Miss Texas crowned Miss USA

LAS VEGAS, April 12 (UPI) -- Miss Texas USA Crystle Stewart was named Miss USA 2008 in a gala event Friday night in Las Vegas.

The University of Houston graduate won the 57th Annual Miss USA Pageant at Las Vegas's Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino thanks to her performance in the event's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories, a Miss USA news release said.

Hosted by sibling performers Donny and Marie Osmond, the event was judged by "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Heather Mills, "The Singing Bee" host Joey Fatone, "Days of Our Lives" star Kristian Alfonso, actor Rob Schneider and Olympic gold-medalist Amanda Beard.

Other judges included San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, "Nip/Tuck" actress Kelly Carlson, Planet Hollywood International Inc. founder Robert Earl, celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves, celebrity journalist George Wayne and "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano.

More than 250 million people were estimated to have watched Stewart earn her crown.