Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton was crowned Miss USA 2009 at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday evening. The pageant is owned by Donald Trump and was broadcast on NBC.
The 21 year old is an aspiring motivational speaker from Wilmington. She will be given the use of a New York apartment for the coming year, along with a public relations team, a two year scholarship at the New York Film Academy and an undisclosed salary.
Check out more photos of the women in evening gowns and bikinis during the preliminary competition. The show was not without controversy. Check out what 1st runner-up Carrie Prejean had to say today.
More photos of the lovely Kristen Dalton and video of the final 5 in swimsuit competition and the crowning moment below.
Photos: WENN