Miss USA (1963 – ...)

For the very first time, the glitz and glamour of the Miss USA competition found its way onto television screens! The 12th annual Miss USA pageant, a dazzling event held in Miami Beach, Florida, marked a historic moment as it was broadcast live on CBS in July 1963. Forty-two states, plus Washington D.C., sent their representatives to vie for the coveted crown, making for an exceptionally competitive and exciting evening.

In 1965, Miami Beach played host to a landmark moment in American pageantry: the 14th annual Miss USA competition. More than just a beauty contest, this event marked a significant shift – it was the very first Miss USA pageant broadcast live on CBS television. Breaking from tradition, organizers chose to hold the show weeks ahead of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant and produce it as a standalone spectacle, solidifying Miss USA’s place in the spotlight.

In a moment captured live by CBS, the glittering world of pageantry descended upon Niagara Falls, New York, for the 25th annual Miss USA competition in May of 1976. This year’s event marked the crowning of Miss USA 1976 and offered viewers a vibrant spectacle broadcast directly from the scenic backdrop of the iconic falls.

In May of 1977, the nation tuned into CBS to witness a moment of American beauty and grace as the 26th Miss USA pageant unfolded live from Charleston, South Carolina’s Gillard Municipal Auditorium. The event marked a significant milestone in the competition's history, showcasing hopeful contestants vying for the coveted title.

Miss USA 1978 was the 27th Miss USA pageant, televised live by CBS from the Gillard Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, South Carolina on April 29, 1978.

In a moment captured live on CBS, the 28th annual Miss USA competition unfolded at the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, on April 30, 1979. The event marked a significant milestone as it crowned Miss USA 1979, forever etching that year's winner into pageant history.

Step back to a vibrant era with this season’s spotlight on the 1980 Miss USA competition! Join us for a captivating look at the 29th annual Miss USA pageant, broadcast live on May 15th from the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. Tune in as CBS captured the excitement of this iconic event, showcasing beauty, grace, and fierce competition under the Southern sun.

Miss USA 1981 was the 30th Miss USA pageant, held at the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi on May 21, 1981. Contestants from forty-nine states and the District of Columbia competed in the pageant.

Step back to 1982 and join us for a captivating glimpse into American beauty and ambition! This season revisits the 31st Miss USA pageant—a dazzling live event broadcast on May 13th from the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. Tune in as CBS brought this iconic competition directly to viewers, showcasing the journey towards the coveted title and a night of unforgettable moments.

Step back to 1983 for a dazzling night of beauty and competition! This season revisits the 32nd Miss USA pageant, a vibrant broadcast beamed live from Knoxville, Tennessee’s Civic Center on May 12th. Legendary host Bob Barker guided viewers through the evening, while actress Joan Van Ark provided insightful commentary as hopeful contestants vied for the coveted crown.

The glitz and glamour returned to Florida in 1984 for a very special Miss USA competition! Live from Lakeland’s Civic Auditorium, Bob Barker hosted the 33rd annual Miss USA pageant – a welcome homecoming for the event, marking its first appearance in the Sunshine State since 1971. It was particularly nostalgic, as Lakeland replaced Miami Beach, the pageant's beloved former home.

Step back to 1985 for a vibrant celebration of American beauty and civic pride! This season revisits the 34th Miss USA pageant, a lively televised event held in Lakeland, Florida, to commemorate the city’s centennial anniversary. Join us as we relive the excitement from the Lakeland Civic Auditorium, complete with a special appearance by Mayor Thomas R. Shaw, for an unforgettable evening of competition and celebration.

In a moment captured live and broadcast across the country, the 36th annual Miss USA competition unfolded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 17th. This year’s pageant marked a significant farewell as beloved host Bob Barker took the stage for what would be his final time guiding the festivities on CBS. It was an evening celebrating beauty and ambition, culminating in the crowning of Miss USA 1987.

In a dazzling spectacle broadcast live from El Paso, Texas, the 37th Miss USA competition unfolded at the El Paso Civic Center on March 1st, 1988, marking the crowning of Miss USA 1988.

In a moment captured live and broadcast nationwide, the 38th annual Miss USA competition unfolded at the Mobile Civic Center Theatre in Alabama. On February 28, 1989, audiences tuned in to witness the crowning of Miss USA 1989, marking a significant event in the pageant's history.

Miss USA 1990 was the 39th Miss USA pageant, televised live from the Century II Convention Center in Wichita, Kansas on March 2, 1990.

Miss USA 1991 was the 40th anniversary of the Miss USA pageant, televised live from the Century II Convention Center in Wichita, Kansas on February 22, 1991.

