On Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, 51 beauty queens from every U.S. state and the District of Columbia are competing for the Miss USA crown.
During the broadcast, the number of competitors will be reduced to 15 during the telecast’s opening. Last year’s winner, Erin Brady of Connecticut, will soon pass her crown to the new winner. The competition is taking place at Baton Rouge Civic Center in Louisiana.
The remaining 15 contestants will be judged in swimsuit, evening gown and interviews, reports Salon.
Brady, a graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a degree in finance, plans to return to New York and pursue a career once her reign ends.
“We’re very intelligent women with great personalities,” Brady said, according to ABC News.
Contestants have been in Louisiana for about a week preparing for the final competition with preliminaries and a little sight-seeing, just for fun. The winner of the 63rd Miss USA crown will represent the U.S. at the next Miss Universe competition.