Miss Connecticut USA Crowned Miss USA 2013 During Live NBC Telecast

LAS VEGAS, June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening, during one of the year's most watched live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Connecticut USA, Erin Brady, as Miss USA 2013. Giuliana Rancic, "E! News" co-anchor, and Nick Jonas, Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter, hosted the 62^nd Annual MISS USA^® Competition from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Erin Brady is a 25 year-old from East Hampton, Connecticut and is a Financial Accountant for Prudential Retirement in Hartford, Conn. She graduated from Central Connecticut University with a degree in Finance and a minor in Criminal Justice.

The judging panel for the 2013 MISS USA^® Competition included: Bob Harper, Health and Fitness Expert, Author and Star on NBC's "The Biggest Loser;"  Betsey Johnson, Legendary Fashion Designer and Star of Style Network's "XOX Betsey Johnson;" NeNe Leakes, Actress "Glee," Bravo star of "Real Housewives Atlanta" and "I Dream of NeNe;" Wendie Malick, Actress, Star of TV Land's "Hot in Cleveland;" Jessica Robertson, Reality TV Personality on A&E's "Duck Dynasty;" Larry Fitzgerald, MVP Wide Receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, Seven-time Pro Bowl Selection; Nikki Bella, Former WWE^® Diva Champion and TV Personality on E!'s "Total Divas;" Mo Rocca, Correspondent, "Sunday Morning" with Charles Osgood, Host of Cooking Channel's "My Grandmother's Ravioli;" and Christina Milian, American Actress, Singer-songwriter, Social Media Correspondent on NBC's "The Voice."

During the telecast, mega-popular pop-rock band The Jonas Brothers and "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio, one of the world's most sought after DJs, performed. Jeannie Mai, best known as the host of Style Network's two-time Emmy Award-nominated makeover series "How Do I Look?" and who can be seen this summer on Style Network's new series "Style Pop" took  viewers behind-the-scenes to engage with contestants, talent and fans throughout the telecast. This year, fans were able to vote their favorite contestant into the top six, using Twitter, during the MISS USA Competition and chose Miss Texas USA, Ali Nugent.

Throughout the two-hour event and before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million, contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. When last year's Miss USA, Olivia Culpo went on to win the Miss Universe crown, Nana Meriwether's dreams came true when she took over the Miss USA title. Meriwether crowned her successor at the conclusion of the telecast.

MISS PHOTOGENIC USA™ Award: Miss Utah USA, Marissa Powell.  A blue ribbon panel selected the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

MISS CONGENIALITY USA™ Award: Miss Oregon USA, Gabrielle Neilan. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the contestant's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

After the MISS USA pageant, Erin Brady was whisked off to the official after party sponsored by High 5 Games with cocktails provided by Russian Standard Vodka.

The MISS USA^® 2013 prize package includes: a custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus; a one year scholarship (including housing) from the New York Film Academy; a year's worth of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems; an assortment of high fashion bracelets made in Rwanda by women of the Same Sky Trade Initiative; an eveningwear wardrobe by Sherri Hill; a swimwear wardrobe by ViX Paula Hermanny; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry; a year's supply of make-up from Rain Cosmetics; a year's worth of products from IMAGE Skin Care; Fan Vote Sponsor Optx rhode island;  a year's supply of nail care products from OPI Products, Inc.; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a year-long salary as Miss USA; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; yearlong consultation with Miss Universe Organization's Official Fashion Consultant, Alisha Crutchfield and access to a personal appearance wardrobe; professional media/public relations training and representation by Rubenstein Public Relations in New York City and the opportunity to represent the USA at the 2013 Miss Universe pageant at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia.

ABOUT THE MISS USA^® COMPETITION
The Miss Universe Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBCUniversal joint venture, is a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for young women of today. As part of the Miss Universe Organization, Miss USA is dedicated to partnering with charities around the world, and to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. For more information, visit: www.missusa.com.

FOLLOW MISS USA:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialMissUSA
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/MissUSA
• Twitter: @MissUSA

SOURCE The Miss Universe Organization