Christina Todd, Miss Ohio Teen USA, was named Miss Congeniality at the pageant in South Padre Island, Texas. The Finesse Teen With Style Award went to Andria Mullins, Miss Texas Teen USA. Both received a $1,000 cash award.
With Kelly Hu and Brandi Sherwood having done so well in their pageant careers following their reigns as Miss Teen USA, the question remains: who's left to carry on the torch? The only Miss Teen USAs who are currently eligible to compete for Miss USA are Mindy Duncan (who is now 25), Bridgette Wilson (who is now 23), Janel Bishop (also 23), Jamie Solinger (22), Charlotte Lopez (20), Shauna Gambill (21), and Keylee Sue Sanders (20). Christie Lee Woods still has a bit of her reign to go, so this temporarily disqualifies her.
The number of beauty queens who enter the entertainment industry is staggering, and success that business is difficult to come by. Yet consider Bridgette Wilson, Miss Teen USA 1990, who has starred in blockbuster films such as "Mortal Kombat", "Last Action Hero", "Nixon", and "Billy Madison". She's also graced the small screen with roles in shows like the famed teen comedy "Saved by the Bell".
Miss Philippines was a repeat winner this year in the Miss Photogenic voting over the Internet for Miss Universe this year. This fashion held true again this year for Miss Teen USA, as it was Cristen Duren, Miss Florida Teen USA's lucky night, as she did win the $1,000 prize for being chosen the winner. (Kelly Gaudet of Florida was last year's winner).
The hosts of Miss Teen USA have been many and varied, with no one hosting than more than four pageants! Actor Michael Young hosted in 1983-84, Lorenzo Lamas of "Falcon Crest" hosted in 1985, Michael Young returned for 1986-88, Dick Clark stopped by for 1988, Comedian Wil Shriner hosted in 1989, Sandy Duncan of "The Hogan Family" made a little bit of history being the first woman to host any major network television pageant in 1990, Dick Clark returned for 1991-93, Bob Goen took the honors in 1994, 1995, and 1996, and this year, J. Eddie Peck of "The Young and the Restless" is taking up the task. The track record of the female co-hosts is even less consistant, with only Leeza Gibbons (formerly of "Entertainment Tonight"), Tracy Scoggins ("The Colbys"), and singer Morgan Brittany presiding over more than one pageant! Compare that to 21 years of Bob Barker hosting the Miss Universe and USA Pageants!
Some unique names to grace the stage at Miss Teen USA:
New Hampshire's Janel Bishop won the Miss Teen USA title in 1991. The 17-year-old from Manchester, N.H. wowed the judges with her poise, personality, and charm. Now, six years later, another 17-year-old from Manchester, N.H. hopes to follow in her fellow state winner's footsteps: Bonnie Lynn Gagnon, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 1997.
The only states to date that have not made the semi-finals are Nebraska and Montana. Michigan was also on that list until just last year, when Tamika Thomas of Detroit placed in the semi-finals.
A few states who have only made the semi-finals once vaulted right up to the finalists' circle, and finished as first runner-up. These states are Alaska and Wyoming. However, New Hampshire and Idaho both also have only placed in the semi-finals once, but their delegates both won the title of Miss Teen USA.