Miss USA 2006

Miss Kentucky is New Miss USA

BALTIMORE, April 21 -- Miss Kentucky was named Miss USA at the 55th annual pageant Friday night.

Tara Elizabeth Conner, 20, of Russell Springs was crowned by Miss USA 2005, Chelsea Cooley of North Carolina.

"I am an easygoing, down-to-earth girl," Conner said. "Throughout my life, hardships and different experiences have made me a very humbled, yet strong individual. It is because of these life lessons that I have become the person I am today."

The new titleholder will compete July 23 in the Miss Universe competition in Los Angeles.

Miss California, Tamiko Nash, 26, of Los Angeles was first runner-up. Miss Georgia, Lisa Wilson, 26, of Rome was second runner-up; Miss Ohio, Stacy Offenberger, 26, of Marietta was third runner-up. Miss Florida, Cristin Duren, 24, of Panama City Beach was fourth runner-up.

The 51 contestants were trimmed to 15, then 10 semifinalists, including Miss D.C., Candace Allen, and finally to five finalists for Friday's competition, during which they answered questions from the judges.

The pageant is co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC, which aired the competition.

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>>> The non-inclusion of Misses Massachusetts and North Dakota was a shocker. They deserve a slot in the semifinals more than 3 other ladies who were included.
>>> Katee Stearns (Miss Maine) making the top 15, was probably the biggest surprise for the night. She comes to me as outdated and boring.
>>> Miss Georgia and Miss California for me were surprises in the top 5. Miss Georgia looks really old but I did like her gown. Miss California had an unconventional look and I didn't like it. It didn't help also that I think they were trying to let her win because the Miss Universe pageant this year will take place in Los Angeles.
>>> It was interesting to see the incumbent Miss USA, North Carolina's Chelsea Cooley tripping on stage. What a bummer! Imagine your last few steps as a queen and then tripping as you say your finals goodbye's. not a good thing to be remembered by.
>>> Miss Ohio, Stacy Offenberger, a delegate who virtually went unnoticed by me during the past couple of weeks surprised me with her terrific gown presentation. I actually rooted for her until the very end. Her performance in the final question was good and I'm really left wondering how she ended up only as 3rd RU. So as a sort-of tribute, I'm leaving you with a photo of Miss Ohio as she competes in the top 10 Evening Gown competition.