MISS MISSOURI USA, CROWNED MISS USA® 2004
DURING LIVE NBC TELECAST ON APRIL 12

Los Angeles, CA, April 12, 2004 – This evening, during one of the year’s most exciting live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Shandi Finnessey, Miss Missouri USA 2004, as MISS USA® 2004.

The 25-year-old delegate from Florissant, Missouri was crowned at the conclusion of the 53rd Anniversary broadcast on the NBC Television Network from the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, California. Shandi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is completing a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Lindenwood University. No former Miss Missouri USA has ever placed higher than Second Runner-Up and Shandi is very proud to be the first Miss USA from “The Show Me State.”

Access Hollywood co-hosts Nancy O’Dell and Billy Bush, hosted the live telecast. The telecast panel was comprised of Jill Stuart, international fashion designer; actor Mekhi Phifer, B.D. Wong of “Law and Order SVU”; Rocco DiSpirito star of NBC’s “The Restaurant”; Dr. Jerry Buss, owner of the L.A. Lakers; Liza Huber, star of NBC’s “Passions”, John Salley, host of “The Best Damn Sports Show Period”, Tricia Helfer from Behind The Camera: Charlie’s Angels”, racecar driver Jeff Gordon, actress and model, Vanessa Hayden, and Miss USA 1997, Brandi Sherwood.

Throughout the two-hour event, the delegates competed in three categories, including swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions the “Top Five” finalists were selected before the crowning. Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 200 million.

Final Results:

First Runner Up: Amanda Helen Pennekamp, Miss South Carolina USA will assume the duties of MISS USA 2004 if the titleholder is named MISS UNIVERSE 2004, or for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Ashley Rachel Puelo, Miss North Carolina USA

Rest of Top Five: Lindsay Hill, Miss Oklahoma USA 2004
Stephanie Culberson, Miss Tennessee USA

Rest of Top Ten: Kristen Bereset, Miss Florida USA 2004
Tara Darby, Miss Alabama USA 2004
Jennifer Murphey, Miss Oregon USA 2004
Caroline Medley, Miss Georgia USA 2004
Kimberly Glyn Weible, Miss Idaho USA 2004

Miss Photogenic USA™ Award: Miss Arkansas USA 2004, Jennifer DeAnn Sherrill. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera.

Miss Congeniality USA™ Award: Miss Vermont USA 2004 Michelle Fongemie. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate’s peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant.

Sponsors of MISS USA ® 2004 include The School for Film and Television; Endless Sun Apparel, “Official Swimsuit;” Preciosa Crystal, “Official Crystal Award;”Tadashi Fashions “Official Fashion” sponsor; ” Mikimoto “Official Jewelry” sponsor, American Airlines, Shop NBC, and Steve Madden, “Official Fashion Footwear.”

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE*, MISS USA* and MISS TEEN USA* Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (NBC) partnership. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and Gilda's Club, Miss USA is armed to impact women today.

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PRESS CONTACTS:
Esther Swan/Erin Cooney
The Miss Universe Organization
(212) 373-4870, (212) 373-4868
eswan@missuniverse.com
ecooney@missuniverse.com

Dara Busch/Jill Dortheimer
Rubenstein Public Relations
(212)843-8079, (212)843-9201
dbusch@rubensteinpr.com
jdortheimer@rubensteinpr.com