, Rhode Island who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2009. She also competed in the Miss Teen USA pageant in 2002....
(Rhode Island) Miss Teen America
Miss Teen America
Miss Teen America is an American beauty contest that serves as a training ground for many young American girls, many of whom go on to win other titles. Winners have had ongoing columns in Supermodels Unlimited and Pageantry magazines. Miss Teen America is not associated with the Miss America...
2003. The Miss America
Miss America
The Miss America pageant is a long-standing competition which awards scholarships to young women from the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands...
and Miss Teen America
Miss Teen America
Miss Teen America is an American beauty contest that serves as a training ground for many young American girls, many of whom go on to win other titles. Winners have had ongoing columns in Supermodels Unlimited and Pageantry magazines. Miss Teen America is not associated with the Miss America...
pageants are not affiliated with each other.
The former teens competing at this Miss USA pageant are:
- Aureana Tseu (Hawaii) - Miss Hawaii Teen USAMiss Hawaii Teen USAThe Miss Hawaii Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Hawaii in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Although Hawaii has made the cut fewer times than many states, they have achieved a number of high placings. They are ranked seventh in terms of placements won...
1999 - Alysha Castonguay (Rhode Island) - Miss Rhode Island Teen USAMiss Rhode Island Teen USAThe Miss Rhode Island Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Rhode Island in the Miss Teen USA pageant....
2002 (top 10 at Miss Teen USA 2002Miss Teen USA 2002Miss Teen USA 2002, the 20th Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from South Padre Island, Texas on 28 August 2002. At the conclusion of the final competition, Miss Wisconsin Teen USA Vanessa Marie Semrow was crowned by outgoing queen Marissa Whitley of Missouri.This was the second...
) - Nicole White (District of Columbia) - Miss District of Columbia Teen USAMiss District of Columbia Teen USAThe Miss District of Columbia Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the District of Columbia in the Miss Teen USA pageant....
2004 - Anastagia Pierre (Florida) - Miss Florida Teen USAMiss Florida Teen USAThe Miss Florida Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Florida in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Florida ties with Illinois for most Miss Photogenic awards...
2004 - Courtni Hall (Indiana) - Miss Indiana Teen USAMiss Indiana Teen USAThe Miss Indiana Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Indiana in the Miss Teen USA pageant. This pageant is directed by Sanders and Associates....
2004 - Jessica McRaney (Mississippi) - Miss Mississippi Teen USAMiss Mississippi Teen USAThe Miss Mississippi Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Mississippi in the Miss Teen USA pageant....
2004 - Meagan Winings (Nebraska) - Miss Nebraska Teen USAMiss Nebraska Teen USAThe Miss Nebraska Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Nebraska in the Miss Teen USA pageant. This pageant has been directed by Vanbros since 2002.Nebraska has had only two placements at Miss Teen USA...
2004 (top 10 at Miss Teen USA 2004Miss Teen USA 2004Miss Teen USA 2004, the 22nd Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from Palm Springs on 6 August 2004. At the conclusion of the final competition, Miss Louisiana Teen USA Shelley Hennig was crowned by outgoing queen Tami Farrell of Oregon....
) - Alison Cronin (Massachusetts) - Miss Massachusetts Teen USAMiss Massachusetts Teen USAThe Miss Massachusetts Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Massachusetts in the Miss Teen USA pageant....
2005 - Georgina Vaughan (Nevada) - Miss Nevada Teen USAMiss Nevada Teen USAThe Miss Nevada Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Nevada in the Miss Teen USA pageant. This pageant is directed by The Atwell Group....
2006
Despite the high number of former Miss Teen USA competitors, this became the first time since 1994
Miss USA 1994
Miss USA 1994, the 43rd Miss USA pageant, was televised live from the South Padre Island Convention Centre on South Padre Island, Texas on 11 February 1994...
that not a single former Miss Teen USA competitor managed to place.
In addition to the winner, Kristen Dalton of North Carolina competing at Miss Universe 2009, two other contestants went on to compete in Miss Universe
Miss Universe
Miss Universe is an annual international beauty contest that is run by the Miss Universe Organization. The pageant is the most publicized beauty contest in the world with 600 million viewers....
, after winning national titles from other countries. They are:
- Anasgagia Pierre (Florida) - Later Miss Bahamas Universe 2011, will compete in Miss Universe 2011Miss Universe 2011Miss Universe 2011, the 60th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, was held at the Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011. Ximena Navarrete of Mexico crowned her successor, Leila Lopes of Angola, at the end of this event...
in São PauloSão PauloSão Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
, BrazilBrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. - Erica Nego (Minnesota) - Later Miss GhanaMiss GhanaThe Miss Ghana Pageant is an annual pageantorganized by Media Whizz Kids to select Ghana’s representative to the annual Miss World Pageant.It is the biggest and oldest national beauty pageant of Ghana. The contest was established in 1957, the year of Ghana’s independence, with Monica Amekoafia...
Universe 2011, will compete against Pierre at Miss Universe 2011.