Miss USA 1997
Encyclopedia
Miss USA 1997, the forty-sixth Miss USA
pageant, was held at Shreveport, Louisiana
in January and February, 1997. Delegates arrived in the city on January 19, the preliminary competition was held on February 2, 1997 and the final competition on February 5, 1997. The event, held at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum
was broadcast live on CBS.
At the conclusion of the final competition, Brook Mahealani Lee of Hawaii
was crowned by outgoing titleholder Ali Landry
of Louisiana
, becoming the fourth Hawaiian to win the Miss USA pageant. Three months later Lee won the Miss Universe 1997
pageant in Miami
, Florida
, and first runner-up Brandi Sherwood of Idaho
assumed the Miss USA title.
The pageant was held in Shreveport, Louisiana
for the first time, having been held in South Padre Island, Texas
the previous three years and in Wichita, Kansas
the four years prior. The new location was announced in August 1996, and then reigning Miss USA, Louisiana native Ali Landry
, was invited to attend the official contract signing.
The pageant was hosted by George Hamilton
for the only time, and Marla Maples Trump
, soon-to-be ex-wife of pageant owner Donald Trump
, offered colour commentary for the only time.Randy Newman
provided entertainment during the competition.
Just prior to the final event it was announced that broadcaster CBS
had entered a partnership with Trump, becoming half-owners of the Miss USA
pageant and the associated Miss Teen USA
and Miss Universe
competitions.
While the delegates were in Louisiana, over sixty corporate sponsors provided funding for events, which included dinners, receptions and cocktail parties. There were over three hundred volunteers involved. The delegates were involved in more than forty-five hours of rehearsals prior to the preliminary competition and final show.
This was the first year in which delegates were allowed to choose whether they wanted to wear one-piece or two-piece bathing suits for the preliminary and final swimsuit competitions. In previous years, the delegates were all assigned to only wear either one or the other.
or Miss America
pageants.
Delegates who had previously held a Miss Teen USA state title were:
Delegates who had previously held a Miss America state title were:
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 Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
in January and February, 1997. Delegates arrived in the city on January 19, the preliminary competition was held on February 2, 1997 and the final competition on February 5, 1997. The event, held at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum
Hirsch Memorial Coliseum
The Hirsch Memorial Coliseum is a 10,300-seat multi-purpose arena in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was built in 1954. It is located adjacent to the Independence Bowl stadium and across from Fair Park High School in Shreveport....
was broadcast live on CBS.
At the conclusion of the final competition, Brook Mahealani Lee of Hawaii
Miss 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...
was crowned by outgoing titleholder Ali Landry
Ali Landry
Ali Germaine Landry is a former Miss USA , model and actress. She is perhaps best known as the Doritos Girl from her 1998 Super Bowl commercial, and for her portrayal of Rita Lefleur on the UPN sitcom Eve. In 1998, she was named by People magazine as one of 50 most beautiful people in the world.-...
of Louisiana
Miss 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...
, becoming the fourth Hawaiian to win the Miss USA pageant. Three months later Lee won the Miss Universe 1997
Miss Universe 1997
Miss Universe 1997 pageant was held in Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida, USA, culminating in the final competition on May 16, 1997. This was the second consecutive year that the pageant had been held in the United States. Miss USA, Brook Lee of Hawaii was crowned Miss...
pageant in Miami
Miami, Florida
Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, and first runner-up Brandi Sherwood of 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...
assumed the Miss USA title.
The pageant was held in Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
for the first time, having been held in South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is a town in Cameron County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Brownsville–Harlingen Metropolitan Statistical Area. It may be included as part of the Brownsville–Harlingen–Raymondville and the Matamoros–Brownsville metropolitan areas. The population was 2,816 at the...
the previous three years and in Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.As of the 2010 census, the city population was 382,368. Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area...
the four years prior. The new location was announced in August 1996, and then reigning Miss USA, Louisiana native Ali Landry
Ali Landry
Ali Germaine Landry is a former Miss USA , model and actress. She is perhaps best known as the Doritos Girl from her 1998 Super Bowl commercial, and for her portrayal of Rita Lefleur on the UPN sitcom Eve. In 1998, she was named by People magazine as one of 50 most beautiful people in the world.-...
, was invited to attend the official contract signing.
The pageant was hosted by George Hamilton
George Hamilton (actor)
George Stevens Hamilton is an American film and television actor.-Early life:Hamilton was the youngest son of bandleader George "Spike" Hamilton and his first wife, Ann Stevens . He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and lived in Blytheville, Arkansas...
for the only time, and Marla Maples Trump
Marla Maples
Marla Maples is an American actress, television personality, and socialite, best known for her marriage to businessman celebrity Donald Trump.- Personal life :...
