miss usa pageant is looking for the most beautiful woman in america - by Kiki

Miss USA

Miss USA 2008 pageant is being held in Las Vegas for the first time. Judges will be looking for the most beautiful woman in our United States. NBC and Donald "Trump" are owners of the Miss Universe Organization. They oversee the Miss USA, Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA pageants.

Trump is trying to generate interest in this contest which has been crowning beautiful women since 1952. TV viewership has been down over the years but Trump is hoping to revitalize this contest by holding it in Las Vegas.

Photograph of Miss USA 2008 contestants in bathing suit in Las Vegas, Nevada. All candidates are wearing the same suit by Syrup and shoes by Nina. Miss Tennessee, Miss Texas and Miss Utah are 3 hot candidates for the title of Miss USA.

The Preliminaries took place on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at "Planet Hollywood," formerly the "Aladdin." Candidates from 51 states have been very busy since March 26th working, sight-seeing and enjoying the best Vegas has to offer. They have been photographed in their sponsors outfits, the Syrup swimsuit and Nina shoes. This is the swimsuit and shoes they will wear in the official swimsuit poster and the same ones they wore at the Preliminaries held 1 week before the final telecast.

Photograph of Miss USA 2008 pageant contestants in their evening gowns at the preliminary competition in Vegas. The contest is being held at Planet Hollywood on the Strip. Some of the most beautiful girls in the US are competing for the crown. The final competition takes place one week after the preliminaries.

With so much to offer on "the Strip," contestants are having the time of their life. They attended a Hawaiian themed dinner at "Trader Vic's" in Planet Hollywood, the Stomp Out Loud show, they visited Nellis Air Force Base, had a pool party at the "Golden Nugget," they walked the 'puppet carpet' for the Once Upon a Dream event and attended rehearsals for the Preliminary or Presentation competition.

Rachel Smith, Miss Tennessee and Miss USA 2007 will give up her crown on April 11th, 2008. Who will win? Who's your choice? This year's judges include Heather Mills and Joey Fatone, TV personalities, Kelly Carlson from 'Nip-Tuck', Kristian Alfonso from 'Days of our Lives', Rob Schneider from 'Grandma's Boy and '50 First Dates', George Wayne from Vanity Fair Magazine, Christian Siriano, the 2008 Project Runway winner, Amanda Beard, Olympic swimmer and model, Ken Paves, hairstylist for the stars and Shawne Merriman, Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers.

Left: Picture of Miss USA Hawaii in her sexy evening gown competing for the crown in the preliminary competition at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Right: This is a picture of the stunning Miss Minnesota in her evening gown at the Miss USA Las Vegas preliminary competition in Planet Hollywood. She and 50 other beautiful women are competing for the crown.

Semi-finalists chosen from the Preliminary competition are announced at the final competition. They will compete again in their swimsuit, evening gowns and an interview session. Runners-up and the winner are announced during the live broadcast. 23 year old Veronica Grabowski is representing Nevada and preparing for the challenge. She dates Chris Angel, illusionist at the "Luxor" hotel.

The winner of the Miss USA pageant will go on to represent America in the Miss Universe competition. The Miss Universe contest is an International contest held annually for the most beautiful girl in the world. It is run by the Miss Universe Organization. Tune in to Las Vegas to choose your Miss USA.