Miss Kentucky USA, Tara Elizabeth Conner, was selected as Miss USA 2006. Ms. Conner is a 20 year-old from Russell Springs, Kentucky who is currently studying business administration at Somerset Community College.

Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions the "Top Five" finalists were selected before the crowning. Chelsea Cooley, Miss USA 2005, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.

First Runner Up: Miss California USA, Tamiko Nash, will assume the duties of Miss USA 2006 if the titleholder is named Miss Universe 2006 or for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities. Second Runner Up: Miss Georgia USA, Lisa Wilson. Rest of Top Five: Miss Ohio USA, Stacy Offenberger and Miss Florida USA, Cristin Duren. Rest of Top Ten: Miss Alabama USA, Haleigh Stidham; Miss District of Columbia USA, Candace Allen; Miss Rhode Island USA, Leeann Tingley; Miss South Carolina USA, Lacie Lybrand; Miss Texas USA, Lauren Lanning. Miss Photogenic Award: Miss Florida USA, Cristin Duren. Congeniality Award: Miss Minnesota USA, Dottie Cannon.