, soon-to-be ex-wife of pageant owner Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, Sr. is an American business magnate, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have...
, offered colour commentary for the only time.Randy Newman
Randy Newman
Randall Stuart "Randy" Newman is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his mordant pop songs and for film scores....
provided entertainment during the competition.
Just prior to the final event it was announced that broadcaster CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
had entered a partnership with Trump, becoming half-owners of the 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...
pageant and the associated 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....
and 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....
competitions.
While the delegates were in Louisiana, over sixty corporate sponsors provided funding for events, which included dinners, receptions and cocktail parties. There were over three hundred volunteers involved. The delegates were involved in more than forty-five hours of rehearsals prior to the preliminary competition and final show.
This was the first year in which delegates were allowed to choose whether they wanted to wear one-piece or two-piece bathing suits for the preliminary and final swimsuit competitions. In previous years, the delegates were all assigned to only wear either one or the other.
Placements
- Miss USA 1997: Brook Lee (HawaiiMiss Hawaii USAThe 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...
) - The runners-up were:
- 1st runner-up - Brandi SherwoodBrandi SherwoodBrandi Sherwood is an American model and pageant winner. She was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was Miss USA 1997 and Miss Teen USA 1989 and was a frequent rotating Barker's Beauty model on the US daytime television game show The Price Is Right from 2002-2009.-Pageant history:In 1997, she won...
(IdahoMiss Idaho USAThe 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...
) - 2nd runner-up - Towanna Stone (TennesseeMiss Tennessee USAThe 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....
)
- 1st runner-up - Brandi Sherwood
- The remaining top six finalists were (in order of placement): Angelia Savage (FloridaMiss Florida USAThe 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...
), Amanda Little (TexasMiss Texas USAThe 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....
), Temple Taggart (UtahMiss Utah USAThe 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...
)
- The other top ten semi-finalists were (in order of placement): 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:...
(Rhode IslandMiss Rhode Island USAThe Miss Rhode Island USA competition is the beauty pageant that selects the representative for the state Rhode Island in the Miss USA pageant....
), Autumn Smith (AlabamaMiss Alabama USAThe 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...
), Jennifer Makris (New JerseyMiss New Jersey USAThe 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...
), and Trisha Stillwell (OklahomaMiss Oklahoma USAFor 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....
).
Special awards
- Miss Congenality - Napiera Groves (District of ColumbiaMiss District of Columbia USAThe Miss District of Columbia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the District of Columbia in the Miss USA pageant....
) - Miss Photogenic - Audra Wilks (VirginiaMiss Virginia USAThe 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...
) - Best in Swimsuit - Angelia Savage (FloridaMiss Florida USAThe 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...
)
Preliminary competition
The following are the contestants' scores in the preliminary competition.| State | Interview | Swimsuit | Evening gown | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 9.02 | 8.77 | 8.78 | 8.85 |
| Alaska | 8.18 | 7.45 | 7.72 | 7.78 |
| Arizona | 8.33 | 8.12 | 8.64 | 8.36 |
