Miss USA 1999
Encyclopedia
Miss USA 1999, the forty-eighth Miss USA
pageant, was held at the Grande Palace Theatre in Branson, Missouri
on February 4, 1999.
At the conclusion of the final competition, Kimberly Pressler
of New York
, was crowned by outgoing titleholder Shawnae Jebbia
of Massachusetts
. Pressler became the third Miss New York USA to win the crown on finals night, and the fourth titleholder from New York.
After months of negotiation, Branson was announced as the pageant's location in November 1998. City officials spent $125,000 of tax money to host the pageant in Branson in the hope that it would encourage tourism but admitted after the pageant that it was not worth the cost. Sponsors contributed a further $1 million towards the hosting of the event. The pageant had previously been held in Shreveport, Louisiana
from 1997-1998.
Shemar Moore
hosted the pageant for the only time, and color commentary was added by Miss USA 1996
Ali Landry
and Julie Moran
, for the second consecutive year. Entertainment was provided by Collin Raye
and The Atomic Fireballs.
, Miss Teen USA
or Miss America
pageants.
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 Grande Palace Theatre in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a city in Taney County in the U.S. state of Missouri. It was named after Reuben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s....
on February 4, 1999.
At the conclusion of the final competition, Kimberly Pressler
Kimberly Pressler
Kimberly Pressler is an entertainment presenter and former Miss USA. She is one of few women to win both the Miss New York Teen USA and Miss New York USA titles.-Pageant career:...
of New York
Miss 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...
, was crowned by outgoing titleholder Shawnae Jebbia
Shawnae Jebbia
Shawnae Jebbia is an entertainer and former beauty queen from Mansfield, Massachusetts who won the Miss USA title in 1998....
of Massachusetts
Miss Massachusetts USA
The Miss Massachusetts USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Massachusetts in the Miss USA pageant....
. Pressler became the third Miss New York USA to win the crown on finals night, and the fourth titleholder from New York.
After months of negotiation, Branson was announced as the pageant's location in November 1998. City officials spent $125,000 of tax money to host the pageant in Branson in the hope that it would encourage tourism but admitted after the pageant that it was not worth the cost. Sponsors contributed a further $1 million towards the hosting of the event. The pageant had previously been 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....
from 1997-1998.
Shemar Moore
Shemar Moore
Shemar Franklin Moore is an American actor and former male fashion model. His most notable roles are that of Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless from 1994 to 2005, Derek Morgan on CBS's Criminal Minds, and as the third permanent host of Soul Train from 1999 to 2003.-Early life:Moore was...
hosted the pageant for the only time, and color commentary was added by Miss USA 1996
Miss USA 1996
Miss USA 1996, the forty-fifth Miss USA pageant, was held at South Padre Island, Texas culminating in the final competition and crowning on February 2, 1996....
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.-...
and Julie Moran
Julie Moran
Julie Moran , America's Junior Miss 1980, was a correspondent on the entertainment news show Entertainment Tonight from 1994–2001. Before joining ET, she co-hosted NBA Inside Stuff with Ahmad Rashad and later replaced Frank Gifford as host of ABC's Wide World of Sports...
, for the second consecutive year. Entertainment was provided by Collin Raye
Collin Raye
Floyd Collin Wray Floyd Collin Wray Floyd Collin Wray (born August 22, 1959 or 1960,Although multiple online sources all indicate Raye's date of birth as 1959, Raye's MySpace lists his date of birth as 1960. Furthermore, the 2004 Deseret News article cited in this article indicates the singer as...
and The Atomic Fireballs.
Placements
- Miss USA 1999: Kimberly PresslerKimberly PresslerKimberly Pressler is an entertainment presenter and former Miss USA. She is one of few women to win both the Miss New York Teen USA and Miss New York USA titles.-Pageant career:...
(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...
) - The runners-up were:
- 1st runner-up: Morgan Tandy High (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....
) - 2nd runner-up: Angelique Breaux (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....
)
- 1st runner-up: Morgan Tandy High (Tennessee
- The remaining top five finalists were (in order of placement): Lauren Poppell(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....
