Donald Trump has announced on Thursday that Baton Rouge will host this year’s Miss USA competition.
The 67-year-old entrepreneur owns the Miss Universe Organization, and spoke on behalf of the competition on Today.
“[Baton Rouge is] just a place that
really wanted us,” Trump said. “We had about twelve places that were
fighting for the rights, and we just decided [Baton Rouge is] sort of
the home of pageantry, it’s sort of the home of the whole beauty thing.”
“They’re terrific people, and they’re
going to put on a great show,” he continued. “Usually we got to Las
Vegas… It’s great, but we thought we’d move it.”
In 2005, Baton Rouge played host to Miss
Teen USA, but the devastation of Hurricane Katrina prevented the
competition from returning to the city as planned in 2006.
“The sense of community that Baton Rogue
has is incredibly inspiring,” Miss Universe Organization president
Paula Shugart said in a press release. “The hospitality shown to us
while we were there was second to none. I am looking forward to bringing
an event back to Baton Rouge to experience the charm of the Capital
City.”
Baton Rouge looks forward to the event
as well. “It is an honor to host the Miss USA pageant,” Lt. Gov. Jay
Dardenne said in a statement. “It is an incredible opportunity for Baton
Rogue to shine on a national stage and I expect the delegates will
enjoy our unique culture and joie de vivre.”
The competition will proceed in its
usual format, with contestants from all fifty states and District of
Columbia. Participants will be judged in the categories of swimsuit,
evening gown, and interview. Last year’s champion was Miss Connecticut,
Erin Brady.
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