| Arkansas | 8.51 | 8.89 | 8.74 | 8.71 |
| California | 8.86 | 8.26 | 8.32 | 8.48 |
| Colorado | 8.27 | 7.94 | 8.48 | 8.23 |
| Connecticut | 8.34 | 8.81 | 8.81 | 8.65 |
| Delaware | 8.49 | 8.40 | 8.64 | 8.51 |
| District of Columbia | 8.64 | 8.50 | 8.65 | 8.60 |
| Florida | 9.44 | 8.95 | 9.13 | 9.17 |
| Georgia | 8.18 | 8.35 | 8.50 | 8.34 |
| Hawaii | 9.15 | 8.87 | 9.09 | 9.03 |
| Idaho | 8.63 | 8.83 | 9.19 | 8.88 |
| Illinois | 8.26 | 8.26 | 8.54 | 8.35 |
| Indiana | 8.51 | 8.66 | 8.71 | 8.63 |
| Iowa | 8.38 | 7.96 | 8.14 | 8.16 |
| Kansas | 8.96 | 8.49 | 8.34 | 8.60 |
| Kentucky | 8.51 | 8.45 | 8.89 | 8.62 |
| Louisiana | 8.77 | 8.41 | 8.60 | 8.59 |
| Maine | 8.30 | 8.37 | 8.30 | 8.32 |
| Maryland | 8.71 | 8.75 | 8.68 | 8.70 |
| Massachusetts | 8.55 | 8.31 | 8.37 | 8.41 |
| Michigan | 8.94 | 7.85 | 7.88 | 8.22 |
| Minnesota | 8.74 | 8.22 | 8.65 | 8.54 |
| Mississippi | 8.31 | 8.14 | 8.05 | 8.17 |
| Missouri | 8.69 | 8.75 | 8.77 | 8.74 |
| Montana | 8.70 | 8.64 | 8.66 | 8.67 |
| Nebraska | 8.80 | 7.67 | 7.76 | 8.08 |
| Nevada | 8.76 | 8.67 | 8.72 | 8.72 |
| New Hampshire | 8.67 | 7.91 | 7.30 | 7.96 |
| New Jersey | 9.02 | 8.47 | 8.81 | 8.76 |
| New Mexico | 8.18 | 8.46 | 8.37 | 8.34 |
| New York | 8.69 | 8.41 | 8.49 | 8.53 |
| North Carolina | 8.65 | 8.07 | 8.10 | 8.27 |
| North Dakota | 8.67 | 8.23 | 8.23 | 8.38 |
| Ohio | 8.98 | 8.07 | 8.29 | 8.45 |
| Oklahoma | 9.17 | 9.13 | 9.23 | 9.17 |
| Oregon | 8.99 | 7.63 | 7.61 | 8.08 |
| Pennsylvania | 8.66 | 8.36 | 8.24 | 8.42 |
| Rhode Island | 9.35 | 9.06 | 9.15 | 9.18 |
| South Carolina | 8.54 | 8.06 | 8.40 | 8.33 |
| South Dakota | 8.28 | 8.13 | 8.43 | 8.28 |
| Tennessee | 9.28 | 9.08 | 8.96 | 9.11 |
| Texas | 8.87 | 8.79 | 9.04 | 8.89 |
| Utah | 9.19 | 8.94 | 8.86 | 8.99 |
| Vermont | 8.54 | 7.97 | 7.89 | 8.13 |
| Virginia | 9.05 | 8.28 | 8.59 | 8.64 |
| Washington | 8.32 | 8.67 | 8.83 | 8.61 |
| West Virginia | 8.04 | 8.69 | 8.66 | 8.46 |
| Wisconsin | 8.56 | 7.89 | 7.45 | 7.97 |
| Wyoming | 8.14 | 7.60 | 7.87 | 7.87 |
- Winner
- First runner-up
- Second runner-up
- Top 6 Finalist
- Top 10 Semifinalist
Final competition
| State | Interview | Swimsuit | Evening Gown | Average | Finalists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 9.300 | 9.511 | 9.303 | 9.371 | 9.624 |
| Tennessee | 9.473 | 9.589 | 9.474 | 9.512 | 9.553 |
| Hawaii | 9.514 | 9.330 | 9.473 | 9.439 | 9.450 |
| Florida | 9.308 | 9.724 | 9.737 | 9.590 | 9.443 |
| Texas | 9.314 | 9.383 | 9.531 | 9.409 | 9.353 |
| Utah | 9.207 | 9.657 | 9.397 | 9.420 | 9.279 |
| Rhode Island | 9.336 | 9.327 | 9.419 | 9.360 | |
| Alabama | 9.193 | 9.556 | 9.293 | 9.347 | |
| New Jersey | 9.314 | 9.231 | 9.424 | 9.323 | |
| Oklahoma | 9.054 | 9.284 | 9.149 | 9.162 |
- Winner
- First runner-up
- Second runner-up
- Top 6 Finalist
Delegates
The Miss USA 1997 delegates were:- AlabamaMiss Alabama USAThe 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...
- Autumn Smith - AlaskaMiss Alaska USAThe 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...
- Rea Bavilla - ArizonaMiss Arizona USAThe 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...
- Jessica Shahriari - ArkansasMiss Arkansas USAThe 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...
- Tamara Henry - CaliforniaMiss California USAMiss 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....
- Alisa Kimble - ColoradoMiss Colorado USAThe 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....
- Damien Muñoz - ConnecticutMiss Connecticut USAThe 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....
- Christine Pavone - DelawareMiss Delaware USAThe 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....
- Patricia Gauani - District of ColumbiaMiss District of Columbia USAThe Miss District of Columbia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the District of Columbia in the Miss USA pageant....
- Napiera Groves - FloridaMiss Florida USAThe 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...
