Miss USA 2013 Crown Goes To Miss Connecticut, Erin Brady

The 2013 Miss USA winner is Erin Brady, otherwise known as Miss Connecticut. The 25-year-old, who lives in South Glastonbury, won the beauty pageant in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Now that she has been crowned Miss USA, Brady gets to keep her crown, along with a New York apartment, for one year. The beauty pageant queen is expected to spend the next year raising awareness about breast and ovarian cancer awareness, as well as holding speaking arrangements.

Along with wearing a white sparkly gown, Erin Brady also answered a question about the US Supreme Court’s decision to uphold widespread DNA tests. Brady stated that she agreed with the decision.

Along with the interview, the 2013 Miss USA pageant included a swimsuit competition where the women wore blue, gold, and orange bikinis. They walked across the stage in stilettos to the Jonas Brothers‘ live performance of “Pom Poms.” They also walked across the stage in evening gowns to Calvin Harris “Sweet Nothing.”

Unlike the Miss America pageant, Miss USA doesn’t include a talent show or ask its winners to choose a charity mission. Rather, the organization’s main cause is raising awareness for breast and ovarian cancer.

The judge’s panel that crowned 2013 Miss USA Erin Brady included Betsey Johnson, Bob Harper, and Mo Rocca. While backstage, Rocca shared his belief that the pageant is a perfect example of Americana. He added that he wanted to appoint a Miss USA winner who reminded him of Abraham Lincoln — without the beard, of course.

The pageant was held at the Planet Hollywood hotel and casino. Contestants stayed at the hotel during the lead up to the event. With her crown in place, Miss Connecticut will represent the United States as Miss USA in the Miss Universe pageant this winter. Last year’s winner, Olivia Culpo, also won the international crown.

Were you glad to see Miss Connecticut Erin Brady crowned Miss USA 2013?