The 21-year-old aspiring motivational speaker from Wilmington edged out first runner-up Miss California USA Carrie Prejean, of San Diego, and second runner-up Miss Arizona USA Alicia-Monique Blanco, of Phoenix.
Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in the pageant, aired live on NBC. Contestants were judged by their performance in swimsuit and evening gown modeling contests and their responses to a question asked onstage; unlike the rival Miss America pageant, Miss USA contestants do not perform a talent.
The top 15 contestants worked the stage in white string bikinis designed by pop star Jessica Simpson's swimwear line. Rocker Kevin Rudolf performed his song "Let it Rock," followed by The Veronicas, who performed their single "Untouched" as the top 10 beauties showed off their choice of glittering evening gowns.
Dalton's title comes with a year's use of a New York apartment, a public relations team, a two-year scholarship at the New York Film Academy and an undisclosed salary.
Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton reacts after being crowned Miss USA 2009
during the Miss USA Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
April 19, 2009. REUTERS/Steve Marcus
Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton
competes during the 2009 Miss USA Pageant Sunday,
April 19, 2009 in Las Vegas. Dalton was later crowned Miss USA.
(AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
Miss North Carolina Kristen
Dalton, left, and first runner-up Miss California
Carrie Prejeanfrom
San Diego react after Dalton is announced Miss USA,
Sunday April 19,
2009 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
The final five Miss USA candidates
await the announcement of the fourth runner-up
during the 2009 Miss USA
Pageant Sunday April 19, 2009, in Las Vegas.
Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton was crowned Miss USA.
(AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
