Get ready for the most hottest babe in the US today.The 2008 Miss USA Pageant will air Friday night on NBC at 9pm. The beauty contest, which is organized by the Miss Universe organization, has been around since 1952.
The Miss USA Pageant will be broadcast live from the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. It will feature 51 women, who will represent all 50 US states and the District of Columbia.
The Miss USA beauty contest has been held annually since 1952 to select the United States entrant in the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe Organization operates both pageants, as well as Miss Teen USA.
The reigning Miss USA is Rachel Smith, formerly Miss Tennessee USA, who was crowned in Los Angeles last year by Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006.
The Miss Universe organization, which is owned by business tycoon Donald Trump, also owns the Miss Teen USA pageant. Unlike the Miss America pageant, Miss USA has no talent contest. Miss USA contains three portions: Evening Gown, Swimsuit and Interview.
The Miss USA pageant was conceived in 1950 when Yolande Betbeze, winner of the rival Miss America pageant refused to pose in swimwear provided by sponsor Catalina Swimwear.
he first Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants were held concurrently in Long Beach, California in 1952; the first Miss USA winner was Miss New York USA Jackie Loughery.
Unlike the Miss America pageant, there is no talent section at Miss USA. Delegates are required to compete in Evening Gown, Swimsuit and Interview.