Miss USA 1992 was the 41st Miss USA pageant, televised live from the Century II Convention Center in Wichita, Kansas on February 7, 1992.

The glitz and glamour of the 42nd Miss USA pageant radiated from Wichita, Kansas, in February 1993. For the fourth year running, the city played host to the live televised event at the Century II Convention Center. It marked a bittersweet moment as entertainment icon Dick Clark took the stage for what would be his final time hosting the competition, alongside color commentary from Leeza Gibbons and former Miss USA, Courtney Gibbs (1988). Adding to the nostalgia, this year’s show featured the State Costume competition – a beloved tradition that wouldn't grace the Miss USA stage again for nearly three decades until its revival in 2021, under new management.

The 1994 Miss USA competition – the 43rd annual event – beamed live from South Padre Island, Texas, on February 11th. Marking a fresh chapter for the show, Bob Goen took the hosting reins for the first of three years, stepping in for Dick Clark. Alongside him, Arthel Neville provided color commentary, and audiences were treated to a special appearance by former Miss USA, Laura Harring (1985). Country singer Doug Stone delivered the entertainment, while viewers also got an exclusive preview of the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Manila, Philippines – including an introduction of Charlene Bonin Gonzales, Miss Philippines 1994, who would represent her country on that international stage.

The journey to the Miss USA crown took center stage in 1996, marking the 45th year of this iconic American tradition. The excitement culminated in a dazzling finale held at the South Padre Island Convention Centre in Texas, where hopefuls competed for the title on February 2nd.

The journey to crown Miss USA 1997 unfolded across Louisiana in early 1997, culminating in a live CBS broadcast from Shreveport’s Hirsch Memorial Coliseum. Delegates representing each state arrived on January 19th, kicking off weeks of preparation and camaraderie. The preliminary competition showcased the contestants' talents and poise on February 2nd, building anticipation for the grand finale just three days later, on February 5th. This marked the 46th annual Miss USA pageant, a celebration of beauty, ambition, and community spirit.

The journey to the crown culminated in Shreveport, Louisiana, for the 47th Miss USA pageant in March of 1998. Preliminary heats showcased the contestants’ talents on March 6th, building anticipation before the final competition unfolded on March 10th, ultimately crowning Miss USA 1998.

The year 1999 marked the 48th annual Miss USA competition, a dazzling event held at the Grande Palace Theatre in Branson, Missouri. The evening culminated in an exciting victory for Kimberly Pressler, continuing a fascinating trend: she became just the fourth young woman in five years to claim the Miss USA title after previously competing as a state delegate in the Miss Teen USA pageant.

The year 2000 marked the 49th annual Miss USA pageant, a dazzling event staged at The Grand Palace in Branson, Missouri. On February 4th, excitement filled the air as contestants vied for the coveted title, culminating in the suspenseful conclusion of the final competition.

In a moment captured for television, the 50th edition of the Miss USA competition unfolded on March 2nd, 2001, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. This year's pageant marked a significant milestone as viewers witnessed the crowning of Miss USA 2001 and celebrated a half-century of beauty and ambition.

The year 2002 marked a significant moment for the Miss USA competition – the 51st annual pageant unfolded at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana, on March 1st. It wasn't just another beautiful night; this particular broadcast held special meaning as it represented the final time audiences would see the show airing on CBS.

In 2003, the Miss USA pageant returned to Texas for the first time in seven years, dazzling audiences at San Antonio’s Municipal Auditorium. Marking a significant shift for the competition, this year saw NBC join Donald Trump as co-owners, bringing the event to television screens nationwide. The show was infused with energy thanks to first-time host Daisy Fuentes – previously a color commentator back in 1995 – and alongside her, Billy Bush, who would become a familiar face hosting both Miss USA and Miss Universe events over the next few years. Reigning Miss USA Shauntay Hinton provided insightful commentary throughout the evening, while the internationally acclaimed dance troupe Burn The Floor delivered a show-stopping performance. A distinguished panel of judges oversaw the competition, including future First Lady Melania Knauss, soap opera icon Kristian Alfonso, NFL star Warren Sapp, actor Mekhi Phifer, and former astronaut John Blaha – adding an impressive mix of experience and expertise to the proceedings.

