Texan wins Miss USA Pageant title

Crystal Stewart of Texas wears the new crown, but North Ogden's Julia Bachison was in the running for at least a brief moment on Friday, representing Utah at the 2008 Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas.

Bachison, who works in marketing and promotions for the Deseret News, made it by the first cut, finding herself in the final 15, but did not survive the subsequent swimsuit competition that whittled the field to 10. The contenders were halved again following the evening gown strolls, and the final five vied for the top spot in a question-and answer-session.

Stewart, a 26-year-old entrepreneur, edged out first runner-up Leah Laviano from Mississippi and Tiffany Andrade of New Jersey. Stewart will advance to the Miss Universe competition in Vietnam and become a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer awareness and other causes.

The event, co-owned by NBC and Donald Trump, had a decidedly Utah flavor with Bachison's successful advance past the first cut, and hosting duties performed by Donny and Marie Osmond. Bachison is an employee of the Deseret Morning News.

The 57th annual installment of the contest took place at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and was judged by a panel of minor celebrities, including Heather Mills (ex-wife of Paul McCartney,) comedian Rob Schneider, Olympic gold-medal swimmer Amanda Beard and Christian Siriano, winner of Bravo's "Project Runway."

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Contributing: Associated Press

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E-mail: araymond@desnews.com