New Miss USA Crowned at Planet Hollywood Casino
The Miss USA pageant took place at Planet Hollywood Casino, on the Las Vegas Strip, Friday night. After much deliberation, the judges proclaimed Crystle Stewart, reigning Miss Texas, to be Miss USA 2008.
The contest was hosted by Donny and Marie Osmond in their first joint appearance since 2000. Judges for the event included Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard, actor Rob Schneider, soap opera star Kristian Alfonso, linebacker Shawne Merriman, and actress Kelly Carlson.
One judge not receiving a warm welcome from attendees was Heather Mills. The former Mrs. Paul McCartney has been reviled for her golddigging ways in the much-publicized divorce, and audience members booed her when she was introduced.
The pageant is owned by billionaire Donald Trump and NBC-TV, which aired the show on its Universal network.
Stewart is from Missouri City, Texas, and has her own party-planning company. She is a graduate of the University of Houston and is 26 years old.
By winning the pageant, Stewart becomes the U.S. representative to the Miss Universe contest in Vietnam in July. She is awarded a plush New York townhouse for her year at the top.
Contestants are judged on interviews, evening gown and swimsuit competitions. Unlike the Miss America contest, participants are not required to demonstrate a talent to the judges... at least not on camera.
