Miss USA 1999
At the conclusion of the final competition, Kimberly Pressler of New York, was crowned by outgoing titleholder Shawnae Jebbia of Massachusetts. Pressler became the fourth titleholder from New York, following Shanna Moakler four years prior as Miss USA 1995. However, as Moakler inherited the crown after Chelsi Smith won Miss Universe 1995, this is the third outright win for New York, and the first in twenty years since Mary Therese Friel won Miss USA 1979.
After months of negotiation, Branson was announced as the pageant's location in November 1998. City officials spent $125,000 of tax money to host the pageant in Branson in the hope that it would encourage tourism but admitted after the pageant that it was not worth the cost. Sponsors contributed a further $1 million towards the hosting of the event. The pageant had previously been held in Shreveport, Louisiana from 1997 to 1998.
Shemar Moore hosted the pageant for the only time, and color commentary was added by Miss USA 1996 Ali Landry and Julie Moran, for the second consecutive year. Entertainment was provided by Collin Raye and The Atomic Fireballs.
Results
 |
Placements
| Final Results | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss USA 1999 | |
| 1st Runner-Up |
|
| 2nd Runner-Up |
|
| Top 5 |
|
| Top 10 |
Special awards
- Miss Congeniality: Cara Jackson (Arizona)
- Miss Photogenic: Elyzabeth Pham (Wisconsin)
- Style Award: Kellie Lightbourn (Virginia)
- Best in Swimsuit: Lauren Poppell (South Carolina)
See also
References
- ^ McDonough, Kevin (1999-02-05). "Miss USA brings fun back pageants". Reading Eagle. p. W21.
- ^ Associated Press (1999-02-06). "Miss New York Wins Miss USA". Toledo Blade. p. 12.
- ^ "Branson hopes to hold beauty pageant". Southeast Missourian. 1998-08-12. p. 5B.
- ^ Associated Press (1998-11-04). "Branson to Play Host to Next February's Miss USA pageant". The Nevada Daily Mail. p. 5A.
- ^ Associated Press (1999-01-26). "Branson seeks Miss USA pageant rewards". Southeast Missourian. p. 8A.
- ^ Associated Press (1999-07-30). "Branson Chamber slashes Miss USA sponsorship". Southeast Missourian. p. 6A.
- ^ Avila, Oscar (1999-02-05). "Miss USA Pageant gives Branson a chance to update its image". Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service.
- ^ Martin, John (1999-02-05). "Miss USA follows formula". The Spokesman-Review. p. D4.