- Angelia Savage - GeorgiaMiss Georgia USAThe 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...
- Denesha Reid - HawaiiMiss Hawaii USAThe 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...
- Brook Mahealani Lee - IdahoMiss Idaho USAThe 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...
- Brandi SherwoodBrandi SherwoodBrandi Sherwood is an American model and pageant winner. She was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was Miss USA 1997 and Miss Teen USA 1989 and was a frequent rotating Barker's Beauty model on the US daytime television game show The Price Is Right from 2002-2009.-Pageant history:In 1997, she won... - IllinoisMiss Illinois USAThe 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...
- Jennifer Celenas - IndianaMiss Indiana USAThe 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...
- Tricia Nosko - IowaMiss Iowa USAThe 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...
- Shawn Marie Brogan - KansasMiss Kansas USAThe 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...
- Kathryn Taylor - KentuckyMiss Kentucky USAThe 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...
- Rachyl Hoskins - LouisianaMiss Louisiana USAThe 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...
- Nikole Viola - MaineMiss Maine USAThe 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....
- Stephanie Worcester - MarylandMiss Maryland USAThe 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....
- Ann Coale - MassachusettsMiss Massachusetts USAThe Miss Massachusetts USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Massachusetts in the Miss USA pageant....
- Jennifer Chapman - MichiganMiss Michigan USAThe 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...
- Jennifer Reed - MinnesotaMiss Minnesota USAThe 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...
- Melissa Hall - MississippiMiss Mississippi USAThe 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...
- Arleen McDonald - MissouriMiss Missouri USAThe 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....
- Amanda Jahn
- MontanaMiss Montana USAThe 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...
- Christin Didier - NebraskaMiss Nebraska USAThe 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....
- Kim Weir - NevadaMiss Nevada USAThe 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...
- Ninya Perna - New HampshireMiss New Hampshire USAThe 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...
- Gretchen Durgin - New JerseyMiss New Jersey USAThe 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...
- Jennifer Makris - New MexicoMiss New Mexico USAFor 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....
- Tanya Harris - New YorkMiss New York USAThe 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...
- Ramona Reuter - North CarolinaMiss North Carolina USAThe 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....
- Crystal McLaurin-ConeyCrystal McLaurin-ConeyCrystal McLaurin-Coney, is an actress, model and host currently working in Los Angeles. She has worked in the industry for over 14 years with such clients as Goody's Headache Powder, UPS, Hanes Her Way and The NC College Foundation, to name a few... - North DakotaMiss North Dakota USAThe 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...
- Lauri Marie Gapp - OhioMiss Ohio USAThe 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...
- Michelle MouserMichelle MouserMichelle Mouser is a former beauty queen from Huber Heights, Ohio who has competed in the Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants.... - OklahomaMiss Oklahoma USAFor 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....
- Trisha Stillwell - OregonMiss Oregon USAThe 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...
- Heather Williams - PennsylvaniaMiss Pennsylvania USAThe 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...
- Cara Bernosky - Rhode IslandMiss Rhode Island USAThe Miss Rhode Island USA competition is the beauty pageant that selects the representative for the state Rhode Island in the Miss USA pageant....
- 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:... - South CarolinaMiss South Carolina USAThe 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....
- Casey Mizell - South DakotaMiss South Dakota USAThe 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....
- Jamie Swenson - TennesseeMiss Tennessee USAThe 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....
- Towanna Stone - TexasMiss Texas USAThe 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....
- Amanda Little - UtahMiss Utah USAThe 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...
- Temple Taggart - VermontMiss Vermont USAThe 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...
- Lisa Constantino - VirginiaMiss Virginia USAThe 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...
- Audra Wilks - WashingtonMiss Washington USAThe 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...
- Sara Nicole Williams - West VirginiaMiss West Virginia USAThe 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...
- Natalie Bevins - WisconsinMiss Wisconsin USAThe 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....
- Tara Johnson - 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....
- Stacy Dawn Cenedese
Historical significance
- This is the first win from Hawaii in 19 years, when Judi Andersen won Miss USA 1978Miss USA 1978Miss USA 1978, the 27th Miss USA pageant, was televised live by CBS from the Gillard Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, South Carolina on April 29, 1978....
