LOS ANGELES – Rachel Smith, a journalism graduate from Tennessee, was crowned Miss USA on Friday, winning the contest to replace a titleholder whose reign was marred by a much-publicized struggle with alcoholism.
Smith, 21, of Clarksville, Tenn., graduated from Belmont University and interned last year for the production company behind “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
She edged out top finalists Meagan Yvonne Tandy of California; Cara Renee Gorges of Kansas; Helen Salas of Nevada; and Danielle Lacourse of Rhode Island.
“I’m speechless at this point, I really am,” Smith said.
Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia vied to succeed Miss USA Tara Conner, who entered rehab after accounts surfaced suggesting the Kentucky native was boozing at New York clubs.
The episode could have cost her the crown, but Donald Trump, who co-owns the pageant with NBC, gave her a second chance.
Smith praised Conner’s stewardship of the Miss USA title and her handling of the challenges she faced. Asked how she would behave during her reign, Smith said, “I’m going to be honest and open.”
She gets to live in a fancy New York apartment for a year, during which she’ll spend most of her time traveling as a Miss Universe Organization representative and raise awareness of breast and ovarian cancer. She also will represent the United States in the worldwide Miss Universe competition.
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