Imagine standing in front of millions of people in nothing but a bathing suit.
Then smile and try to walk in high heels down a bunch of steps, all without looking awkward or uncomfortable. That thought alone would turn most people into nervous wrecks, but the 51 Miss USA contestants handled it with grace, a brilliant smile and confidence.
On Friday, NBC broadcast the Miss USA pageant live from Baltimore and millions of viewers held their breath waiting for one woman to be crowned Miss USA 2006 and represent our country for one year. The judges narrowed 51 to 15, then to 10, five and finally to one.
Tara Elizabeth Conner, 20, of Russell Springs, Ky., was crowned by Chelsea Cooley of North Carolina, who is Miss USA 2005.
“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.
Conner starts her yearlong reign with a media week, appearing on “Live with Regis and Kelly” today at 9 a.m., following with CNN Headline News at 10:45 a.m. The first thing Conner said she wants to do as Miss USA is visit her brother, in the Navy stationed in Italy, whom she hasn?t seen in a year.
? The Associated Press contributed to this report.