), Michelle Rios (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....
)
- The remaining top ten semi-finalists were (in order of placement): Pratima YarlagaddaPratima YarlagaddaPratima Yarlagadda born on October, 6 1976, was Miss Indiana USA and semi-finalist in Miss USA 1999 contest. Pratima, the second child of Mrs. Olga and Dr. Subbarao Yarlagadda of Shipshewana, Indiana, is the first Indian American to reach the top-ten level in the run to this coveted title.After...
(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...
), Kellie Lightbourn (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...
), Dia Webb (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....
), Melinda Miller (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...
) and Shannon Grace Clark (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...
).
Special awards
- Miss Congenality: Cara Jackson (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...
) - Miss Photogenic: Elyzabeth PhamElyzabeth PhamElyzabeth Pham is a Vietnamese-American beauty queen from Madison, Wisconsin who competed in the Miss USA Pageant.In late 1998, Pham was crowned Miss Wisconsin USA 1999, the first titleholder of Asian descent. She competed in the nationally televised Miss USA Pageant, where she became the first...
(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....
) - Style Award: Kellie Lightbourn (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: Lauren Poppell (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....
)
Final competition
| State | Interview | Swimsuit | Evening Gown | Average | Finalists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 8.46 | 9.63 | 9.33 | 9.14 | 9.65 |
| Tennessee | 8.90 | 9.53 | 9.73 | 9.38 | 9.75 |
| California | 8.93 | 9.64 | 9.56 | 9.37 | 9.60 |
| South Carolina | 8.68 | 9.64 | 9.64 | 9.32 | 9.51 |
| New Mexico | 8.82 | 9.36 | 9.11 | 9.09 | 9.23 |
| Indiana | 8.73 | 9.08 | 9.18 | 8.99 | |
| Virginia | 8.56 | 9.29 | 8.86 | 8.90 | |
| Oklahoma | 8.80 | 8.88 | 8.98 | 8.87 | |
| Ohio | 8.50 | 8.91 | 8.96 | 8.79 | |
| Michigan | 8.43 | 8.93 | 8.95 | 8.77 |
- Winner
- First runner-up
- Second runner-up
- Top 5 Finalist
Delegates
The Miss USA 1999 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...
- Doree Walker - 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...
- Anna Ruble - 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...
- Cara Jackson - 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...
- Allison Heavener - 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....
- Angelique Breaux - 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....
- Susan Manuello - 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....
- Christina D’Amico - 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....
- Jackie Pilla - 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....
- Amy Alderson - 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...
- Melissa Quesada - 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...
- Meredith Young - 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...
- Trini-Ann Leilani Kaopuiki - 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...
- Amy Ambrose - 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...
- Christina Lam - 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...
- Pratima Yarlagadda - 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...
- Jaclyn Solinger - 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...
- Amanda CarrawayAmanda CarrawayAmanda Renae Carraway-Marsh is a beauty queen and model from Manhattan, Kansas who was crowned Miss Kansas USA 1999. She competed in the Miss USA 1999 pageant but was unplaced. She was also Miss Kansas Teen USA 1996.-Personal life:... - 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...
- Lori MenshouseLori MenshouseLori Lynn Menshouse is a beauty queen from Ashland, Kentucky who has competed in the Miss America and Miss USA pageants.Menshouse won the Miss Kentucky title in 1997 competing as Miss Ashland Area... - 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...
- Melissa Bongiovanni - 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....
- Heather Coutts - 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....
- Kelly Donohue - 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 Krafve - 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...
- Shannon Grace Clark - 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...
- Crystal VanDenberg - 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...
- Kari Babski - 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....
- Teri Bollinger
- 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...
- Michon Adele Zink - 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....
- WaLynda Sipple - 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...
- Shaynee Smith - 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...
- Melissa MacLaughlin - 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...
- Candice Alana Royal - 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....
- Michelle Rios - 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...