The glitz and glamour of Hollywood were on full display at the Dolby Theatre in April 2004 for the 53rd annual Miss USA competition. The evening kicked off with a playful nod to Donald Trump’s then-hit television show, *The Apprentice*, as he playfully delivered his signature line, "You're fired," to contestant Vanessa Castillo. Alongside Trump, entertainment was provided by first-time hosts Billy Bush and Nancy O’Dell – a dynamic duo bringing their energy to the stage. Notably, Bush had previously helmed both Miss USA 2003 and Miss Universe 2003, solidifying his presence in the world of pageantry.

The spotlight shone brightly on Baltimore, Maryland in April 2005 for the 54th annual Miss USA competition. Fifty-one state representatives took to the stage at the historic Hippodrome Theatre, vying for the coveted title. Adding excitement to the evening, Access Hollywood personalities Nancy O’Dell and Billy Bush stepped up as hosts, guiding audiences through a night of beauty, poise, and fierce competition.

The journey to the crown at Miss USA 2006 – the pageant’s 55th edition – unfolded in Baltimore, Maryland, culminating in a dazzling finale at the Royal Farms Arena on April 21st. Marking the second year in a row that Baltimore played host, this time the event moved to the arena's larger space from the previous year’s venue. For three weeks leading up to the big night, the contestants – representing states and territories across the nation – immersed themselves in a whirlwind of activity. Their schedule included appearances around the city and preliminary competitions, alongside an exciting trip to New York City. There, they celebrated the launch of *The Miss Universe Guide to Beauty* and shared their stories with audiences on popular shows like *Regis and Kathy*, *The Early Show*, and *Total Request Live*.

The glitz and glamour returned to Los Angeles for the 56th Miss USA competition in March 2007. After a whirlwind two weeks filled with preliminary events, the crowning took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre – previously home to the 2004 pageant where Shandi Finnessey claimed her title. Broadcast live on NBC, this year’s show shifted its schedule slightly, airing a month earlier than the previous edition. Contestants and guests alike enjoyed the luxurious accommodations at the Wilshire Grand hotel throughout the festivities.

The glitz and glamour of Miss USA 2008 shone brightly at The AXIS in Paradise, Nevada, on April 11th – marking the 57th year of the beloved competition. For a truly memorable evening, entertainment royalty Donny and Marie Osmond took to the stage as hosts for their first-ever live telecast. Adding to the electric atmosphere, rock band Finger Eleven energized the audience with a performance of their hit single "Paralyzer."

The glitz and glamour were in full swing for Miss USA 2009, marking the pageant’s 58th year. Held on April 19, 2009, at the Planet Hollywood Theatre in Paradise, Nevada, the show brought together stunning contestants vying for the coveted title. Familiar face Billy Bush, returning to host after a four-year hiatus, shared hosting duties with actress Nadine Velazquez. The evening was packed with energy, featuring performances by Kevin Rudolf, who got the crowd moving during the swimsuit portion with "Let It Rock," and The Veronicas, whose hit “Untouched” provided a stylish backdrop for the evening gown competition.

In a dazzling spectacle of beauty and poise, the 59th annual Miss USA competition unfolded on May 16, 2010. Live on NBC from the Planet Hollywood Theatre for the Performing Arts in Paradise, Nevada, viewers witnessed the crowning of Miss USA 2010 – an event marking a significant moment in American pageantry.

Celebrating a remarkable milestone, the 60th anniversary of the Miss USA competition unfolded on June 19, 2011, at the vibrant Planet Hollywood Theater in Paradise, Nevada. This special edition marked six decades of beauty and grace within the iconic pageant tradition.

The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas played host to the 61st annual Miss USA competition in 2012. On June 3rd, hopefuls from across the nation took center stage at The AXIS, a dazzling venue within Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Millions tuned in live on NBC to witness the crowning of Miss USA 2012 and celebrate this iconic American tradition.

The glitz and glamour returned in 2013 for the 62nd annual Miss USA competition! Held on June 16th at The AXIS in Paradise, Nevada, this year’s pageant saw all 50 states and the District of Columbia vying for the coveted title. Millions tuned in live on NBC to witness the event, with viewers encouraged to join the conversation using Twitter and Zeebox. Adding an extra layer of excitement, fans had the chance to champion their favorites online through a popular vote running from May 15th until pageant night.

The journey to crown Miss USA 2014 unfolded at the Baton Rouge River Center Arena in Louisiana on June 8th, marking the 63rd year of the prestigious pageant. Representing every state and the District of Columbia, all fifty contestants brought their unique stories to the stage. This year saw a slight departure from tradition – for the first time in five years, the preliminary competition wasn't broadcast live, though highlights were shared afterward on Hulu. The excitement culminated in the nationally televised finale, which viewers watched unfold on NBC.