Miss District of Columbia Kára McCullough, a 25-year-old scientist at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, bested 50 other contestants and was crowned the most beautiful woman of the United States.
Born in Naples, Italy, Kára moved to Virginia as a child. According to her, she wanted to inspire children to build a career in the field of science, technology and mathematics.
Miss New Jersey, Chhavi Verg, and Miss Minnesota, Meridith Gould, became the first and the second runners-up at the Miss USA pageant respectively.
Miss District of Columbia, Kára McCullough, reacts after being crowned 2017 Miss USA on May 14.
Participants perform on stage at the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant in Las Vegas on May 14.
American rapper Pitbull performs at the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant in Las Vegas on May 14.
Miss South Carolina, Megan Gordon, at the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant in Las Vegas on May 14.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
Miss New Jersey, Chhavi Verg, left, and Miss Minnesota, Meridith Gould, wear earphones during the question portion of the Miss USA contest on May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
Miss Alaska, Alyssa London, at the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant in Las Vegas on May 14.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
A woman stands against a screen during a break in the Miss USA contest on May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
Miss California, India Williams, left, and Miss Tennessee, Allee-Sutton Hethcoat, embrace after making the top 10 during the Miss USA contest on May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
Miss Vermont USA Madison Cota, center, walks on stage with other contestants during the Miss USA contest Sunday, May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
Show host Terrence J slaps hands with Miss New York, Hannah Lopa, at the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant in Las Vegas on May 14.
Miss District of Columbia, Kára McCullough, the winner of the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
Miss Minnesota, Meridith Gould, competes during the Miss USA contest on May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
Show host Julianne Hough and Miss Minnesota Meredith Gould at the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant in Las Vegas on May 14.
Miss New York, Hannah Lopa, at the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant in Las Vegas on May 14.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
Miss New Jersey, Chhavi Verg, walks up the stage during the Miss USA contest on May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
Miss Minnesota, Meridith Gould, competes during the Miss USA contest on May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
First runner-up, Miss New Jersey, Chhavi Verg, left, congratulates Miss District of Columbia, Kára McCullough, as she is named the winner of the pageant.
Miss New York, Hannah Lopa, at the 2017 Miss USA beauty pageant in Las Vegas on May 14.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
Contestants stand on stage during the Miss USA contest on May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
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© AP Photo / John Locher
Miss District of Columbia, Kára McCullough, competes during the Miss USA contest on May 14, 2017, in Las Vegas.