- Kimberly Ann PresslerKimberly PresslerKimberly Pressler is an entertainment presenter and former Miss USA. She is one of few women to win both the Miss New York Teen USA and Miss New York USA titles.-Pageant career:... - 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....
- Joy Hall - 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...
- Shayna Bank - 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...
- Melinda Miller - 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....
- Dia Webb - 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...
- Amy Nelson - 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...
- Melissa Godshall - 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....
- Claire DeSimone - 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....
- Lauren Poppell - 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....
- Shawna Gross - 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....
- Morgan Tandy High - 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....
- Carissa Blair - 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...
- Rachel Rasmussen - 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...
- Nicole Lewis - 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...
- Kelli Lightbourn - 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...
- Tammy JansenTammy JansenTammy Ann Jansen is a beauty queen who represented the state of Washington in the Miss USA Pageant.Jansen won the Miss Washington USA Pageant in June 1998,. , Telegraph Herald Tammy Ann Jansen is a beauty queen who represented the state of Washington in the Miss USA Pageant.Jansen won the Miss... - 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...
- Amanda Burns - 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....
- Elyzabeth PhamElyzabeth PhamElyzabeth Pham is a Vietnamese-American beauty queen from Madison, Wisconsin who competed in the Miss USA Pageant.In late 1998, Pham was crowned Miss Wisconsin USA 1999, the first titleholder of Asian descent. She competed in the nationally televised Miss USA Pageant, where she became the first... - 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....
- Arnica Bryant
Historical significance
- This is the first time New York has held the Miss USA title in four years. Shanna MoaklerShanna MoaklerShanna Lynn Moakler is an American model, actress, reality television star and a former beauty queen. She was the winner of the Miss New York USA pageant in 1995 and was originally the first runner-up at Miss USA 1995. She was later crowned Miss USA after Chelsi Smith won Miss Universe...
, Miss New York USAMiss 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...
1995, inherited the Miss USA 1995Miss USA 1995Miss USA 1995, the forty-fourth Miss USA pageant, was held at South Padre Island, Texas culminating in the final competition and crowning on February 10, 1995....
title, after Chelsi SmithChelsi SmithChelsi Mariam Pearl Smith is a former beauty pageant titleholder from the United States who became the first Miss USA in fifteen years to capture the Miss Universe crown on May 12, 1995.-Early life:...
won Miss Universe 1995Miss Universe 1995Miss Universe 1995, the 44th Miss Universe pageant was held at Windhoek Country Club Resort, in Windhoek, Namibia on May 12, 1995. Chelsi Smith of USA was crowned as Miss Universe 1995 by Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen of India...
. However, this is the first outright win for New York in 20 years, when Mary Therese FrielMary Therese FrielMary Therese Friel is a beauty queen and business woman from New York who has held the title Miss USA 1979.Friel, who grew up in Pittsford, New York won the titles Miss New York USA and Miss USA. She was later a model, and opened her own modelling agency in 1987...
won Miss USA 1979Miss USA 1979Miss USA 1979, the 28th Miss USA pageant, was televised live by CBS from the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi on April 30, 1979....
. - Kimberly PresslerKimberly PresslerKimberly Pressler is an entertainment presenter and former Miss USA. She is one of few women to win both the Miss New York Teen USA and Miss New York USA titles.-Pageant career:...
became the fourth former 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....
state delegate in five years to win or inherit the Miss USA title. - This is the highest finish from a Tennessee delegate in pageant history. Tennessee also made the top three for the third time in four years.
- California made the top three for the second consecutive year.
- South Carolina placed for the first time since Lu ParkerLu ParkerFrances Louise "Lu" Parker is a broadcast journalist and former Miss USA from South Carolina.- Early life :Born in Anderson, South Carolina, Parker attended the College of Charleston, where she was a sister of Alpha Delta Pi and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She then went on to...
won Miss USA 1994Miss USA 1994Miss 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...
. - This was New Mexico's first placement since 1987.
- Ohio placed for the first time since 1990.
- Virginia placed in the Top 10 back-to-back for the first time since 1981-1982.
