Miss Arizona is second runner-up

LAS VEGAS - Miss North Carolina USA Kristen Dalton has been crowned Miss USA 2009.

The 22-year-old aspiring motivational speaker from Wilmington beat out 50 other beauty queens in a live pageant televised from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Dalton edged out first runner-up Miss California USA Carrie Prejean, of San Diego, and second runner-up Miss Arizona USA Alicia-Monique Blanco, of Phoenix. Last year's Miss USA was Crystle Stewart of Texas.

The title comes with a year's use of a New York apartment, a public relations team, a two-year scholarship at the New York Film Academy and an undisclosed salary.

Dalton will go on to compete for the Miss Universe title in the Bahamas in August.

Photo caption: Miss Arizona Alicia-Monique Blanco of Phoenix competes during the 2009 Miss USA Pageant Sunday April 19, 2009 in Las Vegas. Blanco was the second runner-up while Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton was crowned Miss USA. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)