. This is the fourth time Hawaii has won the title. - After Brook Lee won the Miss Universe 1997Miss Universe 1997Miss Universe 1997 pageant was held in Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida, USA, culminating in the final competition on May 16, 1997. This was the second consecutive year that the pageant had been held in the United States. Miss USA, Brook Lee of Hawaii was crowned Miss...
title, the Miss USA title was succeeded to 1st Runner-Up Brandi SherwoodBrandi SherwoodBrandi Sherwood is an American model and pageant winner. She was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was Miss USA 1997 and Miss Teen USA 1989 and was a frequent rotating Barker's Beauty model on the US daytime television game show The Price Is Right from 2002-2009.-Pageant history:In 1997, she won...
, Miss Idaho USA 1997. Sherwood became the first Miss Teen USAMiss Teen USAMiss 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....
winner (Miss Teen USA 1989Miss Teen USA 1989Miss Teen USA 1989, the seventh Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from San Bernardino, California on July 25, 1989.At the conclusion of the final competition, Brandi Sherwood of Idaho was crowned by outgoing titleholder Mindy Duncan of Oregon. Brandi is the only Miss Teen USA from Idaho...
) and the third Miss Teen USA state delegate in a row to hold the Miss USA title. - Upon Sherwood inehriting the Miss USA 1997 title, she also became the first Idaho delegate to hold the Miss USA title.
- Tennessee equals its best finish in the history of the pageant for the fourth time. Tennessee also had matched its finish from the previous year's pageant. Tennessee finished 2nd Runner-Up in 1962, 1984, and 1996.
Crossovers
Ten delegates had previously competed in either the Miss Teen USAMiss 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....
or 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...
pageants.
Delegates who had previously held a Miss Teen USA state title were:
- Brandi SherwoodBrandi SherwoodBrandi Sherwood is an American model and pageant winner. She was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was Miss USA 1997 and Miss Teen USA 1989 and was a frequent rotating Barker's Beauty model on the US daytime television game show The Price Is Right from 2002-2009.-Pageant history:In 1997, she won...
(Idaho) - Miss Idaho Teen USAMiss Idaho Teen USAThe Miss Idaho Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Idaho in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Idaho has only placed twice and as such is one of the least successful states at Miss Teen USA...
1989 and Miss Teen USA 1989Miss Teen USA 1989Miss Teen USA 1989, the seventh Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from San Bernardino, California on July 25, 1989.At the conclusion of the final competition, Brandi Sherwood of Idaho was crowned by outgoing titleholder Mindy Duncan of Oregon. Brandi is the only Miss Teen USA from Idaho... - 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:...
(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....
1990 - Autumn Smith (Alabama) - Miss Alabama Teen USAMiss Alabama Teen USAThe Miss Alabama Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Alabama in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Alabama has not had a great deal of success at Miss Teen USA, with only four teens making the cut and none placing higher than 4th runner-up. That placement...
1993 - Audra Wilks (Virginia) - Miss Virginia Teen USAMiss Virginia Teen USAThe Miss Virginia Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Virginia in the Miss Teen USA pageant....
1988 - Michelle MouserMichelle MouserMichelle Mouser is a former beauty queen from Huber Heights, Ohio who has competed in the Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants....
(Ohio) - Miss Ohio Teen USAMiss Ohio Teen USAThe Miss Ohio Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Ohio in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Ohio is one of the least successful states at Miss Teen USA, and has only placed three times. Most importantly, Allie LaForce won the Miss Teen USA crown in 2005,...
1991 - Arlene McDonald (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....
1992 - Danesha Reed (Georgia) - Miss Georgia Teen USAMiss Georgia Teen USAThe Miss Georgia Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Georgia in the Miss Teen USA pageant. This pageant is directed Greenwood Productions...
1993 - Gretchen Jurgin (New Hampshire) - Miss New Hampshire Teen USAMiss New Hampshire Teen USAThe Miss New Hampshire Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Hampshire in the Miss Teen USA pageant.In terms of number of placements New Hampshire is one of the least successful states...
1993
Delegates who had previously held a Miss America state title were:
- Jennifer Makris (New Jersey) - Miss New JerseyMiss New Jersey.The Miss New Jersey competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Jersey in the Miss America pageant.Two Miss New Jersey winners have gone on to become Miss America titleholders: Bette Cooper and Suzette Charles...
1994 (Second runner-up at Miss America 1995Miss America 1995Miss America 1995, the 70th Miss America, pageant, was held at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 17, 1994 and was televised by the NBC Network.-Placements:-Preliminary Awards:-Quality of Life Award:...
) - Stacy Dawn Cenedese (Wyoming) - Miss WyomingMiss WyomingMiss Wyoming is a state-level pageant which sends winners to compete for the title of Miss America. The competition, which awards scholarships, is open to women aged 17 through 24.- Winners :-External links:*...
1992