On Sunday Miss Connecticut Erin Brady was Miss USA 2013 by previous reigning winner, Miss Maryland Nana Meriwether. The renowned pageant took place in Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Brady beat out 50 other hopefuls from every U.S. state to take the title and crown. The Miss USA Pageant consists of three competitions: Swimwear, Ball Gown, and Judges Questions. She excelled in all three rounds. Miss Alabama, Mary Margaret McCord is serving as first runner-up.
For swimwear, the 25-year-old Brady wore a flattering orange bikini, which showed off her very toned and athletic body, with a matching halter top. Later she flaunted a stunning white corset dress, with a long train, designed by Sherri Hill. In the last round, she was asked the question by a celebrity judge, whether the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold widespread DNA tests in order to solve crimes is right. She confidently answered saying, “If someone is being prosecuted and committed a crime, it should happen. There are so many crimes that if that's one step closer to stopping them, then we should be able to do so.”
According to Newsday confirms that as Miss USA, Brady will get to live in a luxurious apartment in Manhattan and will get to travel the world, raising awareness about breast cancer, including her own cause with is helping children cope with the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.
Brady went on to share her thoughts about Donald Trump’s Miss USA pageant, and said that “now more than ever, they're accepting that we're all intelligent individuals and that it's really not a stereotype."
The nine celebrity judges included the legendary designer Betsey Johnson, reality star Nene Leaks, singer Christina Milian, and Bob Harper, Wendie Malick, Jessica Robertson, Larry Fitzgerald, Nikki Bella as well as, Mo Rocca. Popstar Nick Jonas and TV Personality Giuliana Rancic served as hosts for the night. Nick played double duty and also performed his new single, “Pom Poms” and “First Time” with his brothers, Joe and Kevin.DJ Pauly D also made an appearance and performed his single “Back to Love,” for the contestant’s final look.
Viewers were able to interact with the pageant via Twitter and Zeebox. Fans were able to vote for their favorite contestant through the Miss USA website, by using hashtags on Twitter. The winner of the fan vote sent Miss Texas USA, Alexandria Nugent into the semifinals and landed her a spot in the top 6. She later finished in fourth place.
Last year's Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, won the Miss Universe, becoming the first Miss USA to wear that crown in 16 years. Meriwether, who had been first runner-up, took over for her for the remainder of the year.
According to The Patch.com", Brady will represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow on November 9.