Miss USA 2009

Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton is crowned Miss USA 2009 by Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart during the Miss USA Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. "It feels really natural," Dalton said of her win. "I've worked so be here and this has been my lifelong dream and it's finally here."

Newly crowned Miss USA Kristen Dalton adjusts her glittering tiara, worth $200,000.

The contest was hosted by "Access Hollywood" co-anchor Billy Bush and Nadine Velazquez of the NBC sitcom "My Name is Earl." This year's judges included "Saturday Night Live" cast member Kenan Thompson, "Dancing with the Stars" winner Kelly Monaco and gossip blogger Perez Hilton.

The final five Miss USA candidates hold hands as they await the announcement of the fourth runner-up during the Miss USA Pageant.

Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton prepares to make her entrance in the swimsuit competition during the Miss USA Pageant. The 22-year-old aspiring motivational speaker and entertainer from Wilmington beat out 50 other beauty queens.

Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton shows off her slim physique during the Miss USA swimsuit competition.

Miss Arizona Alicia-Monique Blanco of Phoenix competes during the swimsuit portion of the pageant. Nicknamed "Daddy longlegs" as a child, Blanco says she's now proud of her slim bottom half.

Contestants entertain the crowd during the Miss USA Pageant. The show also featured rocker Kevin Rudolf, who performed his song "Let it Rock," followed by The Veronicas, who performed their single "Untouched"

Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton responds to a question regarding corporate bailouts with show hosts Billy Bush and Nadine Velazquez.

Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton dazzled the judges in a flowing, blue Grecian number that stood out among a series of white gowns. "Whoever knew you could win in a turquoise gown?" said the 21-year-old beauty queen.

Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton, left, and first runner-up Miss California Carrie Prejean from San Diego react after Dalton is announced Miss USA. During the competition, Dalton said she enjoyed playing board games and that she hopes to pursue her dreams of being a motivational talk host.

Kristen Dalton is congratulated by the other contestants after being crowned Miss USA 2009. Her 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. She also will go to the Bahamas in August to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.

Newly crowned Miss USA Kristen Dalton exclaimed "I've worked so be here and this has been my lifelong dream and it's finally here."

Newly crowned Miss USA Kristen Dalton of North Carolia poses with Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela. Dalton will go to the Bahamas in August to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, where American beauties haven't been lucky in recent years. Both Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart and her predecessor, Rachel Smith, wiped out on stage during the evening gown competition, becoming accidental YouTube stars.

Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton blows a kiss to a TV camera after being crowned Miss USA 2009. Her glittering crown, from Diamond Nexus Labs of Franklin, Wis., is worth $202,000.