Shandi Finnessey, Miss Missouri USA 2004 (left), was chosen as Miss USA 2004.

First Runner Up (right): 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 (center): Ashley Rachel Puelo, Miss North Carolina USA.

Tara Darby, Miss Alabama USA 2004, was named Miss Fear Factor in a special show preceding the telecast.

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 a Master's in Counseling from Lindenwood University. No former Miss Missouri 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.

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.

Clairol Miss Photogenic 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.

Congeniality 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.