Chelsea Cooley of Charlotte, North Carolina, reacts to winning the title of Miss USA 2005 as she is crowned by Miss USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey (back) in Baltimore, Maryland April 11, 2005. (REUTERS Photo)

    BEIJING, April 12 -- Miss North Carolina Chelsea Cooley, a 21-year-old brunette was crowned Miss USA 2005 at the 54th annual pageant Monday night.

    Representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the judges trimmed the contestant pool down to 15, then 10 semifinalists. Finally, five finalists competed in the evening gown and swimsuit competitions and answered questions written by their fellow contestants.

    Judges evaluated contestants in swimsuit, evening gown and interview competitions.

    Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps, model and actor Molly Sims ("Las Vegas"), boxer Sugar Ray Leonard ("The Contender") and beauty expert Frederic Fekkai headlined the celebrity judging panel.

    The new titleholder will compete May 30 in the Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand. Enditem

(Agencies)

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