Miss Kentucky crowned Miss USA

updated 9:01 a.m. ET April 25, 2006

BALTIMORE - Miss Kentucky was crowned Miss USA in the 55th annual pageant Friday night.

Tara Elizabeth Conner, 20, of Russell Springs, was crowned by Chelsea Cooley of North Carolina, who is Miss USA 2005.

“I am an easygoing, down-to-earth girl” Conner said.

“Throughout my life, hardships and different experiences have made me a very humbled, yet strong individual,” she said. “It is because of these life lessons that I have become the person I am today.”

The new titleholder will compete July 23 in the Miss Universe competition in Los Angeles.

Miss California, Tamiko Nash, 26, of Los Angeles was first runner-up. Miss Georgia, Lisa Wilson, 26, of Rome was second runner-up; Miss Ohio, Stacy Offenberger, 26, of Marietta was third runner-up. Miss Florida, Cristin Duren, 24, of Panama City Beach was fourth runner-up.

The 51 contestants were trimmed to 15, then 10 semifinalists and finally five finalists.

The five finalists were asked questions.

The pageant is co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC, which aired the competition.

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