Tara Conner’s reign as Miss USA came to an end on Friday night as Miss Tennessee Rachel Smith was crowned Miss USA 2007.

Ms. Smith received a full tuition scholarship to Belmont University and graduated with a degree in Journalism. The 21-year-old Clarksville native is highly involved in community volunteering for numerous organizations and has traveled to South Africa to assist young women from less advantaged backgrounds.

The judging panel for the 2007 Miss USAÆ Pageant included: Vince Young; NFL Quarter-back for the Tennessee Titans; Bravo’s “Blowout” star, Jonathan Antin; Los Angeles Lakers owner, real estate tycoon Dr. Jerry Buss; E! News Co-Host Giuliana De Pandi; MTV’s “Total Request Live” VJ and “Entertainment Tonight” Correspondent Vanessa Minnillo; President and Creative Director, Baby Phat Kimora Lee Simmons; Jerry Springer host of NBC’s hit show “America’s Got Talent” and Corinne Nicolas, President of Trump Model Management headlined the celebrity-judging panel.

Perhaps having Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young as a judge gave Smith the advantage to win. However, she seemed to shine and win this beauty pageant on her own. She attends Belmont University which is a Christian college in Nashville. Now with crown in hand will we see if Smith joins Tara Conner’s pageant party sorority.

The Top 10 Contestants:

1. Miss Tennessee Rachel Smith
2. Miss California Meagan Yvonne Tandy
3. Miss Kansas Cara Renee Gorges
4. Miss Nevada Helen Salas
5. Miss Rhode Island Danielle Lacourse
6. Miss Utah Heather Nicole Anderson
7. Miss Texas Magen Leigh Ellis
8. Miss Missouri Amber Marie Seyer
9. Miss Hawaii Chanel Wise
10. Miss Virginia Lauren Elizabeth Barnette

UPDATE:  Miss Japan wins Miss Universe 2007.  Miss USA Rachel Smith finishes in Top Five.