LOS ANGELES, March 24 (UPI) -- Miss USA 2006, Tara Conner, passed her crown on to Miss Tennessee USA Rachel Smith Friday night, making her Miss USA 2007.
Smith was chosen by a star-studded judge panel, which included Tennessee Titan's quarterback Vince Young, talk show host Jerry Springer and actress Vanessa Minnillo and several others.
Smith, 21, graduated from Belmont University with a degree in journalism and is highly involved in community volunteering. She has also traveled to South Africa with Oprah Winfrey to help disadvantaged young women.
For the former Miss USA, the last year has been filled with trials and tribulations, E! Online said.
"It has been the most unforgettable year of my life and I'm back and better than ever," Conner, who completed an alcohol rehab program, told the crowd at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.
The rest of the judges included Bravo's "Blowout" star, Jonathan Antin, Los Angeles Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, "E! News" Co-Host Giuliana De Pandi, and President and Creative Director of Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons.
