Miss Nevada USA, Nia Sanchez, Wins The Miss USA 2014 Title During Live NBC Telecast From Baton Rouge, Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La., June 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening, during one of the most exciting MISS USA pageants in the show's 63 year history, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Nevada USA, Nia Sanchez, as Miss USA 2014. Giuliana Rancic, "E! News" co-anchor, and Thomas Roberts, host of MSNBC's "Way Too Early" show hosted the competition, along with style expert Jeannie Mai, who provided behind-the-scenes commentary from the Baton Rouge River Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Nia Sanchez is a 24 year-old from Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a 4^th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and has trained for over 12 years. Sanchez has also been a face character for Disney in both the United States and abroad and has traveled to over 13 countries.

The judging panel for the 2014 MISS USA® Competition included: Karl Malone, former power forward for the Utah Jazz, named one of the "50 Greatest Players in NBA History;" Ian Ziering, guest celebrity host of Chippendales, star of Syfy Channel's "Sharknado" movie series; Lance Bass, member of the pop group *NSYNC, host of SiriusXM's Dirty Pop with Lance Bass, producer and actor; Rumer Willis, actress starring in multiple movie and television hits including "Pretty Little Liars", "90210", "Hawaii Five-O", "The House Bunny", "Sorority Row", and much more; Allie LaForce, host and reporter for CBS Sports, Miss Teen USA 2005; Dolvett Quince, fitness expert, star of the NBC hit show "The Biggest Loser," and best-selling author of 'The 3-1-2-1 Diet';  Barbara Palacios, Miss Universe 1986, coach and judge of the new Telemundo reality show, Miss Latina Universo, international beauty icon, inspirational author and entrepreneur; Randy Couture, star of "The Expendables" movie series, NY Times Best Selling author, star of the upcoming "Gym Rescue" on Spike TV and former 6-time UFC champion; and Melissa Peterman, star of ABC Family's "Baby Daddy" and  ABC's "Bet on Your Baby."

Country sensation Florida Georgia Line with special guest Nelly, singer-songwriter Marc Broussard, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Horns and Latin Grammy award winning band Camila, performed during the competition. One lucky contestant, Miss Iowa USA, Carlyn Bradarich, was voted back into the finals by viewers, who were given the power to bring back their favorite contestant, during the evening gown competition through a Twitter contest #SaveTheQueen. 

The 2014 MISS USA® Competition featured contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Contestants were judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Erin Brady, Miss USA 2013 crowned her successor at the conclusion of the three-hour telecast. The MISS USA show is the only domestic pageant to be seen internationally. The 2014 MISS USA® Competition was distributed to approximately 70 countries. For more information, visit www.missusa.com.

Final Results:

First Runner Up:  Miss North Dakota USA, Audra Mari, will assume the duties of Miss USA 2014 if the titleholder is named Miss Universe 2014 or if for some reason Miss USA cannot fulfill her duties.

MISS PHOTOGENIC USA™ Award: Miss California USA, Cassandra Kunze.  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 Rhode Island USA, Christina Palavra. 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.

The MISS USA^® 2014 prize package includes: a one year supply of CHI Haircare  (title sponsor); a one year scholarship (including housing) from the New York Film Academy; an eveningwear wardrobe by Sherri Hill; a swimwear wardrobe by Kandice Pelletier Swimwear; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry Shoes; a year's supply of make-up from Make-up Designory; a year's worth of products from IMAGE Skincare; an eyewear wardrobe from OPTX rhode island Eyewear;  a year's supply of Bold Body Bronzing; and 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, 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 2014 Miss Universe pageant.                                          

ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION
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.

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SOURCE The Miss Universe Organization