Miss Texas USA Crowned Miss USA(R) 2008 During Live NBC Telecast on April 11th

LAS VEGAS, April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening, during one of the year's
most exciting live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose
Miss Texas USA, Crystle Stewart, as MISS USA(R) 2008. Donny and Marie Osmond
hosted the 57th Annual MISS USA Pageant from the Planet Hollywood Resort &
Casino in one of the world's most electrifying cities, Las Vegas.
Ms. Stewart completed her degree in Consumer Science and Merchandising at
the University of Houston. She founded and runs her business "Inside/Out"
which aids young women in building self-esteem and volunteers with many
organizations in the community. She won a silver medal in the relay at Jr.
Olympics and is a fourth generation educator.
The judging panel for the 2008 Miss USA(R) Pageant included: Heather
Mills, contestant on season four of "Dancing With the Stars"; Rob Schneider,
star of "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry"; Joey Fatone, host of "The Singing
Bee"; Kristian Alfonso, entrepreneur and star of NBC's "Days of our Lives";
Olympic gold-medal swimmer Amanda Beard; Christian Siriano, this season's
winner of Bravo's hit show "Project Runway"; San Diego Chargers linebacker
Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman; celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves; Kelly Carlson,
star of "Nip/Tuck"; founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood International, Inc.
Robert Earl and Vanity Fair's celebrity journalist George Wayne.
Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three
categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions,
the "Top Five" finalists were selected before the crowning. Rachel Smith,
MISS USA 2007, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour
primetime telecast, where rock band Finger Eleven performed their hit song
"Paralyzer" before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250
million.

Final Results:

First Runner Up: Miss Mississippi USA, Leah Laviano will assume the
duties of MISS USA 2008 if the titleholder is named
MISS UNIVERSE 2008 or for some reason cannot fulfill
her duties.

Second Runner Up: Miss New Jersey USA, Tiffany Andrade

Rest of Top Five: Miss Pennsylvania USA, LauRen Merola
Miss Oklahoma USA, Lindsey Jo Harrington

Rest of Top Ten: Miss Massachusetts USA, Jackie Bruno
Miss Missouri USA, Candice Crawford
Miss Tennessee USA, Hailey Laine Brown
Miss Indiana USA, Brittany Mason
Miss Florida USA, Jessica Rafalowski

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Minnesota USA, Kaylee Unverzagt
Miss Rhode Island USA, Amy Diaz
Miss South Carolina USA, Jamie Hill
Miss California USA, Raquel Roxanne Beezley
Miss Utah USA, Julia Bachison

MISS PHOTOGENIC USA(TM) "Hot Shots" Award: Miss Alaska USA, Courtney Erin
Carroll. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who
exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash
prize.
MISS CONGENIALITY USA(TM) Award: Miss Ohio USA, Monica Day was awarded a
$1,000 cash award. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the
delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and
inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.
The MISS USA(R) 2008 prize package includes: the official Miss USA
Mikimoto pearl tiara; 2 Year Scholarship from The New York Film Academy;
custom evening wear wardrobe by Scala, designed by Sherri Hill; national
multi-media advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI
Jeanswear; a 4 day / 3 night all-inclusive vacation at any of the 28 Westgate
Resorts located in the U.S. including the Planet Hollywood Towers in Las
Vegas; make-up from Kett Cosmetics; shoe wardrobe from Nina Footwear; year
supply of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems; swimsuit wardrobe
from Syrup Swimwear; a New York City apartment for the year of her reign,
including living expenses; personal appearance wardrobe and stylist
consultation throughout her reign and the opportunity to represent the USA at
the 2008 Miss Universe pageant in Vietnam.
The MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants are a
Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide
grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to
increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships
with organizations committed to research and education, such as Susan G. Komen
for the Cure and Gilda's Club, Miss USA is armed to educate women today.
PRESS CONTACTS:
Lark-Marie Anton / Esther Swan / Joyce Lee
The Miss Universe Organization
(212) 373-4982 / (212) 373-4870 / (212) 373-4685

Dara Busch
Rubenstein Public Relations
(212) 843-8079 / (908) 672-3384 cell

SOURCE Miss Universe Organization