Crossovers
Thirteen delegates had previously competed or would later compete in either the Miss WorldMiss World
The Miss World pageant is the oldest surviving major international beauty pageant. It was created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951...
, 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....
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.
- Delegate who would later compete in Miss World:
- Angelique Breaux (California) - Miss World USA 2000 (Top 10 semifinalist at Miss World 2000Miss World 2000Miss World 2000, the 50th Miss World pageant, was held on 30 November 2000 at the Millennium Dome in London, United Kingdom. The pageant's swimsuit segment was filmed in the Maldives....
)
- Angelique Breaux (California) - Miss World USA 2000 (Top 10 semifinalist at Miss World 2000
- Delegates who had previously held a Miss Teen USA state title were:
- Kimberly PresslerKimberly PresslerKimberly Pressler is an entertainment presenter and former Miss USA. She is one of few women to win both the Miss New York Teen USA and Miss New York USA titles.-Pageant career:...
(New York) - Miss New York Teen USAMiss New York Teen USAThe Miss New York Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New York in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Like the first Miss USA competition , the first Miss Teen USA competition was won by a Miss New York Teen USA. That winner was Ruth Zakarian, who went on to...
1994 - Lauren Poppell (South Carolina) - Miss South Carolina Teen USAMiss South Carolina Teen USAThe Miss South Carolina Teen USA pageant is the competition that selects the representativies for the stat of South Carolina in the Miss Teen USA pageant. The pageant has been directed by RPM Productions since its inception....
1993 (Top 12 semifinalist at Miss Teen USA 1993Miss Teen USA 1993Miss Teen USA 1993, the eleventh Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi on 10 August 1993....
) - Meredith Young (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...
1991 (1st runner-up at Miss Teen USA 1991Miss Teen USA 1991Miss Teen USA 1991, the ninth Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi on 19 August 1991....
) - Terri Bollinger (Missouri) - Miss Illinois Teen USAMiss Illinois Teen USAThe Miss Illinois Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Illinois in the Miss Teen USA pageant....
1990 - Trini-Ann Kaopuiki (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...
1991 - Carissa Blair (Texas) - Miss Texas Teen USAMiss Texas Teen USAThe Miss Texas Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Texas in the Miss Teen USA pageant.Texas is one of the most successful states across all twenty-seven years of competition at Miss Teen USA. They have had fifteen semi-finalists, three more than any...
1992 - WyLynda Sipple (Nebraska) - Miss Michigan Teen USAMiss Michigan Teen USAThe Miss Michigan Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Michigan in the Miss Teen USA pageant. This pageant is produced by Proctor Productions, including Melissa Pitchford who was Miss Ohio USA 1990....
1992 - Amy Jo Ambrose (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...
1995 - Amanda Carraway (Kansas) - Miss Kansas Teen USAMiss Kansas Teen USAThe Miss Kansas Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Kansas in the Miss Teen USA pageant.This pageant has been part of the Vanbros organisation since 1992, and in 2006 celebrated their fifteen-year anniversary with a reunion of former titleholders at...
1996 - Amanda Burns (West Virginia) - Miss West Virginia Teen USAMiss West Virginia Teen USAThe Miss West Virginia Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of West Virginia in the Miss Teen USA pageant.The current titleholder is Miss Susan Hines King of Fairmont, West Virginia....
1997
- Kimberly Pressler
- Delegates who had previously held a Miss America state title:
- Cara Jackson (Arizona) - Miss ArizonaMiss ArizonaThe Miss Arizona competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Arizona in the Miss America pageant. Arizona has twice won the Miss America title.-Results summary:...
1995 - Lori MenshouseLori MenshouseLori Lynn Menshouse is a beauty queen from Ashland, Kentucky who has competed in the Miss America and Miss USA pageants.Menshouse won the Miss Kentucky title in 1997 competing as Miss Ashland Area...
(Kentucky) - Miss KentuckyMiss KentuckyThe Miss Kentucky competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Kentucky in the Miss America pageant. Kentucky has once won the Miss America crown.- Winners :...
1997
- Cara Jackson (Arizona) - Miss Arizona