Updated at 5:47 p.m., Monday, January 29, 2007
Miss Oklahoma is new Miss America; Hawai'i in final 10
Associated Press
Miss Oklahoma Lauren Nelson, an aspiring Broadway star, was crowned Miss America Monday, the second year in a row that an Oklahoman has won the crown.Nelson, 20, of Lawton, is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma and wants to get her master's degree in musical theater.
Shilah Phillips, the first black Miss Texas, was first runner-up and Miss Georgia Amanda Kozak was second runner-up. Miss Mississippi Taryn Foshee and Miss Alabama Melinda Toole rounded out the top five. Miss Hawaii Pilialoha Gaison had made it to the top 10.
Nelson was crowned by last year's winner, Jennifer Berry, the first Miss America chosen after the pageant moved to Las Vegas from its longtime home in Atlantic City, N.J.
Nelson, a blond who told judges she wishes she was taller, sang "You'll Be In My Heart" in the talent competition and plans to promote protecting children online during her yearlong reign as Miss America.
She gets a $50,000 scholarship with the crown and stands to make thousands more in appearance fees.
