News / Fashion
Miss Tennessee, Rachel Smith, Crowned New Miss USA
The reign of Tara Conner as Miss USA has ended and in her place steps Miss Tennessee, Rachel Smith. The 21-year-old Smith beat out the other 50 contestants vying to inherit the crown Conner wore for the past year.
"I'm speechless at this point, I really am," is all the 5’11 brunette could say after the pageant.
Smith will now move in to a luxury apartment in New York but much of her time will be spent traveling and speaking at events. The Clarksville, Tennessee native will also represent the United States in the Miss Universe pageant.
Conner walked on stage at the Kodak Theatre to loud applause and spoke with pageant hosts Tim Vincent and Nancy O'Dell of "Access Hollywood." The 21-year-old blonde said that her future plans included writing a book and a bit of acting.
Smith said that she had learned a lot from how Conner handled herself during her tumultuous reign in which a highly publicized drinking binge nearly cost her the crown.
When asked about how she would conduct herself as Miss USA Smith responded “I'm going to be honest and open.”
Danielle Lacousre, Miss Rhode Island, was named first runner-up.
